What is Palo Santo? Benefits, Uses and Everything You Need to Know

If you've ever visited Radical Living...

If you've ever visited Radical Living, you've probably smelt our bestselling Palo Santo briquettes before you've even spotted them on the shelves. One of the first things people say as they walk through the door is, "What is that incredible smell?" The scent has become part of the shop's identity, and over the years it's encouraged countless people to wander in just to discover where it's coming from.

I've been burning and selling Palo Santo for over eight years now, and it's still one of the products I reach for almost every day. During that time, I've answered countless questions, introduced thousands of people to Palo Santo for the very first time and watched it become one of the most loved products in the shop.

Our Palo Santo briquettes have become one of our bestselling products, with many customers returning time and time again. Whether they're buying them for a moment of calm, as part of their daily rituals or simply because they love the fragrance, it's a product people genuinely fall in love with.

That's exactly why I wanted to write this guide. Whether you're completely new to Palo Santo or simply curious about why it's become such a favourite, I wanted to answer the questions I'm asked almost every day and share everything I've learnt over the years.

What is Palo Santo?

Palo Santo, meaning "Holy Wood" in Spanish, comes from the dry forests of Peru, Ecuador and other parts of South America. It has been treasured for centuries and traditionally used by Indigenous communities during ceremonies and rituals.

Unlike many fragrant woods, Palo Santo isn't cut down while it's alive. The wood used comes from naturally fallen trees and branches that have completed their life cycle. It's then left to naturally age for several years before it's ready to be used. During this time, the wood develops the distinctive aroma that Palo Santo is known and loved for.

When burned, Palo Santo releases a beautifully warm, woody fragrance with subtle notes of citrus and sweetness. It's unlike any other scent I've come across, and it's one of the reasons so many people stop in their tracks when they walk into the shop.

One of the things I love most about Palo Santo is that everyone experiences it a little differently. Some people instantly find it calming, while others simply fall in love with the fragrance. There isn't a right or wrong way to enjoy it. Whether you use it as part of a mindful ritual or simply because you want your home to smell incredible, that's entirely up to you.

Why do people burn Palo Santo?

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "What does Palo Santo actually do?"

For centuries, Palo Santo has been used by Indigenous communities in South America during spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Traditionally, it's believed to cleanse stagnant or negative energy and invite positive energy into a space, helping to create a sense of calm, clarity and balance.

Because of these beliefs, many people choose to burn Palo Santo when they're beginning a new chapter. It's often used after moving into a new home, opening a business or creative studio, starting a new job, or simply when someone wants to refresh the atmosphere in their space.

It's also a wonderful addition to mindful practices. Many people burn Palo Santo before meditation, yoga, breathwork or journalling to help create a peaceful environment and signal the start of a moment of stillness. Others light it at the end of a busy day as a simple ritual to unwind and slow down.

Over the years, I've had customers tell me they've burned Palo Santo before moving into a new home, opening a new business, before a yoga practice, or ahead of an important life event. I always love hearing the different ways people make it part of their own rituals.

Personally, I think that's one of the reasons Palo Santo has remained so popular. Whether you're drawn to its history and traditions, enjoy creating mindful rituals, or simply want your home to smell incredible, there isn't a right or wrong way to enjoy it.

What does Palo Santo smell like?

This is probably the question I'm asked most after, "What is that incredible smell?"

The best way I can describe Palo Santo is as a warm, woody fragrance with soft citrus notes and a gentle sweetness. It's fresh without being overpowering and grounding without feeling heavy.

The funny thing is, everyone seems to pick up on something slightly different. Some people notice the citrus first, others the woody notes, and some even describe hints of coconut or vanilla.

All I know is that it's one of those fragrances that makes people stop in their tracks. I've lost count of the number of customers who've wandered into Radical Living simply because they could smell it from outside the shop.

Why I chose to stock Palo Santo briquettes

Over the years, I've tried lots of different forms of Palo Santo, but I always come back to these briquettes. They're the ones I've chosen to stock at Radical Living because, quite simply, I think they're the best.

Unlike traditional Palo Santo sticks, I find the briquettes much easier to use. They light quickly, burn evenly and, in my experience, are far less likely to go out after a few moments, which can sometimes happen with sticks.

One of my favourite things about them is that you don't need to burn a whole briquette at once. I simply break off a small piece, light it and let it gently smoulder. Although it only burns for a short time, I find the beautiful fragrance lingers in my home for up to a couple of days afterwards, making a little go a long way.

For me, they've become part of my everyday routine, and that's exactly why they've been part of Radical Living for so many years. It's also why they've become one of our bestselling products, with customers coming back time and time again.

How do you use Palo Santo?

One of the reasons I love the briquettes is because they're so simple to use.

I usually break off a small piece and place it on a heatproof dish or incense burner. I light the edge, allow it to catch for a few moments, then gently blow out the flame so it begins to smoulder.

It only burns for a short time, but I find the beautiful fragrance lingers around my home for up to a couple of days afterwards.

One of my favourite little tips is to place the cooled ashes straight into the soil of one of my houseplants. Because our Palo Santo briquettes are 100% plant based, I don't have to worry about making a mess, and it's an easy way to dispose of the ashes naturally. (I'd avoid saying this benefits the plant unless you know that for certain.)

I also have a little ritual at the shop. Before we open each morning, I like to burn a piece of Palo Santo as part of preparing the space for the day ahead. Traditionally, Palo Santo is believed to cleanse stagnant energy and invite positive energy into a space. Whether you share those beliefs or simply enjoy the beautiful fragrance, I find it's a lovely way to begin the day and create a calm, welcoming atmosphere before the first customers arrive.

At home, I tend to burn Palo Santo when I'm winding down in the evening, before I sit down to journal, before yoga, or simply when I want my home to feel calm and welcoming.

Everyone develops their own little ritual, and I think that's part of its charm.

A few safety tips

• Always burn Palo Santo on a heatproof surface.
• Never leave it unattended.
• Keep it away from children and pets.
• Burn it in a well ventilated room.

Palo Santo sticks vs Palo Santo briquettes

People often ask me which I prefer.

Having used both for years, I always come back to the briquettes.

I find they're much easier to light, they burn more evenly and, unlike sticks, they're much less likely to go out after a few moments.

Another reason I love them is that you don't need to use a whole briquette. I simply snap off a small piece each time, which means they last surprisingly well.

For me, they produce a beautifully rich fragrance without any fuss, and that's exactly why they've become such a huge favourite at Radical Living.

Is Palo Santo sustainable?

This is an important question and one I think everyone should ask before buying Palo Santo.

The Palo Santo used in our briquettes comes from naturally fallen trees and branches that have completed their life cycle. The wood is then traditionally aged for several years before being used.

Choosing responsibly sourced Palo Santo helps support traditional harvesting methods while protecting these precious forests for future generations.

Sustainability has always been incredibly important to me, and it's something I carefully consider before introducing any product into the shop.

Frequently asked questions

Can I burn Palo Santo every day?

Absolutely. Many of our customers do. Some light it every morning to begin the day with intention, while others burn it in the evening to help create a calm atmosphere before bed.

Does Palo Santo have to be used for spiritual reasons?

Not at all.

Some people love the traditions and beliefs surrounding Palo Santo, while others simply enjoy its beautiful fragrance. There isn't a right or wrong reason to use it.

How long does a Palo Santo briquette last?

A little really does go a long way. I usually break off a small piece rather than using the whole briquette, and although it only burns for a short time, I find the fragrance lingers for up to a couple of days afterwards.

Is Palo Santo suitable as a gift?

Definitely.

It's one of my favourite gifts to recommend because it's a little different. Whether someone enjoys yoga, meditation, creating a cosy home or simply loves beautiful fragrances, it always seems to be incredibly well received.

Final thoughts

After more than eight years of burning and selling Palo Santo, I still genuinely love it.

It's one of those products that never loses its magic. Seeing someone walk into the shop, stop in their tracks and ask, "What is that incredible smell?" still makes me smile. Introducing people to Palo Santo for the very first time is one of my favourite parts of owning Radical Living.

Whether you're looking to create a calming evening ritual, refresh the energy in your home, support your meditation or yoga practice, or simply fill your space with one of the most beautiful natural fragrances I've ever come across, I hope this guide has helped you understand why Palo Santo has become such a special part of my life and my shop.

If you're ever in Lewes, I'd love you to pop into Radical Living and experience our bestselling Palo Santo briquettes for yourself. No description can quite capture the fragrance. It's something you really need to smell to understand why so many people wander through our door just to discover where that incredible scent is coming from.

And if you can't make it to us, you can always shop our bestselling Palo Santo briquettes online and bring a little piece of Radical Living into your home.

Thank you so much for reading. I hope to welcome you to Radical Living, either in store or online, very soon.

Milly x