Palo santo, or holy wood, is native to Peru and is in the same family as frankincense, myrrh, and copal resins. It’s considered a holy tree to the Incas and other South American indigenous peoples. The wood is usually burned like a cleansing wand or in incense blends, but you can also add the oil to baths and candles. To preserve the sanctity and supply of the palo santo tree, only naturally fallen wood should be harvested. The wood is usually stored for around four years so its fragrant oil can come to the surface.
