How to Get the Most Out of Your Palo Santo Incense Sticks
Incense has been in use continuously for thousands of years. Historians note that it was imported into ancient Egypt from destinations like Somalia, and used in religious rituals. It spread throughout the world, with evidence of its use stretching across present-day South America, Asia, and beyond.
Today, if you want to reap the medicinal and spiritual benefits of incense, you have no shortage of options to choose from. You can customize your scent or choose a specific purpose, like cleansing your space of negative energy. Incense and incense holders can also add to the aesthetic of your space.
One type of incense that accomplishes all of the above goals is Palo Santo. This fragrant, impactful type of incense offers a number of benefits. Keep reading to learn more about its unique history, how to use Palo Santo, and what you need to know to make the most of your incense.
What are Palo Santo Incense Sticks?
Palo Santa incense sticks are a type of incense with a long and rich history.
Palo Santo, which means "holy wood" or "wood of the saints" grows in forests along the coast of South America, in countries like Peru and Ecuador. This Palo Santo holy wood comes from trees that are a part of the citrus family. This results in wood that releases many sweet notes of pine, lemon, and mint when it burns.
Because of its sweet notes, Palo Santo wood has long been popular for use as incense. In fact, its use dates back to the 15th century. During this time, shamans of the Incan tribe in modern-day Eduador used Palo Santo wood in many rituals. For the next several thousand years, this wood was used for a variety of medicinal purposes, as well as to clear negative energy.
Today, the wood, resin, and oil from the Palo Santo tree are still used for a variety of therapeutic and even medicinal purposes. It can be used to repel mosquitos, reduce pain from arthritis and headaches, and even help encourage relaxation and reduce stress.
One of the most popular ways to use the Palo Santo tree is to use the wood as incense.
How to Use Palo Santo Incense Sticks
When you order Palo Santo incense sticks, you'll receive a bundle of precut sticks that are ready to use straight out of the bag. This makes learning how to burn Palo Santo very easy.
Hold one stick of your Palo Santo wood, and turn it slightly upside down at a 45-degree angle. Then, use a candle, match, or lighter to gently light the end of the stick that's turned away from your body. Hold your match, candle, or lighter against the Palo Santo wood until a small flame appears.
Allow the flame to burn for around a minute or so. Then, blow out the flame, allowing only smoke to be produced. Now, your Palo Santo incense stick is lit. You should notice the signature Palo Santo scent soon after, with notes of pine, citrus, and mint.
Now, you'll need a heatproof bowl. You can use a glass or ceramic bowl that you already own. Or, you can purchase a special holder for your Palo Santo incense.
Place the incense stick embers down into the bowl. Do not press the stick against the bowl, as this can distinguish the burning. Instead, place it gently to allow it to continue to burn to release the scent.
You can gently blow on the embers to keep the stick burning. This process is called "smudging," and can be used to remove negative energy from the space. You can either leave your incense bowl in one spot or carry it throughout your room or home to cleanse the entire space of negative energy.
You can also relight the incense stick to allow it to continue diffusing the scent and energetic properties into your home.
How to Get the Most Use Out of Palo Santo Sticks
Using Palo Santo sticks is easy. But if you want to get the most use out of your sticks while also maximizing the benefits of this unique product, there are a few things you should know.
One of the best ways to maximize the impact and prolong the life of your Palo Santo sticks is to use a specially designed-holder. When you burn Palo Santo sticks, it produces ashes. Without the right holder or bowl, these may become scattered about your home. Additionally, using a regular bowl to hold your sticks can prevent the smoke from properly escaping.
With a Palo Santo holder, the incense sticks are held at the right angle to allow the smoke and scent to properly dissipate, while ashes are collected in the base. This allows you to easily maximize the benefits of your Palo Santo sticks.
If you're looking to cleanse your entire space of negative energy, you'll want to move your Palo Santo incense throughout your home. With an incense holder, you can walk your burning Palo Santo sticks throughout your home or space.
Finally, to make the most of each stick, always avoid pressing the end against a hard surface to extinguish it. If possible, allow the stick to burn out on its own. Or, blow gently on the stick to fully extinguish it. Pressing it too hard against a hard surface may damage the stick or cause it to break, shortening its useful life.
Adding Palo Santo Incense Sticks to Your Home
From using a specially designed Palo Santo stick holder to extinguishing it gently, these tips can help you properly use your Palo Santo incense to maximize its impact and make the most of each stick.
If you're wondering where to buy Palo Santo, you've come to the right place. Bursera specializes in producing purpose-driven aromatherapy that combines sensory and aesthetic experiences to help you bring out your inner calm. Shop our selection of Palo Santo incense sticks and holders today!