Palo santo (Bursera graveolens) is a tree that's native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. It grows in dry tropical forests and produces very fragrant resin. In Spanish, palo santo means “holy wood.” For thousands of years, the wood, resin, and oil have been used for medicinal purposes.

Palo Santo belongs to the woody fragrance family, and it's smell is described as a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with hints of mint, citrus. Some say Palo Santo smells slightly like licorice, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia when inhaling its delicate scent.

Palo Santo is traditionally used as a natural remedy for colds and flu, as well as symptoms of stress. It is also known to relieve asthma, headaches, anxiety, depression, and reduce inflammation. As an essential oil, it's great for aromatherapy and can also be used during therapeutic massages.

To burn natural resins you need an incense burner, a quick-light charcoal tab, a pair of tongs and a lighter or a match. The first step is placing a charcoal tab in the incense burner. Hold a flame to the charcoal tab. The tab is fully ignited when the sparks have passed through the charcoal tab. When the charcoal is fully ignited, a gray, ashy soot will cover the red-hot, glowing tab. This indicates the charcoal tab is ready for use. Spread the natural resins on top of the charcoal tab using small spoon and enjoy the exotic fragrance released by the natural resins.

After use, make sure you immerse the remains of the charcoal tab in water. It’s advisable to keep charcoal tabs (lit or otherwise) out of reach of children.

1 oz of resin in a container