Palo santo – how does the “sacred tree” help?

2025-02-07

Palo santo… behind this magical name lies an equally magical power. Known as the “sacred tree” by the indigenous people of the South and Central American coasts, this plant has extraordinary properties. For us, mate enthusiasts, it is primarily associated with a vessel for drinking yerba mate, but that is not its only use. How does palo santo work, and where does its magic come from? Let us explain!

Summary:

Magical power from America: what is palo santo?
Uses of the “holy wood”
How to care for a palo santo matero?

Magical power from America: what is palo santo?

“Palo santo” translates from Spanish as “sacred wood”, “holy wood” or “holy stick”. This remarkable plant has been valued for centuries for its intense aromatherapeutic and spiritual properties. The tree grows in regions of South and Central America, where it is used in both traditional rituals and daily life. What makes palo santo so special? Where does it come from, and what role has it played in indigenous cultures?

Origins and species of palo santo

The name “palo santo” refers to several species of trees with strong aromas and hard wood. Most commonly, it refers to two species:

Bursera graveolens – grows in the tropical forests of Central and South America, spanning from the Yucatán Peninsula in Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica), through the northern regions of South America (Colombia, Ecuador, and the Galápagos), to the northern parts of Argentina.
Bulnesia sarmientoi (actually Gonopterodendron sarmientoi) – primarily found in the Gran Chaco region, a vast area spanning parts of Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Sometimes, the term “palo santo” is also used for wood from the Guaiacum officinale tree, which mainly grows in Central America.

What do these plants have in common? Primarily, very hard, durable wood, rich in natural essential oils and highly aromatic resin, responsible for the unique fragrance, effects, and so-called “magical” properties. Because of these characteristics, palo santo has been significant to indigenous peoples for centuries, regarded as sacred and used in a wide range of practices, from esotericism to traditional yerba mate vessels.

Palo santo and the threat of extinction

Palo santo has been used by indigenous people in South America for hundreds of years. The ancient Incas valued it for its protective and spiritual properties. Native shamans used palo santo in magical rituals and mystical ceremonies. Burning pieces of the wood, releasing fragrant smoke, were a key element in purification ceremonies, such as those involving ayahuasca. Contemporary Amazonian tribes continue to use it in smudging rituals.

Over time, the “sacred wood” became increasingly popular. The rapid rise in demand for palo santo in recent decades led to a decrease in its population. Excessive exploitation resulted in the felling of whole trees, threatening some palo santo species. Governments in American countries recognised the problem and took steps to protect these valuable plants. The trees were placed on endangered species lists, and at one point, logging palo santo for industrial purposes was strictly prohibited. The only way to obtain the wood was by collecting naturally fallen branches.

Although most palo santo species are no longer considered endangered, the method of sourcing wood by gathering fallen branches is still practised today. Branches that fall to the ground and dry for several years (between 4 and 10 years) undergo various weathering processes, making them even more valuable. Numerous chemical reactions occur, turning the wood a darker colour, while valuable resins develop, enhancing the fragrance – a sweet, woody aroma with hints of vanilla and citrus. Gathering, rather than felling, the wood is also a way to show respect toward the sacred nature of these extraordinary trees!

📌 Palo santo sourcing and environmental protection – summary:

Ban on cutting down live trees – only dead or naturally fallen branches are collected to maintain ecosystem balance.
Supporting sustainable cultivation – special plantations support the restoration of palo santo populations.
Wood export regulations – many South American countries regulate the trade of “holy tree” to prevent excessive exploitation.

Thanks to these efforts, most palo santo species are not currently at risk of extinction, and only naturally fallen branches are used.

Uses of the "sacred wood"

Palo santo is a remarkable tree, valued for both its unique aromatic properties and exceptional wood durability. Since ancient times, it has been used to make various objects and played a role in protective, spiritual, and medicinal rituals. Thanks to the essential oils contained in the wood, palo santo has found broad applications in aromatherapy, meditation, and even yerba mate vessels.

🔍 What makes the “holy wood” palo santo so special?

✅ Natural, intense aroma – woody, slightly sweet, with a noticeable touch of vanilla, yet pleasantly refreshing and citrusy – it has a relaxing and cleansing effect. It is the scent of the tropical forest and pure nature!
✅ Valuable properties of resin and essential oils contained in the wood make palo santo widely used in cleansing rituals and aromatherapy.
✅ One of the hardest types of wood – palo santo is one of the heaviest, hardest, and most durable types of wood in the world. The resin it contains not only has a beautiful scent but also includes numerous oils that make the wood highly resistant to rot and various external factors.

The hard and durable palo santo wood is used for creating various objects. It has found applications in construction – it is particularly well-suited for shipbuilding. It is also an excellent material for making furniture (such as cabinets and tables) as well as smaller everyday items like jewellery elements or kitchenware (jugs, bowls, mortars for grinding herbs and seeds). In the United States, "Palo Santo Marron" beer is produced, which matures in barrels made from "sacred wood." Thanks to its unique characteristics, palo santo is used in many aspects of life – from spiritual ceremonies to daily rituals related to relaxation and well-being.

“Sacred wood” in natural medicine

Not only is palo santo used to create various objects, but it also has a wide range of applications. It is no coincidence that it is sometimes called the “tree of life” (lignum vitae in Latin). For centuries, palo santo has been regarded as a medicinal tree, with its essential oils used in folk medicine to treat various ailments.

Palo santo resin was used to make oil believed to help combat pain and rheumatism. Crushed wood pieces and chips were added to infusions, which were said to have beneficial effects on the digestive system. People from the regions where palo santo grows claim that it can cleanse the mind, boost energy, and facilitate meditation. It was believed that the scent of “holy wood” repels evil spirits and positively affects people, bringing them luck. When burned and then extinguished, the wood releases an amazing fragrance, but most importantly, palo santo is valued for its effects – it calms the mind, soothes the senses, and reduces stress and tension, making it perfect for aromatherapy.

📌 Traditional uses of palo santo:

Pain relief for muscles and joints – compresses from palo santo extract were often used for rheumatism.
Treatment of skin infections – palo santo oil was believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Support for the respiratory system – inhalations using palo santo were believed to aid breathing during colds.
Mood improvement and stress reduction – aromatherapy with palo santo incense and oils was considered helpful for relaxation.

Palo Santo as a natural incense

One of the most common uses of palo santo is as natural incense. Unlike synthetic fragrance products, palo santo provides a completely natural, deep scent that positively affects the body and mind. How to burn palo santo? It's very simple! Just light a piece of the wood by holding it at an angle and allowing it to burn for a few seconds. Then blow out the flame, letting the wood smolder and release aromatic smoke. You can then cleanse a space by spreading the smoke in circular motions around yourself, your home, or objects you wish to purify energetically. To finish the ritual, place the wood in a heat-resistant dish to extinguish it.

🔍 What is the purpose of smoking palo santo?

✅ Aromatherapy – its smoke is calming, stress-reducing, and relaxing.
✅ Energetic cleansing – in spiritual traditions, palo santo is believed to remove negative energies.
✅ Better sleep quality – its gentle fragrance has a soothing effect, aiding sleep.
✅ A natural insect repellent – palo santo's scent effectively repels mosquitoes and other insects.
✅ Eliminates unpleasant odours – ideal for freshening up home interiors.

Palo santo as a yerba mate vessel

Palo santo has also found its place in the world of yerba mate, particularly among fans of traditional drinking vessels.

Yerba mate brewed in a palo santo mate gourd tastes significantly better than in a regular ceramic cup. It gains an entirely new, original flavour and aroma. When exposed to hot water, the wood releases resin that transforms the drink’s taste. Additionally, wooden mate cups made from palo santo are true works of art! They are not mass-produced – each piece is handcrafted, making them unique and, in a way, magical. The resin, which oozes from the thick walls, not only smells incredible but also has disinfectant properties, making palo santo vessels more resistant to mould. Over time, the wood “works” due to temperature and moisture changes, sometimes developing cracks. However, thanks to the natural resins released, the vessel often “heals” itself.

🔍 Why are palo santo mate cups so unique?

✅ Natural aroma – when exposed to warm water, the vessel releases essential oils, enriching the flavour of yerba mate.
✅ Traditional way of drinking – handcrafted mate gourds are small works of art, with each piece being unique.
✅ Antibacterial wood – the resin in palo santo has disinfecting properties, making the vessel resistant to mould.
✅ Self-repairing wood – thanks to natural resins, microscopic cracks that form on the surface of the mate cup often seal themselves over time.

There are many types of palo santo cups for yerba mate, varying in shape and function. Some feature reinforcing metal rims (such as one of the most popular models in our shop – Palo Santo "Hercules" mate cup), while others are intricately decorated by hand (for example, the "Salvador" mate cup made of palo santo wood, adorned with a leather element). One of the most interesting cups available in our shop is the "Pampeano" mate gourd. It has thick walls with evenly drilled channels. This type of mate cup is used slightly differently. The yerba mate is placed inside as usual, but instead of pouring water directly onto the dry leaves, it is poured into the channels. This method allows the infusion to soak the leaves gradually from the outer edges. The drink slowly builds in strength in a more balanced way, and a single portion of mate tea lasts longer. To experience the magic of palo santo even more, it is also worth getting a bombilla made from this "holy stick". We recommend special yerba mate sets made from palo santo.

Mate gourd made with palo santo – how to take care of it?

Palo santo wood is a unique material for making yerba mate cups – it releases a natural, woody aroma that subtly enhances the flavour of the infusion. Although very durable, a palo santo matero requires proper preparation and regular maintenance to ensure longevity.

Despite being exceptionally hard and strong, palo santo is a natural material that reacts to moisture and temperature, which may cause it to degrade. Therefore, before first use, it must be properly treated and “cured”. The process of preparing a mate cup for use is called curado.

📌 Curado is a preservation process for mate cup that:

Prevents the wood from cracking due to moisture and temperature changes.
Helps to avoid mould and excessive wear of the vessel.
Enhances the natural aroma of palo santo in the infusion.

How to perform curado on a palo santo mate gourd? Step-by-step guide

First, rinse the palo santo cup with cold water and allow it to dry completely. Then, coat the interior with oil (such as olive oil or another natural plant-based oil). The oiled mate cup should be left for about 48 hours to absorb the fat into the wood, making it more resistant to moisture. Afterward, rinse it again – this time with slightly warmer water (but not hot!). Once dried, the mate gourd is ready to use! From now on, it’s safe for brewing yerba mate, as long as wet leaves are not left inside for too long.

How to take care of a palo santo mate gourd on a daily basis?

👉 Do not leave wet yerba mate leaves in the cup for too long! – moisture can lead to mould growth.
👉 Do not wash it in a dishwasher or with detergents – palo santo should simply be rinsed with warm water after each use.
👉 Always dry mate cup thoroughly after washing – avoid keeping it in closed, humid spaces. At the same time, be careful not to overdry it. Exposure to dry air, for example near a radiator, may cause cracks.
👉 Occasionally re-oil the cup – especially if the wood starts to look dry.
👉 Do not pour boiling water into it! – the optimal water temperature for yerba mate is around 70-80°C. Boiling water not only negatively affects the flavour of the infusion but may also damage the wood.

For more details on curado and maintaining yerba mate vessels, read our blog post.

FAQ – Most common questions and answers about caring for a palo santo mate gourd

❓ Can palo santo mate cup be washed in a dishwasher?

💡 No! Wood is sensitive to high temperatures and moisture – a dishwasher could damage your mate.

❓ How often should curado be repeated?

💡 Curado only needs to be done once before first use. If the wood starts to look dry, you can re-oil the interior after some time.

❓ How can I remove an unpleasant smell from the mate cup?

💡 You can rinse the inside with lukewarm water and a small amount of natural baking soda, then re-oil with olive oil.

Sources of information:

Wikipedia: Bursera graveolens, Bulnesia sarmientoi, Guaiacum officinale.
The IUCN Red List Of Threatened Species.