What Is Palo Santo? Meet the Mystical Peruvian Wood
“Palo santo was burned by the Manteños, in the Manabí region of Ecuador,” explains Sacred Wood Essence founder Erik Suarez, referencing the country’s pre-Columbian civilization that dates back to circa 850 CE, one of the earliest known records of palo santo use. “There is evidence of it being burned in ceramic bowls, most likely during ceremonies or rituals.” According to Ecuadorian history, when the Spanish arrived to the country around 1500, they discovered the tree’s myriad health benefits—its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and its ability to treat respiratory ailments, among others—and so they named it palo santo, which translates to holy wood in Spanish.
Palo santo is known to ward off bad spirits.
Palo santo’s most well-known use is a spiritual one. According to Sudha Nair, naturopathy expert and wellness manager at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, the belief that it can ward off evil spirits is rooted in cultural and spiritual practices for many cultures, particularly for indigenous South Americans. “The smoke produced when palo santo is burned is believed to have the ability to clear negative energy and purify a space,” Nair says. “This cleansing effect is thought to dispel negative influences, including bad energies, creating a more positive and harmonious environment.”
Paula Benedi, integrative health practitioner and founder of Synergised, agrees and says that burning the wood as incense is the traditional practice; releasing the purifying smoke dispels negative energy.
It isn’t the only herb used to bring on good fortune. Many are familiar with white sage for its similar functions, but Benedi says they are two completely different plants with one of the biggest differences between the two is the smell. She says that burning palo santo will give off a sweet woody aroma while sage has more of an earthy musk scent. They also differ in their cultural significance. In South American cultures, explains Nair, palo santo is used for purification and healing to bring on the good vibes. White sage in Native American traditions focuses on removing negativity and energy cleansing a space.
It can be used to boost your mood.
Fans of aromatherapy know palo santo’s uplifting abilities. According to Nair, the essential oil is used to induce relaxation and reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional pain. It is also believed that the scent can stimulate creativity and increase focus, she adds.
“Palo santo is believed to have cleansing properties that may help clear stagnant or negative energy from the surroundings. Spritzing it on furniture and fabrics could contribute to a fresher and more revitalized environment,” she says. “The aroma of palo santo is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. Spraying it on fabrics like cushions, curtains, or bedding could create a calming ambiance, potentially aiding in relaxation and improving mood.” So whether you burn palo santo on your own or use a diffuser, having it around has many upsides for your well-being.
Some believe it can relieve headaches and provide other health benefits.
Nair says that palo santo has some healing properties and has been used to heal the physical symptoms of certain ailments, such as colds, the flu, headaches, and inflammation. Benedi explains that the smoke may offer respiratory benefits to ease coughs while its aroma induces a calming grounding effect to ease headaches and other discomforts.
