What Is Palo Santo?

Palo santo (Bursera graveolens) is a tree that’s native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. It grows in dry tropical forests and produces very fragrant resin. In Spanish, palo santo means “holy wood.”

Many people find the aroma of palo santo relaxing, so it’s commonly used to ease stress. It’s thought to have a purifying, cleansing effect on the body and mind.

This may be attributed to the limonene content in Palo Santo. In a 2013 animal study, Trusted Source, inhaled limonene exhibited anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties.

The Bursera graveolens tree can only be harvested once it dies a natural death, which can take decades, and should never be chopped down. Because of the new market for it, some have taken to illegally cutting down the trees before their time. Because of the volatility of this product and the very real possibility of unethical harvesting or even extinction due to over-harvesting, we only offer fully synthetic or naturally derived versions of this ingredient.

Palo Santo wood and resin are burned as incense. As it burns, it releases aromatic smoke into the air. Palo santo chips and powder are used in the same way. Palo santo oil is inhaled during aromatherapy. This method is often used while doing yoga, meditating, or performing other stress-relieving activities.