How to Burn Palo Santo

Burning Palo Santo is a common practice for its aromatic and spiritual properties. Here are steps to burn Palo Santo safely and effectively: 

1. Choose Your Palo Santo Stick: Select a Palo Santo stick or wood piece that is of good quality. Look for Palo Santo that is sustainably sourced to support ethical practices. Our Palo Santo sticks are harvested from fallen timber in Peru, with a registered USDA import license, and kiln dried.

2. Prepare Your Space: Ensure good ventilation in the area where you plan to burn Palo Santo. Clear any clutter or flammable materials from the vicinity. Have a heat-resistant dish, such as a ceramic or metal dish or a small bowl, ready to catch any ashes. 

3. Light the Palo Santo: Hold one end of the Palo Santo stick over an open flame (such as a candle, lighter, or match) for about 30 seconds to a minute until it catches fire. Let it burn for a few moments until you see a small flame. Blow gently on the flame to extinguish it, leaving a glowing ember. 

4. Waft the Smoke: Hold the glowing end of the Palo Santo stick downward at a slight angle, allowing the smoke to billow. If you're using it for smudging or cleansing, you can waft the smoke around your body or the space you want to purify, moving clockwise to distribute the smoke evenly. 

5. Extinguish the Palo Santo: After you've finished using Palo Santo, gently press the burning end into your heat-resistant dish to extinguish the ember. It should stop smoldering quickly. Be cautious when handling the hot end, and ensure it is completely out before leaving it unattended.

7. Storage: Store your Palo Santo in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored Palo Santo can last for a long time.

8. Respect and Ethical Considerations: Use Palo Santo respectfully and ethically. Consider the source of your Palo Santo and the cultural significance behind its use. Our Palo Santo Sticks are sustainably harvested in Peru from fallen wood and have a USDA permit & import license. Avoid overuse and excessive consumption to support sustainable practices. Always exercise caution when working with fire and ensure that you are burning Palo Santo in a safe manner.