History of Palo Santo Incense: Sacred Smoke from the Americas

Why has Palo Santo been treasured for centuries, and why is it still sought after today?

Palo Santo, meaning “holy wood” in Spanish, is one of South America’s most revered aromatics. For generations, its fragrant smoke has been used in ceremonies, healing practices, and daily life by indigenous communities along the Pacific coast of the continent. Today, it has found a place in modern wellness, mindfulness rituals, and sustainable incense collections carrying forward a story that began long before the concept of “aromatherapy” was even coined.

What Exactly Is Palo Santo?

Palo Santo refers to the wood of the tree Bursera graveolens, a relative of frankincense and myrrh within the Burseraceae family. It grows primarily in dry tropical forests of Peru, Ecuador, and parts of Central and South America. Unlike many aromatic woods, Palo Santo is never cut from living trees in its traditional harvest. Instead, wood is collected only from naturally fallen branches or trees that have matured and died naturally, often lying on the forest floor for several years. This slow aging process allows the essential oils inside to develop their characteristic scent, a unique blend of citrusy brightness and warm, resinous depth.

You can explore our Palo Santo incense collection for sustainably sourced sticks inspired by these traditions, or browse our full incense collection for other sacred blends.

Ancient Roots in South American Culture

The earliest recorded uses of Palo Santo trace back to the Inca civilization and indigenous cultures such as the Quechua, Aymara, and coastal communities of Ecuador (Journal of Ethnopharmacology). It was burned in temples, homes, and outdoor spaces to cleanse energies, protect against negative forces, and invite blessings. Shamans used it during healing rituals, believing its smoke could help restore balance between the physical and spiritual realms.

The Spanish colonizers, encountering this aromatic wood in the 16th century, named it “palo santo” in reference to its sacred role in local tradition. Over time, it became a staple in Catholic processions and festivities in parts of Latin America, blending indigenous and colonial spiritual practices into a shared cultural heritage. 

The Scent and Its Effects

When burned, Palo Santo releases a gentle but distinct fragrance: fresh citrus notes reminiscent of lemon and grapefruit, layered over warm, sweet wood and subtle minty undertones. In traditional belief and modern incense use, it is valued for:

• Calming the mind – easing anxiety and inviting mental clarity

• Enhancing meditation – helping practitioners enter a focused, tranquil state

• Purifying spaces – both spiritually and in practical terms

• Lifting mood – the scent’s brightness is often described as cheerful and grounding at the same time

How Palo Santo Is Used Today

While smudging rituals remain central to Palo Santo’s identity, its applications have grown:

• Meditation and yoga – as part of setting an intentional, peaceful atmosphere

• Creative focus – writers, artists, and musicians often burn it before beginning work

• Energetic cleansing – after arguments, stressful days, or before special occasions

• Natural fragrance – in handmade incense sticks, essential oils, and candles

Its role has expanded beyond South America, with wellness communities worldwide adopting it for daily rituals. However, responsible sourcing has become a key concern as demand grows.

Sustainability and Ethical Harvesting

True Palo Santo harvesting follows strict ecological principles. Trees are never felled while alive. Instead, wood is gathered only after it has naturally aged on the forest floor for 3–7 years, a process that concentrates the aromatic oils. In Peru and Ecuador, community-led forestry programs ensure that harvesting is tied to replanting efforts and that indigenous knowledge guides sustainable practices.

For incense producers who value authenticity such as Calmveda this means working with trusted suppliers who follow these traditional, eco-conscious guidelines. This safeguards both the tree populations and the cultural traditions tied to them.

Why Palo Santo Endures in a Modern World

What keeps Palo Santo relevant in an era of synthetic scents and fast-paced living? Perhaps it is its simplicity: a single piece of wood, aged by nature, carrying centuries of history in its grain. Burning it is an act of slowing down watching the smoke curl, breathing deeply, and letting its warm citrus-wood aroma remind you of the interconnectedness of people, nature, and spirit.

Whether used in a quiet morning meditation, a communal gathering, or a personal moment of reflection, Palo Santo incense remains what it has always been, a bridge between the everyday and the sacred.