Palo Santo Wood Shavings
These Palo Santo shavings are the most natural form of the Peruvian sacred wood: thin, fragrant slivers obtained as the Bursera graveolens tree is worked. Each piece carries the sweet-balsamic, lightly citrus aroma of Palo Santo, a fragrance that has been an indispensable companion of South American ritual traditions for centuries. The shavings can be used in many ways: burnt on hot charcoal, kept dry as a passive aromatic, or used alongside a wider incense ritual.
The sacred wood of South America
Palo Santo grows along the Pacific coast of South America — Peru, Ecuador and parts of Colombia. The shavings sold here come from naturally fallen branches, harvested without felling living trees, in the traditional way that local communities have followed for generations. Allowing the wood to age before harvest is what builds the rich, sweet aroma.
How to use the shavings
Light a small pinch of shavings on a heat-resistant dish or on hot charcoal, then blow out the flame so they smoulder slowly and release their fragrance. The smoke is gentle and balsamic — quite different from heavier incense resins. The shavings can also be kept in a small bowl indoors as a passive aromatic; the scent will softly fill a small room over time.
Where it suits
The shavings work well in meditation corners, on personal altars, in yoga rooms and quiet living rooms. They also blend naturally with other South American ritual materials such as copal, frankincense and dried herbs.
Product details
- Type: Palo Santo wood shavings
- Species: Bursera graveolens
- Burn time per pinch: 30 – 40 minutes (approx.)
- Weight: 0.5 kg
- Country of origin: Peru
A natural piece of wood that perfumes a small room with one slow, sweet exhale at a time.