Trying Palo Santo (comparison to Sage)

#1 What Is Smudging with Sage?

Smudging involves burning a bundle of sage and wafting the smoke over your body or your space to cleanse it. This ritual is known as smudging. The plant you are burning is the sage itself.

Smudging can be used to cleanse negative energy, attract positive energy, improve your mood, and even has a variety of health benefits.

Often, smudging is accompanied by a prayer or recitation which helps to set intentions or focus the energy of the smudge.

Smudging with sage is a tradition that has been practiced by Indigenous communities for generations.

#2 What Is Palo Santo?

Palo santo is known as a “holy wood” and originates in Peru. Its earliest use dates back to Incan civilization, while most sage comes from North America and its use originates with Indigenous communities.

Sage and palo santo are used in very similar ways. They both have amazing, powerful benefits – though it is believed that sage clears all energy, while palo santo clears only negative energy and brings in positive energy.

Sage also has a much stronger scent than palo santo – it smells more herby, while palo santo has a more subtle smell. It’s sweeter and fresher than sage.

Sage is also easier to keep lit, so it’s easier to use for large spaces, whereas Palo Santo won’t burn as long.

So, while sage and Palo Santo are very similar to each other, their use is just slightly different!