To be or not to be… palo santo vs. sage… that is the dilemma!
It’s not as dramatic as Shakespeare, but if you’ve ever felt stuck choosing between these two sacred tools, you’re not alone.
So many of us wonder which one to use when it comes to clearing out the bad vibes and making our home feel like a sanctuary again.
Here’s the thing: Palo Santo and Sage each have their own magic, their own stories, and their own special ways of working with energy.
Both are incredibly powerful for smudging, but what sets them apart? What makes one better for your space than the other? That’s where the real journey begins.
I want to help you understand the unique qualities of these spiritual tools, so you can feel more connected to your rituals and more empowered in your choices.
So let’s break it down together. We’ll dive into what makes Palo Santo and Sage so special, how they’ve been used for centuries, and which one might be calling to you right now.
By the end, you’ll know exactly which one to reach for the next time you’re cleansing your space, setting an intention, or just wanting to feel a little more grounded in your day-to-day life.
Get Your Cleansing Tools!
Ready to clear negative energy but don’t know where to begin? Explore our handpicked selection of cleansing tools designed to elevate your home’s energy.
Discover sage bundles, Palo Santo, crystals, and more—everything you need for a fresh start.
What is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo, meaning “holy wood” in Spanish, is much more than just a tree native to South America. It carries centuries of tradition, deeply rooted in the spiritual practices of indigenous cultures who have revered its powerful, natural energy.
For generations, healers and shamans have burned Palo Santo during sacred ceremonies to cleanse spaces, promote healing, and invite positive energy.
When you light Palo Santo, you’re not just setting something on fire—you’re tapping into an ancient wisdom.
What is Sage?
Sage, or salvia in Latin, is more than just a plant—it’s a symbol of healing, renewal, and protection that has been cherished for centuries.
It naturally flourishes in various regions, from dry desert landscapes to lush forests, quietly carrying its ancient wisdom with it. For Native American tribes, sage has long been a cornerstone of spiritual practice, used in sacred rituals to cleanse, purify, and banish negativity.
The power of sage lies in its ability to create a space where you can breathe deeply and feel a connection to something much larger than yourself.
Every curl of smoke has the potential to clear your space, your mind, and your spirit.
Palo Santo and Sage: How are They different?
While both Palo Santo and Sage have been used for spiritual purposes for centuries, they have distinct differences in their appearance, aroma, and properties.
Appearance
Palo Santo is a type of wood that comes from the Bursera graveolens tree.
When it’s harvested, only fallen branches and twigs are collected to ensure sustainability. The wood has a unique grain pattern with dark brown outer bark and a lighter, yellowish inner core.
Sage, on the other hand, is an herb with long, thin leaves that grow in clusters along a central stem. It has a silver-green color and velvety texture similar to many other herbs in the mint family.
Aroma
Palo Santo has a sweet, woodsy aroma with hints of citrus and mint. Its scent is calming and grounding, making it perfect for meditation or relaxation.
Sage has a strong, earthy scent with notes of pine and lemon. Its fragrance is energizing and cleansing, which makes it great for purification rituals or setting intentions.
Properties
The properties of Palo Santo and Sage also differ in their effects on energy and mood.
Palo Santo is known for its ability to clear negative energy, promote relaxation, and attract positive vibrations. It’s also said to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Sage, on the other hand, is believed to have strong cleansing powers that can banish negative energies and bring harmony to a space. It’s also used medicinally as an antiseptic and pain reliever.
When to Use Sage vs. Palo Santo
So, which one should you use? The truth is, there’s no right or wrong answer. It ultimately depends on your personal preferences and intentions.
TIP: I suggest you use the Sage since there is a huge problem providing Palo Santo due to deforestation.
When to use SAGE?
- When you need a boost of energy or clarity;
- When you want to cleanse your space of negative energy and invite positivity;
- When you’re setting intentions for a new project or chapter in life;
- When you want to promote healing and harmony in your home.
When to use PALO SANTO?
- When you want to relax and unwind after a long day;
- When you need help focusing during meditation or spiritual practices;
- When you want to attract positive energy and repel negative influences;
- For immune support during cold and flu season (when used as an essential oil).
HOW TO BURN?
Let me explain and bring you thoruhg the process of burning safe for powerful, safe, and effectve home cleanse.
Here I’ll explain in details, step by step, explaining not just the “how”, but the “why” behind each action, along with a video on the steps on how to burn sage to cleanse home safely.
Ensuring that you feel confident and connected as you clease your home’s energy.
FAQs
Why Should We Stop Using Palo Santo?
Palo Santo is being overharvested, and what was once a sacred and sustainable practice is now contributing to deforestation and environmental harm. These trees, native to South America, take decades to grow and mature.
The demand for Palo Santo has skyrocketed so much that it’s leading to illegal harvesting and unsustainable practices, threatening not just the forests but the very ecosystem that depends on them.
By continuing to use Palo Santo without thought, we’re not just buying a piece of wood—we’re buying into a system that is slowly stripping the planet of its precious resources.
And as spiritual beings, isn’t it our responsibility to honor and protect the earth that sustains us?
There are so many alternative ways to cleanse and heal, using herbs like sage, rosemary, or even local plants that grow in your region, all while being mindful of the impact we leave behind.
Does Palo Santo Smell Like Sage?
These two sacred tools are often used in cleansing rituals, but each carries a unique fragrance that sets it apart from the other.
Sage, for example, brings a grounding, earthy scent with strong herbal notes. It has this raw, almost ancient aroma that feels deeply connected to nature, perfect for creating a protective, purifying space.
On the other hand, Palo Santo offers something different. It’s like stepping into a warm, comforting forest. The scent is softer, sweeter, with an unmistakable woodsy base.
Both are beautiful in their own way, and choosing between them really depends on the energy you’re looking to invite into your space.
How to Use Palo Santo and Sage Together?
Wondering if you can burn sage and palo santo at the same time? Well, you can! There’s no “right” way to do it.
I personally did it without asking myself too much questions, and when combined, these two powerful cleansing tools amplify their purifying energies, bringing you a unique and deeply grounding experience.
You can light both a sage bundle and a palo santo stick simultaneously, letting their smoke intermingle as they work together to cleanse your environment. If you’re feeling creative, try using a smudge bowl with charcoal to burn them both.
As the smoke rises, visualize it carrying away any stagnant or negative energy, leaving your space refreshed and protected.
Remember that you can also mix loose herbs—like dried sage leaves and palo santo chips—together in an abalone shell or smudge pot.
Lighting this personal blend allows you to tailor the experience to your own intentions, whether that’s clearing your mind, protecting your home, or inviting a deeper sense of peace.
Where to Buy Sage and Palo Santo?
I’ve spent quite a bit of time exploring different places, and here’s what I’ve learned from my own journey on where to buy sage and palo santo.
I love supporting local shops whenever I can. There’s something special about walking into a small store that’s been thoughtfully curated, often filled with handcrafted goods and positive energy.
These places tend to offer more authentic, ethically sourced sage—plus, you get to support local artisans who truly care about their craft.
But I know that’s not always possible. We all lead busy lives, and sometimes it’s easier to shop online or find something more convenient.
That’s why I’ve taken the time to research and gather the best, most trustworthy options for purchasing sage directly on our site. I want you to feel confident that what you’re buying is not only high-quality but also sustainably sourced.
Because I don’t want to contribute to the deforestation issues surrounding Palo Santo’s harvest, I’ve made the decision not to sell it or recommend any sources. Preserving the integrity of these sacred plants is something I feel deeply about, and I hope you understand that commitment.
Get Your Cleansing Tools!
Ready to clear negative energy but don’t know where to begin? Explore our handpicked selection of cleansing tools designed to elevate your home’s energy.
Discover sage bundles, Palo Santo, crystals, and more—everything you need for a fresh start.
Conclusion: Palo Santo vs Sange Benefits
Both Sage and Palo Santo carry important benefits for cleansing and healing.
While sage is a powerful tool for clearing negative energies and inviting protection, palo santo offers a unique, grounding experience that can help with relaxation and focus.
However, as we become more aware of the impact these practices have on the environment, it’s essential to make conscious choices in our spiritual practices. By choosing sustainable options like sage over palo santo, we can honor the earth while still reaping the benefits of smudging.
Remember that there are many alternatives to palo santo, so don’t limit yourself to just one option.
Thank you for joining me on this journey towards a more mindful and connected spiritual practice. Stay tuned for more tips and insights on creating a truly holistic and harmonious home environment. You’re Divinely Guided!
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