Smudging with the “Sacred Wood” Palo Santo
Smudging is an ancient tradition in all cultures of the world, as it has a deep effect on a spiritual and emotional level. Incense is primarily used for energetic cleansing and purification. There are many different smudging materials, and each one has its own meaning. Today, we would like to introduce you to Palo Santo a little more closely.
In this article, you will learn what the “Sacred wood” Palo Santo is all about. We answer questions such as: What is Palo Santo used for? How do I smudge with Palo Santo? We also give you insight into what you may want to pay attention to when smudging and where we source our sacred wood from.
By Leni & Axel in Cacao Blog
January 11, 2026
What is Palo Santo and where does it come from?
Palo Santo, the “Sacred Wood” (botanical name: Bursera gravolens), has played an important role for thousands of years among the indigenous peoples of South America. They use the wood of the gnarled, highly branched tree, among other things, as incense to drive away evil spirits and attract good ones. Due to more than 100 different essential oils, burning Palo Santo releases a strong balsamic scent that has an uplifting, stress relieving, clarifying, and calming effect. Palo Santo belongs to the same plant family as myrrh and frankincense.
The wood of Palo Santo is not comparable to the wood as we know it here. Originating mainly from the low rainfall forests of Peru and Ecuador, Palo Santo blooms yellow and has a hard, resinous wood. Its scent is very unique and difficult to describe. But perhaps one could say it is slightly sweet, somewhat lemon like, with a hint of frankincense.
The life cycle of Palo Santo
For Palo Santo to develop its extraordinary character, it needs many years. The resin only develops its characteristic scent after the tree has died following a lifespan of around 40 to 50 years, its branches have fallen to the ground, and then remained there for about 4 more years before they are finally collected.
Only during these 4 years on the ground do they develop their very special aroma. (I actually find this a rather encouraging metaphor for us humans when we find ourselves feeling down and that feeling lasts for a while… :-) )
What is Palo Santo used for?
In Peru, Palo Santo, which is generally attributed very strong healing powers not only spiritually but also physically and medically, is often used to support healing and to cleanse spaces. It is said to strengthen the immune system and is used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, and even syphilis. Its positive effect in the treatment of syphilis was one of the reasons why the Spanish brought Palo Santo to Europe in large quantities and sold it for high prices.
Nowadays, in our parts of the world, you may have already noticed its scent during a yoga or Ayahuasca session.
We also love using the special aroma of the “Sacred Wood” in our ceremonies. From our experience, the calming scent is very supportive when opening up to the Cacao Spirit and our inner world.
Where does Cacaoloves.me source its Palo Santo?
We were looking for particularly high quality incense wood and found it in the Piura region of Peru. Sourced exclusively from natural stocks of the dry forests there, this Palo Santo is characterized by very high quality and oil content. In Piura, the tree is protected by nature conservation laws and may not simply be cut down. This allows it to live a natural life. Farming collectives gather the fallen wood, so called collected wood, after it has matured for 4 years, and the Peruvian forestry authority (SERFOR) monitors the amount of wood that has been collected. Based on this, it determines the compensatory area that must be reforested.
How do I smudge with Palo Santo?
Using Palo Santo for smudging is very simple. Light one end of the piece of Palo Santo. You need to hold the wood over the flame for a while until it really starts burning. Due to the many essential oils, the wood ignites and thick black smoke emerges from it, which is a sign of quality. Then gently wave out the flame and place the wood on a fireproof surface, ideally in a bowl. The wood will then continue to smolder on its own. It is said that you should not blow out the flame, so as not to drive away the good spirits as well. In our parts of the world, one might smile at such instructions, but better safe than sorry, and it does no harm, so make sure to only wave out the flame.
You can walk through the room with the piece of wood and especially smudge the corners by wafting the smoke into the space with your hand or a feather. Feel free to open the windows and doors as well, so that unwanted energies can flow out and leave the room. You can also cleanse yourself or, of course, other people by gently wafting the smoke around the body from head to toe.
If you have had enough, briefly place the glowing end of the wood into some sand to extinguish the embers.
What are your experiences with Palo Santo or with incense in general? Do you like the scent, and what does it remind YOU of?
