# Palo santo: history, meaning and how to burn it

> Palo santo is the wood of Bursera graveolens, a tree related to frankincense, with sweet, citrusy and woody. Its history and traditional uses, how to burn it 

URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/palo-santo
Updated: 2026-10-30

Palo santo is the wood of Bursera graveolens, a tree related to frankincense, from Ecuador and Peru. It gives sweet, citrusy and woody.

## History

Palo santo means 'holy wood' in Spanish. It has a long folk use in South America. Responsible suppliers only gather fallen branches and dead trees that have aged naturally, which is what gives the wood its scent.

## Traditional uses

Lit at the start of a ritual, a meditation or a new chapter, and used to clear a space before or after guests.

These are traditional and spiritual uses, not health claims.

## How to burn it

Light one end, let it burn for 30 seconds, then blow it out and let the smoke drift. Rest it in a heatproof dish.

## Burning safely

- Use a heatproof holder or bowl, on a stable surface away from curtains and shelves.
- Open a window a little; smoke should clear, not build up.
- Never leave burning incense alone, and keep it away from children, pets and birds.
- Put it out fully in sand or a dish of water when you are done.

## Scents that pair well

Palo santo blends well with [white sage](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/white-sage), [copal](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/copal) and [frankincense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/frankincense).

## Questions

**What does palo santo smell like?**

Sweet, citrusy and woody.

**What is palo santo used for?**

Lit at the start of a ritual, a meditation or a new chapter, and used to clear a space before or after guests.

**Where does palo santo come from?**

Ecuador and Peru.

**Is palo santo safe to burn indoors?**

Yes, palo santo is fine to burn indoors with sensible care. Open a window, use a heatproof holder on a stable surface, keep it away from curtains, children and pets, and never leave it burning unattended. If you have asthma or are sensitive to smoke, a diffuser or [oil burner](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/how-to-use/oil-burners) is a gentler choice.

**How do you burn palo santo?**

Palo santo is easy to burn at home: light one end, let it burn for 30 seconds, then blow it out and let the smoke drift. Rest it in a heatproof dish. Light the tip, let the flame catch for a few seconds, then blow it out so it smoulders. Always ventilate the room.

**What goes well with palo santo?**

Palo santo blends well with [White sage](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/white-sage), [Copal](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/copal) and [Frankincense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/frankincense). Burn them one after another or mix small amounts on charcoal; tradition pairs scents to deepen or balance the mood. Start with less than you think, as blends can be strong.

**Is palo santo a wood?**

Yes, palo santo is the wood of Bursera graveolens, a tree related to frankincense. It comes from Ecuador and Peru and gives sweet, citrusy and woody. Knowing the type helps you choose how to burn it: resins need charcoal, while woods, herbs and flowers are usually sold as sticks, cones or bundles.

## Related

- [White sage](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/white-sage)
- [Copal](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/copal)
- [Frankincense](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs/frankincense)
- [All incense and herbs](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/incense-and-herbs)
- [Incense types explained](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/incense-types-explained)
- [Smoke cleansing traditions](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/smoke-cleansing-traditions)

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Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.