Palo Santo, the "holy wood," comes here as natural chips of the South American tree Bursera graveolens. Its warm, sweet, woody-citrus smoke is one of the best-loved natural space-clearing scents, instantly creating a homely, soothing mood.
What is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo is a wild tree native from Mexico down to Peru and the Galapagos Islands. Its name means "holy wood" in Spanish. For incense, the naturally fallen, aged wood is used; the long curing is what gives it its distinctive resinous, sweet aroma.
Tradition and atmosphere
The wood has long been used in ceremony by Aztec and Peruvian peoples. Tradition holds that Palo Santo smoke clears the air, eases restlessness and creates a calm, harmonious, grounded atmosphere. It is an ideal companion to meditation, yoga or a quiet end to the day.
How to use it
Place one or two chips on glowing charcoal in a heatproof dish, or set them on a sieve burner where they smoulder more slowly for a softer scent. Palo Santo also blends beautifully with other varieties such as sandalwood or resins.
Care and good to know
Keep the chips sealed in a cool, dry place to preserve their aroma. As a natural wood product, chip size, colour and scent intensity vary from piece to piece — this comes with the natural origin. Burn with good ventilation and handle glowing charcoal on a fireproof surface.