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Palo Santo: What Is It And How To Use It
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Palo santo has become widely popular recently. You probably have a friend who is obsessed over these aromatic sticks. If not, you have surely seen it on aesthetic Pinterest pictures or Instagram posts.
These naturally scented sticks are now burnt in yoga studios, massage places, and stores. You can easily find them in a variety of online and offline stores.
What is palo santo anyway and why do people use it? In this article, we talk about the benefits of the sacred wood, and ways to use it, as well as touch upon the differences and similarities between palo santo sticks and sage.
These naturally scented sticks are now burnt in yoga studios, massage places, and stores. You can easily find them in a variety of online and offline stores.
What is palo santo anyway and why do people use it? In this article, we talk about the benefits of the sacred wood, and ways to use it, as well as touch upon the differences and similarities between palo santo sticks and sage.
What Is Palo Santo?
Palo santo, which translates to holy wood in Spanish, is a tree that dates back as early as the Incan era – around the 13th century. It is native to South Africa and has been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Palo santo is available in the form of sticks, resin, and essential oil. The sticks, which are now very popular, are collected from under the palo santo trees. Farmers harvest them only when they have naturally fallen and dried.
When you burn them, these sticks yield a sweet woody aroma that has notes of mint and citrus.
But the enticing aroma of palo santo is not the only reason why people use it. These sticks have a range of benefits.
Here are some of palo santo:
Palo santo, which translates to holy wood in Spanish, is a tree that dates back as early as the Incan era – around the 13th century. It is native to South Africa and has been used for spiritual and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Palo santo is available in the form of sticks, resin, and essential oil. The sticks, which are now very popular, are collected from under the palo santo trees. Farmers harvest them only when they have naturally fallen and dried.
When you burn them, these sticks yield a sweet woody aroma that has notes of mint and citrus.
But the enticing aroma of palo santo is not the only reason why people use it. These sticks have a range of benefits.
Here are some of palo santo:
- Promotes physical healing
- Reduces depression, anxiety, and stress
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Boosts your mood
- Removes negativity
- Calms the mind
Are Palo Santo And Sage The Same?
Many people confuse sage smudge sticks with palo santo sticks. But the two are different though their uses and benefits are quite similar.
White sage is the most common type of sage used for burning and smudging. Indigenous peoples in South America as well as ancient Egyptians used sage in medical and cultural practices for many centuries.
White sage is a plant that grows in clusters and typically comes in bundles. To use sage, you need to light the bundle and let it burn for 15-20 seconds. Then blow it out and let it smoke.
Once burnt, sage releases a sweet scent that is somewhat similar to the scent of palo santo. It is fresh, earthy, and mildly sweet though it is certainly more herbaceous and not as woody.
Many people confuse sage smudge sticks with palo santo sticks. But the two are different though their uses and benefits are quite similar.
White sage is the most common type of sage used for burning and smudging. Indigenous peoples in South America as well as ancient Egyptians used sage in medical and cultural practices for many centuries.
White sage is a plant that grows in clusters and typically comes in bundles. To use sage, you need to light the bundle and let it burn for 15-20 seconds. Then blow it out and let it smoke.
Once burnt, sage releases a sweet scent that is somewhat similar to the scent of palo santo. It is fresh, earthy, and mildly sweet though it is certainly more herbaceous and not as woody.
