Palo Santo and White Sage are two commonly used plants in spiritual and healing practices. While both are known for their cleansing properties, they are unique in their own ways. In this blog, we will explain the differences between Palo Santo and White Sage.
What is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo is a sacred wood that comes from the Bursera graveolens tree, which is native to South America. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people in their spiritual and healing practices. The wood is believed to have cleansing and purifying properties that help to clear negative energy and attract positive energy.
Palo Santo is typically burned as incense or smudging stick, and the smoke is used to cleanse a person, space or object. It has a sweet, warm, and woodsy aroma, with notes of pine, mint, and lemon. Palo Santo is often used in shamanic ceremonies and as a tool for meditation, relaxation, and emotional healing.
What is White Sage?
White Sage, also known as Salvia apiana, is a plant that is native to North America. It has been used for centuries by indigenous people in their spiritual and healing practices. The plant is believed to have cleansing and purifying properties that help to clear negative energy and attract positive energy.
White Sage is typically burned as an incense or smudging stick, and the smoke is used to cleanse a person, space or object. It has a strong, earthy, and herbaceous aroma, with notes of eucalyptus, camphor, and mint. White Sage is often used in Native American ceremonies and as a tool for meditation, purification, and spiritual connection.
Differences between Palo Santo and White Sage
While both Palo Santo and White Sage are used for cleansing and purifying, there are some key differences between the two:
-
Source: Palo Santo comes from the Bursera graveolens tree, which is native to South America, while White Sage is a plant that is native to North America.
-
Aroma: Palo Santo has a sweet, warm, and woodsy aroma, with notes of pine, mint, and lemon, while White Sage has a strong, earthy, and herbaceous aroma, with notes of eucalyptus, camphor, and mint.
-
Cultural context: Palo Santo is often used in shamanic and South American spiritual practices, while White Sage is often used in Native American spiritual practices.
-
Sustainability: Due to over-harvesting, Palo Santo has become a threatened species, while White Sage is abundant and easy to grow.
After all, White Sage is mostly used to cleanse negative energy of a room, a person or an object and Palo Santo is used to fill this space then again with positivity.
Which one should you choose?
Both Palo Santo and White Sage have their own unique properties and benefits, so the choice ultimately depends on personal preference and cultural context. It's important to note that when using these plants, it's essential to source them from ethical and sustainable sources like we do at CALA essentials. We recommend to use both in combination with each other. To cleanse a space of negative spirits first and then fill it with positivity.
Palo Santo and White Sage are next to Gem Stones two very powerful tools for spiritual and healing practices. They offer different aromas, cultural contexts, and sustainability factors, but both are effective in clearing negative energy and attracting positive energy. By incorporating these plants into your spiritual journey, you can create a more grounded and peaceful environment.