Palo santo (Bursera graveolens) is a tree that’s native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. It grows in dry tropical forests and produces very fragrant resin. In Spanish, palo santo means “holy wood.”
Whether you wish to combat the negative energy in your emotional field, or you’ve just entered into a brand new environment with a lingering energy different than the one you’ve intended, using palo santo smudge sticks are helpful in improving the feng shui of your surroundings. In turn, this helps free you from the harmful effects that a stagnant energy can have on your mental or physical health.
To burn palo santo wood sticks:
- Light a palo santo stick with a candle, lighter, or match.
- Hold the stick downward at a 45-degree angle.
- Let the stick burn for 30 seconds.
- Blow out the flame. Place the stick in a heatproof dish to let it burn.
When using wood chips or powders, place them in a heatproof dish. Light them with a lighter or match, then blow them out after 30 seconds.
Never leave burning incense unattended.