Have you ever smelled Palo Santo before? Some people say it smells like "holy wood." People use Palo Santo sticks for all sorts of things - from cleaning their houses to clearing negative energy. The wood from the tree is burned to create a fragrant smoke that is said to have many healing properties. People often ask how to use palo santo sticks, if Palo Santo goes out on its own, if it can be reused, and what should be done at the end of the stick. In this blog post, I will be sharing with you some tips.
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1. How to properly use palo santo sticks?
1.1. For cleansing?
Palo santo sticks are made of a type of wood that is very dense and oily. This makes them ideal for burning as incense, as they produce a lot of smoke and have a strong scent. Palo santo sticks are said to be good for clearing negative energy from a space, and so they are often used for cleansing or other spiritual practices.
However, some people find the smell of palo santo to be too strong or overwhelming, so it is not suitable for everyone. If you are considering using palo santo sticks in your practice, make sure to test them out first to see if you like the smell.
The most straightforward steps to using palo santo wood:
Step 1: To cleanse with palo santo sticks, light the end of the stick with a lighter or match, and hold it at a 45-degree angle pointing the lit end down.
Step 2: Hold the stick upright and allow the flame to burn for 30-60 seconds.
Step 3: Blow out the flame and waft the smoke around your space.
Allow the smoke to waft over your body from head to toe. You can also move the stick around in a clockwise motion if you like. As you do this, say an intention or prayer out loud or in your mind. For example, you might say something like “I release all negative energy from my body and replace it with love and light.”
Read more: What to Say When Burning Palo Santo: Prayers and Blessings.
Step 4: When you’re finished using the stick, place it in a fireproof bowl or on a heat-resistant surface. Allow the stick to extinguish fully before moving it.
Note:
When choosing palo santo wood, you should consider the origin of the wood. Ideally, the wood should come from a sustainable source that is not contributing to deforestation. Additionally, the wood should be properly seasoned and free of chemicals. Otherwise, it may release harmful toxins when burned.
Palo santo harvesting is only sustainable if the trees have died naturally in the forest and are a few years old. The process of harvesting should not include cutting down live trees for profit
This ensures that live trees are not cut down for profit, helping to preserve this sacred tree from becoming extinct in the future.
We have researched and selected the best products on the market for sustainable mining practices and high-quality standards. Some of our top picks are presented below. With these products, you can be sure that your mining operation will be eco-friendly.
Read more: 11 Best Incense for Cleansing and Protection
1.2. For meditation or yoga
Palo santo can be used in many ways, but some of the most popular ways to use this sacred wood are for meditation and yoga. When used in these practices, palo santo can help to cleanse the energy around you, uplift your mood, and bring a sense of peace and calm. Here are some tips on how to use palo santo sticks during your meditation or yoga practice:
- First, find a comfortable place to sit or recline. You may want to light some candles and incense, and maybe even put on some relaxing music.
- Before beginning your practice, light the end of your palo santo stick with a lighter or matches. Hold the stick close to your heart and allow the smoke to waft over your body. Close your eyes and take deep breaths, inhaling the cleansing and purifying properties of the smoke.
- As you meditate, hold the palo santo stick in your hand or place it near you. The smoke will help to cleanse the energy around you and create a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
- After your practice, extinguish the stick by placing it in a bowl of sand or dirt. Allow the stick to cool completely before storing it away.
Read more: Top 11 Best Incense for Mediation: Soothe Your Mind and Body
1.3. For smudging
Palo santo is a type of wood that is commonly used for smudging. Palo santo is said to have cleansing and purifying properties, making it an ideal tool for smudging. When burned, the smoke from palo santo is thought to help clear negative energy and promote positive vibes. For this reason, many people use palo santo when they want to cleanse their space or themselves of negative energy. Some also burn palo santo as part of ceremonial or spiritual rituals.
Steps to use palo santo to smudge
- Gather your materials. You will need a Palo Santo stick, a fire-proof bowl or shell, and a lighter.
- Light your Palo Santo stick with the lighter, then let it burn for about 30 seconds to release the oils.
- Hold the burning end of the stick over the fire-proof bowl or shell to catch the ashes.
- Wave the stick around your space, moving clockwise and counterclockwise. Be sure to focus on areas where you feel negative energy might be lingering.
- Once you're finished smudging, allow the Palo Santo stick to extinguish itself in the fire-proof bowl or shell. You can then reuse it at another time.
Whether you use palo santo for its cleansing properties or simply enjoy its pleasant smell, it can be a great addition to your smudging arsenal.
Read more: 11 Best Incenses for Spirituality: Enhance Your Mind, Body, and Soul
1.4. For colds
Palo santo is a tree that is native to South America and the Caribbean. The wood of the tree has traditionally been used for a variety of purposes, including medicinal uses. In recent years, there has been an increase in interest in using palo santo for cold treatment.
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that palo santo can cure a cold, but some people believe that the plant's medicinal properties may help to relieve symptoms. Palo santo is traditionally used in folk medicine for a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, and headaches.
There are a few different ways that palo santo can be used for cold treatment.
- Method 1: One way is to make a tea out of wood. This can be done by boiling a small piece of wood in water for about 10 minutes. Once the tea has cooled, it can be consumed up to three times per day.
- Method 2: Another way to use palo santo for cold treatment is to make a tincture. This can be done by soaking a small piece of the wood in vodka for about two weeks. Once the tincture is ready, it can be taken orally, up to three times per day.
- Method 3: Palo santo can also be used topically for cold treatment. This can be done by applying a small amount of the oil from the wood onto the chest or back. This can be done several times per day until the cold symptoms have subsided.
If you are interested in using palo santo for cold treatment, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider first. They can help to determine if this is an appropriate treatment option for you and provide guidance on how to use it safely.
Read more: The 11 Health Benefits of Incense: How Incense Can Improve Your Wellbeing
1.5. Burning Palo Santo before bed
Palo santo is often used in shamanic and indigenous ceremonies for its cleansing and protective properties. Palo santo is said to clear away negative energy, restore balance, and promote healing. For these reasons, many people burn palo santo before going to bed in order to cleanse their space and prepare for a restful night's sleep.
Benefits of burning palo santo before bed.
Some benefits of burning palo santo before bed include:
- The woodsy scent is said to help relax the mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Palo santo is used in many cleansing and purification rituals, so burning it in the evening can help clear away any negative energy from the day and prepare you for a restful night's sleep.
- The smoke from Palo santo is also said to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, making it a great way to cleanse your space before bedtime.
How to burn Palo Santo before going to bed?
- To burn Palo Santo, light the end of the stick with a match or lighter. Hold it at a 45-degree angle and allow the flame to catch. Blow out the flame and then hold the stick close to your face so you can enjoy the scent.
- Walk around your space, wafting the smoke into all the corners. You can also direct the smoke over your body or towards anyone else in the room who could benefit from its cleansing properties.
- When you’re finished, place the Palo Santo stick in a fire-proof bowl or on a plate.
Read more: The Top 11 Best Incense for Sleep: How to Get a Better Night's Rest
2. How to put out Palo Santo?
Palo santo can be extinguished in a few different ways:
Simply douse the end of the palo santo stick in a bowl or sink full of water. You can also hold it under running water for a few seconds. Once the end is wet, it will no longer produce smoke.
One way is to simply blow it out like you would a candle.
Another way is to use a metal or ceramic dish to smother the embers.
Finally, you can place the end of the stick in a container of sand until the embers are no longer glowing.
Read more: How to Use Incense Sticks: The Ultimate Guide
3. Does Palo Santo go out on its own?
Palo Santo typically self-extinguishes, but it is always best to use a heat-resistant dish or bowl to catch any embers that may fall.
4. Can you reuse a Palo Santo stick?
Palo santo sticks can be reused multiple times. Once it's extinguished, you can save it for future use.
By using some simple methods to prolong its burning time, you can enjoy its benefits for even longer. Here are a few ways to prolong the life of your palo santo:
One way to make your palo santo stick burn for a longer period of time is to soak it in oil or water prior to burning. This will help the wood to better retain its moisture content and produce more smoke.
Another method is to use a small amount of water to dampen the wood before lighting it. This will also help the wood to produce more smoke and last longer.
You can try using a Palo Santo holder. This is a device that allows you to keep the stick upright while it burns, which prevents it from burning too quickly.
You can try using a piece of aluminum foil to wrap the wood tightly before burning it. This will help to create a barrier between the flame and the wood, which can help to prolong the burning time.
Finally, store the wood in a dry, airtight container. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight and heat. Replace the lid on your container tightly after each use.
5. How often should you use Palo Santo?
Some people may choose to use it once a week or even once a day, while others may only use it on occasion. There is no wrong way to use palo santo, so go with what feels right for you.
The best times to use palo santo are when you feel frustrated or negative.
After an argument between family or friends,
Before a special event or ceremony, you should also purify to bring better luck.
Read more: Best Time to Burn Incense: How Much and How Often?
6. What do you do at the end of Palo Santo?
When you have finished burning your Palo Santo, it is important to extinguish the embers properly. You can do this by either submerging them in water or sand. Once the embers are extinguished, you can dispose of the wood in your trash.
Conclusion
Palo Santo is a unique and special incense that has been used for centuries in South America. The wood from the tree is burned to create a fragrant smoke that is said to have many healing properties. People often ask if Palo Santo goes out on its own, if it can be reused, and what should be done at the end of the stick. We hope this article has answered these questions and provided some insight into this wonderful natural product.