If you follow our Instagram @b.less.store you’ve probably already noticed that we are absolutely in love with Palo Santo. So what is so special about this wood? 

 In Spanish, Palo Santo literally means “holy wood”, and it has been used for centuries by shamans in South America. In recent years it has become increasingly popular in the western world, where it is widely used during meditation or yoga practice, for space cleansing, or spiritual healing. 

It has a unique smell and a very nice texture. The process (or rather ritual) of Palo Santo burning is very meditative and calming. It combines the smell, warmth, light of the fire, and tactile contact with the wood. 

Palo Santo wood sticks as we know them are not taken from the green cut trees. In order to get the full benefit of the tree, it should be left to die naturally and here its journey only starts.

Before harvesting Palo Santo, the tree must rest on the forest floor for four to ten years.

This is the time when the resin forms and the scent associated with Palo Santo is born. Harvesting this way remains ethical and sustainable, and this is how it is done by our suppliers and their partners.

Our Palo Santo wood is sourced from forests in Peru and Ecuador, where you can find both naturally grown and replanted Palo Santo. This ensures the sustainability of the harvesting and ensures supply for the future. Skilled foresters tag the downed tree, make a note of its age and location. When the necessary time has passed, the wood is collected, transported to the village, and cut into small sticks. Later, packed in carton boxes, they are shipped to Europe. 

This is how the “holy wood” goes to our hands, and then to you as a part of our Incense bowl set.