Palo Santo and Sandalwood are often mentioned together when talking about incense or natural wood for your rituals. For many years, these two have been used in spiritual rituals, healing practices, and meditation. Therefore, it is common to hear people ask questions like, “Is Sandalwood the same as Palo Santo?” and “Can Sandalwood be used instead of Palo Santo to cleanse the aura?”
At Help Us Green, we create environmentally friendly incense that showcases the specialties of these special woods. Our Palo Santo and Sandalwood offer natural fragrance with an intention. This blog will cover the difference between Palo Santo and Sandalwood, where they originate from, their particular scents, and their differences in use for spiritual purposes, as well as how they may be used in modern rituals.
Palo Santo vs Sandalwood: Origins and Traditions
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Feature |
Palo Santo |
Sandalwood |
|
Origin |
Native to South America, mainly Peru & Ecuador |
Native to India, Australia & Southeast Asia |
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Tree Type |
Bursera Graveolens (Holy Wood) |
Santalum Album (true sandalwood) |
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Traditional Use |
Used by shamans for cleansing negative energy and meditation |
Used in Ayurveda, temples, and rituals for calming the mind and body |
So, to answer directly: Is Palo Santo Sandalwood? No, they are not the same trees.
Palo Santo vs Sandalwood Smell
The first thing incense lovers will notice is the aroma.
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For Palo Santo, the scent is sweet, citrusy, with notes of pine and mint. It is refreshing and uplifting.
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While the smell of Sandalwood is warm, creamy, and woody, it's grounding and calming.
If you have ever questioned yourself about the thoughts about "What do Palo Santo and Sandalwood smell like?", think of Palo Santo as bright and energizing, and the Sandalwood is soothing and meditative. All of these aromas are featured in our Help Us Green Incense Palo Santo and Sandalwood in a natural, eco-friendly way.
To find out the difference, try first our Help Us Green Sandalwood Incense Sticks, which spreads aroma like Magic.
What Are the Benefits of Palo Santo and Sandalwood?
Both woods have a history and healing quality.
Benefits of Palo Santo:
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Cleanses negative energy
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Improves focus and meditation
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Naturally repels mosquitoes
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Relieves stress with its uplifting scent
Benefits of Sandalwood:
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Calms anxiety/restlessness
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Used in Ayurveda for cooling and skin healing
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Deepens meditation and prayer
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Encourages sleep
Can Sandalwood Be Used Instead of Palo Santo?
“It is a common question, “Can Sandalwood be used instead of Palo Santo to cleanse the aura”?
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Yes and no. Sandalwood has calming qualities and is deeply spiritual, but Palo Santo is traditionally used directly for cleaning a space of negative energy.
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If you are looking for aura cleansing, Palo Santo is the stronger option. If you are looking for grounding and peace, Sandalwood is wonderful.
That being said, you can definitely use them in a combined ritual. Discover the warm essence of our Help Us Green Sandalwood Dhoop Cones - perfect for relaxing and bringing down the space.
Interesting Facts About Palo Santo and Sandalwood
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Sustainability is important - Palo Santo trees are harvested after they have fallen naturally and matured for years. True Sandalwood can take decades to grow, and therefore, sustainable harvesting is critical.
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Sacred status - Palo Santo is called “Holy Wood” in Spanish. Sandalwood remains sacred in Hindu and Buddhist beliefs.
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Incense Blends - At Help Us Green, our Paolo Incense sticks, as well as sandalwood, are the best of both worlds. They provide fragrance with a purpose. And, they come in Earth-friendly packaging.
Palo Santo Wood vs Sandalwood: Which Should You Choose?
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Choice |
Best For |
Why Choose |
|
Palo Santo Wood |
Cleansing aura, uplifting meditation |
Strong purification properties, refreshing citrusy aroma |
|
Sandalwood |
Relaxation, grounding rituals |
Calming, warm, and spiritual scent |
Ultimately, you get to make a choice. If you want to cleanse negative thoughts, then pick Palo Santo. If you want peace and calm, then go with Sandalwood.
Final Thoughts
The discussion of Palo Santo vs Sandalwood doesn't have a winner - there is only what you are seeking. Both unique aromas have benefits, and both have a sacred cultural background.
At Help Us Green, we honor these traditions with our sustainable incense sticks, which are crafted to provide you with the pure essence of nature while elevating eco-friendly practices. Whether you choose Palo Santo, Sandalwood, or a combo of both, your journey will always have meaning.
FAQs
Q1: What is the difference between Palo Santo and Sandalwood?
Palo Santo is considered sacred wood in South America for clearing negative energy, while Sandalwood is a tree from India that is calming and grounding.
Q2: Can Sandalwood be used instead of Palo Santo to cleanse the aura?
Sandalwood is calming, but, traditionally, Palo Santo is superior for clearing; however, it can always be used in combination for that effect.
Q3: Are Sandalwood and Palo Santo the same trees?
No, Palo Santo comes from the Bursera Graveolens tree, while Sandalwood comes from the Santalum Album tree.
Q4: What do Palo Santo and Sandalwood smell like?
Palo Santo has a scent that is citrusy and slightly minty, and Sandalwood has a warm, creamy, and woody scent.
Q5: What are the benefits of Palo Santo and Sandalwood incense?
Sandalwood promotes relaxation, spiritual focus, and relieves stress, and Palo Santo is for cleansing negative energy.
