- Latin name
- Bursera graveolens
- Family
- Torchwood family (Burseraceae)
- Origin
- Peru, Ecuador
- Parts used
- wood (only from naturally fallen, aged trees)
- Raw materials
- essential oil
- Extraction
- steam distillation of the wood
- Olfactory group
- woody (resinous)
- Position in the pyramid
- heart and base
- Synthetic substitutes
- woody-resinous bases, limonene, incense accords
Palo santo (“holy wood” in Spanish) is a tree from the dry forests of Peru and Ecuador, a relative of frankincense and myrrh. Its wood has long been burned in rituals, and perfumery uses its essential oil.
How it smells: warm, woody and resinous, with an unexpected citrusy-minty freshness and a light, sweetish smoke. Palo santo sounds calming and meditative, like a gently smouldering stick.
Only the wood of trees that have fallen naturally and lain for several years has the precious scent: during that time oil accumulates in it. So conscientious producers do not cut living trees but collect only deadwood.
What it pairs with: with frankincense and myrrh — “temple” compositions, with cedar and sandalwood — warm wood, with citrus — a bright resinous accord, with vanilla — soft sweet smoke, with lavender — calming fragrances.
Good to know: in South America palo santo sticks are burned to “cleanse” a space — a similar ritual exists with white sage in North America.
