You’ve probably seen it before—someone waving a smoldering stick of wood over their yoga mat, desk, or living room. The scent is sweet, earthy, and almost instantly calming. But beyond its ritualistic appeal, what are the real Palo Santo benefits for your wellbeing?

Known as “Holy Wood” in Spanish, Palo Santo has been used for centuries in South American cultures to purify, heal, and restore. Today, its use has expanded into modern wellness rituals, from stress relief and immune support to spiritual grounding.

But not all Palo Santo is created equal—and its power lies not just in what it does, but in how you use it. Here is some information about Palo Santo Benefits and much more!

What Is Palo Santo?

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is a sacred tree native to South America—primarily Ecuador, Peru, and parts of Mexico. The aromatic wood has long been used by indigenous healers and shamans for spiritual purification, energy clearing, and protection.

Its distinct scent—soft, woody, and slightly citrusy—comes from the natural oils within the aged heartwood. Authentic Palo Santo is never harvested from living trees. The wood must fall naturally and cure for 3–7 years to fully develop its healing properties and signature aroma.

When used mindfully and ethically, Palo Santo offers a bridge between ancient tradition and modern wellness.

7 Powerful Palo Santo Benefits for Mind, Body & Spirit

Science-backed and energetically supported ways Palo Santo may benefit your life:

1. Cleanses Negative Energy

One of the most common Palo Santo benefits is its ability to clear stagnant or negative energy from a space or person.

In traditional use, the smoke is believed to “sweep away” unwanted emotional residue. Scientific studies on aromatic smoke suggest it may reduce airborne bacteria and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—supporting the idea that burning Palo Santo is both energetically and physically cleansing.

Use it:

After an argument or emotionally charged moment
When moving into a new space
To begin or end a meditation or self-care ritual

“The ritualistic use of aromatic smoke has been shown to have air purifying and spiritual-cleansing properties.” — Journal of Ethnopharmacology

2. Reduces Stress and Supports Relaxation

Palo Santo’s essential oils are rich in limonene, a terpene shown to have calming, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

When burned or diffused:

It helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol
Supports nervous system regulation
Enhances relaxation and emotional clarity

It’s especially helpful during breathwork, meditation, journaling, or any moment when you need to come back to yourself.

3. Boosts Immune Defense

While not a cure-all, Palo Santo contains plant compounds with gentle antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. In folk medicine, the wood and oil have been used to support cold recovery, relieve headaches, and ease respiratory issues.

A few emerging studies suggest Palo Santo oil may help:

Inhibit bacterial growth
Soothe inflammation
Act as a mild immune tonic during seasonal transitions

4. Acts as a Natural Insect Repellent

One of the more practical Palo Santo benefits? Bug control.

The same aromatic compounds that calm the nervous system—like limonene and alpha-terpineol—are also effective at repelling mosquitoes and insects, without the harsh chemicals found in conventional repellents.

Ways to use:

Burn Palo Santo sticks during outdoor gatherings
Dilute the oil with carrier oil and apply to skin
Diffuse in rooms or tents during warm weather

5. Enhances Meditation and Spiritual Practice

Palo Santo helps anchor you in presence. Many people use it to set the tone for rituals like:

Yoga or sound baths
Mindful movement
Journaling or creative flow
Prayer or reflection

Its scent is grounding yet uplifting—making it ideal for spiritual attunement, chakra balancing, or simply holding space with intention.

6. Lifts Mood and Promotes Mental Clarity

Beyond relaxation, Palo Santo is known for its brightening effect on mood. Its aroma engages the limbic system in the brain, influencing emotion, memory, and perception.

Many users report:

Increased clarity
Enhanced creativity
Support during emotional processing or grief
A feeling of being both elevated and grounded

Use it as a midday reset, or when you feel stuck or scattered.

7. Brings Grounding and Emotional Balance

In Ayurvedic terms, Palo Santo is vata-pacifying, meaning it helps stabilize chaotic or overly “airy” energy. If you’re feeling anxious, disconnected, or overstimulated, it can help bring you back into your body.

Try:

Holding a stick while meditating
Placing a drop of oil on your pulse points or third eye
Carrying a piece in your bag or pocket for energetic grounding

Palo Santo vs. White Sage: When to Use Each

Feature	Palo Santo	White Sage
Aroma	Sweet, woody	Strong, herbaceous
Elemental energy	Earth, grounding	Air, cleansing
Primary use	Mood uplift, balance	Deep clearing, purification
Cultural origin	South America	North America (Indigenous)
Smoke intensity	Light, subtle	Heavy, lingering

Both have a place in spiritual practice—but Palo Santo is ideal for regular rituals, mood balancing, or when you want to elevate energy without intense clearing.

How to Use Palo Santo Safely and Effectively

There’s no “right” way—just mindful use. Here are a few ways to bring Palo Santo into your daily routine:

Burn the stick: Light the tip, let it flame for ~30 seconds, then blow out. Move the smoke through your space, around your body, or over tools like crystals.
Diffuse the oil: Add a few drops to a diffuser for long-lasting aroma.
Make a smudge spray: Mix Palo Santo essential oil with water and witch hazel in a spray bottle.
Topical use: Dilute with a carrier oil and apply to wrists or heart center.
On the go: Tuck a small stick into your car, bag, or drawer for instant grounding.

Ethical Use: Why Sourcing Matters

As Palo Santo’s popularity has grown, so have concerns about overharvesting and unsustainable sourcing. Respecting the sacred origin of this tree means only buying from trusted, ethical suppliers.

Look for Palo Santo that is:

Harvested only from naturally fallen wood
Sourced from indigenous communities or fair-trade cooperatives
Free from synthetic fragrances or fillers

Is Palo Santo Right for You?

The list of Palo Santo benefits is both mystical and grounded — making it one of the most beloved tools in modern holistic health. From calming anxiety and lifting your mood to supporting immune health and connecting you to your inner self, Palo Santo offers a deeply personal and transformative experience.

But as with all sacred tools, its power lies in the intention behind it. Approach Palo Santo with respect, use it mindfully, and it can become a beautiful part of your daily ritual—one that honors both your own energy and the ancient traditions it stems from.

Palo Santo Benefits: How This Sacred Wood Supports Mind, Body, and Spirit