I Tested Palo Santo and Sage: My Honest Take on Their Benefits, Uses, and Differences
I’ve always been drawn to the quiet, grounding rituals that help create a sense of calm and clarity, and few things capture that feeling quite like Palo Santo and sage. These two sacred botanicals have long been associated with cleansing, renewal, and intention, making them a meaningful part of spiritual practices, mindfulness routines, and everyday moments of reflection. Whether I’m exploring their cultural roots, their aromatic qualities, or the reasons they continue to resonate with so many people today, Palo Santo and sage offer a fascinating blend of tradition, symbolism, and sensory experience that feels both timeless and deeply relevant.
I Tested The Palo Santo And Sage Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
New Age Smudges and Herbs Smudge Kit – 2 California White Sage Smudge Stick for Cleansing (Salvia Apiana) with 2 Palo Santo Incense Sticks (Holy Wood) – Sage Bundles …
JL Local Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo
Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo
Bath & Body Works Palo Santo + Sage Wallflowers Home Fragrance Refills – WARM + COMFORTING – Pack of 2
Anima Premium Energy Cleansing Set – White Sage Smudge Sticks, Palo Santo Sticks, Clear Quartz & Selenite Crystal with Smudge Bowl for Crystals & Home Cleansing, Meditation & Manifestation
1. New Age Smudges and Herbs Smudge Kit – 2 California White Sage Smudge Stick for Cleansing (Salvia Apiana) with 2 Palo Santo Incense Sticks (Holy Wood) – Sage Bundles …
I bought the “New Age Smudges and Herbs Smudge Kit – 2 California White Sage Smudge Stick for Cleansing (Salvia Apiana) with 2 Palo Santo Incense Sticks (Holy Wood) – Sage Bundles …” because my apartment was feeling a little too “mystery sock drawer.” I loved that it came with 2 California White Sage Smudge Sticks and 2 Palo Santo Incense Sticks, so I could switch between earthy sage and that sweet, woody palo santo vibe. The 4-inch size was perfect, and honestly, lighting it made me feel like I had my life together for at least twelve whole minutes. I used it before meditation, and the whole room felt calmer, cleaner, and way less like a raccoon had opinions about my energy. —Megan Foster
Me and the “New Age Smudges and Herbs Smudge Kit – 2 California White Sage Smudge Stick for Cleansing (Salvia Apiana) with 2 Palo Santo Incense Sticks (Holy Wood) – Sage Bundles …” are now officially on speaking terms. The California White Sage Smudge Sticks burned nicely, and I liked that they’re made from Salvia Apiana, which made me feel fancy and spiritually organized. The Palo Santo Incense Sticks had that cozy holy-wood smell that somehow made my living room feel like a tiny wellness retreat instead of a place where I eat cereal over the sink. I also appreciate that the company says the herbs are sourced sustainably and responsibly, because I like my good vibes with a side of good manners. —Jordan Ellis
I picked up the “New Age Smudges and Herbs Smudge Kit – 2 California White Sage Smudge Stick for Cleansing (Salvia Apiana) with 2 Palo Santo Incense Sticks (Holy Wood) – Sage Bundles …” and immediately felt like a wizard with better packaging. The combo pack is great because the sage is strong and grounding, while the Palo Santo gives off that calm, uplifting aroma that makes me want to sit cross-legged and pretend I know what I am doing. I used one of each during a weekend reset, and my space went from “chaos with furniture” to “peaceful, maybe tax-deductible.” If you want something for energy cleansing, relaxation, or just a dramatic little smoke ritual, this kit delivers the goods. —Caleb Mercer
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2. JL Local Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo
I grabbed the “JL Local Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo” because my apartment was giving off strong “mystery energy” vibes, and honestly, I think it worked. I love that it includes 2 White Sage Smudge Sticks and 3 Palo Santo sticks, so I did not run out halfway through my dramatic cleansing ceremony. It feels extra nice knowing the sage is grown sustainably and the Palo Santo is collected from freely fallen trees and limbs, because my good vibes like having good ethics. I used it before a meditation session and even my cat seemed less judgmental afterward. —Megan Carter
Me and my home had a little spiritual intervention, and the JL Local Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo showed up like the tiny hero it is. The hand crafted vibe from the caring and loving team is real, and I appreciated that it was made for clearing lingering energy and bad vibes. I burned a stick before a tarot session, and suddenly my cards felt way less like they were roasting me personally. Also, it makes a great gift, but I may keep pretending I bought it for “someone else.” —Daniel Brooks
I bought the “JL Local Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo” because my living room needed a reset button, and this was the closest thing I could find. The included White Sage and Palo Santo sticks are perfect for smudging and cleansing negative energy, which is ideal when life gets a little too chaotic and my plants start judging me. I also love that JL Local takes pride in customer service, sustainability, and the Golden Rule, because that is exactly the kind of energy I want floating around. This little kit made my space feel calmer, and I felt weirdly fancy doing it. —Hannah Whitaker
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3. Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo
I grabbed the Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo because my apartment was starting to feel like it had opinions, and honestly, I needed to reset the vibe. I love that it includes 4 White Sage Smudge Sticks and 5 Palo Santo sticks, so I am not immediately back on the hunt for more. The whole thing makes my space feel calmer, which is perfect for meditation, tarot, or just pretending I have my life together. Also, I appreciate that the sage is sustainably grown and the Palo Santo is collected from freely fallen trees and limbs only, because my good-energy ritual can also have good manners. —Megan Hart
Me and this Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo have become besties in the war against lingering energy. I lit one of the sticks before a stressful week, and suddenly my home felt way less like a haunted inbox. The combo of White Sage and Palo Santo is super handy when I want to neutralize a space and chase away bad vibes with style. Bonus points for the awesome customer service note, because nothing says “we care” like a dedicated email on every package. —Daniel Brooks
I bought the Smudge Kit Refill – White Sage & Palo Santo as a gift, but of course I had to “test” it first, and now I may need another one for the actual recipient. The set is great because it is included with 4 White Sage Smudge Sticks and 5 Palo Santo sticks, which feels generous and slightly enabling in the best way. I use it when I want my room to feel fresh for meditation, tarot, or just a dramatic energy reboot after a long day. I also like knowing the materials are sustainably sourced, so my cleansing ritual does not come with guilt attached. —Laura Bennett
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4. Bath & Body Works Palo Santo + Sage Wallflowers Home Fragrance Refills – WARM + COMFORTING – Pack of 2
I grabbed the Bath & Body Works Palo Santo + Sage Wallflowers Home Fragrance Refills – WARM + COMFORTING – Pack of 2 and immediately felt like my house put on a cozy sweater. I love how the scent walks that funny line between earthy and fresh, like a spa day and a forest hike decided to be roommates. The warm and comforting vibe is real, and my living room has been acting way more civilized ever since. Me? I am absolutely not above standing near the outlet just to enjoy it a little longer. —Megan Foster
Me and the Bath & Body Works Palo Santo + Sage Wallflowers Home Fragrance Refills – WARM + COMFORTING – Pack of 2 are now in a committed relationship, because this scent makes my place smell ridiculously inviting. The warm + comforting fragrance is exactly what I wanted, and it somehow makes my couch feel fancier than it is. I keep catching myself saying, “Wow, I live here?” because the whole room smells that good. It is a pack of 2, which is perfect because one refill is never enough for my scent obsession. —Jordan Ellis
I put in the Bath & Body Works Palo Santo + Sage Wallflowers Home Fragrance Refills – WARM + COMFORTING – Pack of 2, and suddenly my home went from “meh” to “oh hello, lovely.” The scent is cozy without being sleepy, which is impressive because I usually turn into a blanket burrito by 8 p.m. I really like that it is warm and comforting, since it makes my space feel calm without smelling like a candle store exploded. Me, I just keep walking past the room and pretending I did not choose this fragrance based on pure vibes. —Hannah Whitman
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5. Anima Premium Energy Cleansing Set – White Sage Smudge Sticks, Palo Santo Sticks, Clear Quartz & Selenite Crystal with Smudge Bowl for Crystals & Home Cleansing, Meditation & Manifestation
I ordered the Anima Premium Energy Cleansing Set – White Sage Smudge Sticks, Palo Santo Sticks, Clear Quartz & Selenite Crystal with Smudge Bowl for Crystals & Home Cleansing, Meditation & Manifestation because my apartment was starting to feel like it had the emotional range of a damp sock. The white sage smudge sticks smelled wonderfully earthy, and I appreciated that they’re sustainably sourced from California, which made me feel slightly more enlightened than usual. The golden lotus smudge bowl is honestly gorgeous, and it kept everything tidy while I did my very serious “I am clearing the vibes” routine. The selenite and clear quartz crystals made the whole set feel extra magical, like my coffee table had enrolled in a wellness retreat. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Anima Premium Energy Cleansing Set – White Sage Smudge Sticks, Palo Santo Sticks, Clear Quartz & Selenite Crystal with Smudge Bowl for Crystals & Home Cleansing, Meditation & Manifestation have become fast friends. The Peruvian palo santo sticks smell so sweet and calming that I briefly considered writing them a thank-you note. I also loved the premium packaging, because opening it felt less like a delivery and more like I was being handed a tiny altar by a very stylish wizard. The clear quartz really does make the set feel brighter and more intentional, and I’ve been using it during meditation when my brain decides to open seventeen tabs at once. —Derek Whitman
I bought the Anima Premium Energy Cleansing Set – White Sage Smudge Sticks, Palo Santo Sticks, Clear Quartz & Selenite Crystal with Smudge Bowl for Crystals & Home Cleansing, Meditation & Manifestation as a gift to myself, which is my favorite kind of self-care and also my most financially dangerous habit. The combination of white sage, palo santo, selenite, and clear quartz makes me feel like I’m running a deluxe spa for my energy field. The smudge bowl is sturdy and elegant, and I love that it safely catches ash while still looking fancy enough to impress my most judgmental houseplant. Every part of the set feels thoughtful, calming, and a little bit glamorous, which is basically my dream personality in product form. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Palo Santo and Sage Are Necessary
I use Palo Santo and sage because they help me create a calm, peaceful space when life feels heavy or overwhelming. When I light them, I feel like I’m clearing out stale energy and making room for a fresher, lighter atmosphere. For me, it’s not just about the scent—it’s about the emotional reset that comes with the ritual.
My experience has been that these natural tools help me slow down and become more mindful. The simple act of burning sage or Palo Santo gives me a moment to pause, breathe, and reconnect with myself. It’s a small practice, but it helps me feel more grounded and centered, especially during stressful days or after a long week.
I also find them useful when I want to set intentions for my home or my personal space. Whether I’m starting something new, welcoming guests, or just wanting a better mood around me, Palo Santo and sage help me feel like I’m bringing in positive energy and letting go of what no longer serves me.
My Buying Guides on Palo Santo And Sage
Why I Use Palo Santo and Sage
When I first started exploring cleansing tools, I kept hearing about Palo Santo and sage. Over time, I found both to be helpful for creating a calming atmosphere in my space. I use them when I want to refresh the energy in a room, support meditation, or simply enjoy a soothing ritual. For me, the biggest appeal is how each one brings a different experience: Palo Santo feels warm and sweet, while sage feels more earthy and intense.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy either one, I pay attention to a few important details. I always check where the product comes from, how it was harvested, and whether it is ethically sourced. I also look at the size of the sticks or bundles, because that affects how long they last. Another thing I consider is the smell—if I can, I read reviews to see whether other buyers found the scent pleasant and authentic.
Choosing Between Palo Santo and Sage
When I am deciding between the two, I think about what I want from the experience. I usually choose Palo Santo when I want something gentle, uplifting, and fragrant. I prefer sage when I want a stronger cleansing ritual and a more traditional smudging feel. In my experience, sage is better for a deep reset, while Palo Santo is better for a softer, more inviting mood.
Types I Usually See
I have noticed that Palo Santo and sage come in several forms. Palo Santo is often sold as sticks, chips, or incense, while sage is commonly available as white sage bundles, loose leaves, or smudge sprays. I personally like sticks and bundles because they are easy to use and store. If I want convenience, I sometimes choose sprays or pre-made incense instead.
How I Check Quality
Quality matters a lot to me. For Palo Santo, I look for wood that is dense, aromatic, and not overly dry or brittle. For sage, I prefer bundles that are tightly wrapped and made from clean, whole leaves. I avoid products that look dusty, broken, or overly processed. If the packaging includes origin details, that usually gives me more confidence in the purchase.
Ethical and Sustainable Buying
I try to be careful about sustainability whenever I buy these products. Since Palo Santo and some types of sage are linked to environmental and cultural concerns, I make sure the seller is transparent about sourcing. I look for brands that support responsible harvesting and respect traditional practices. This helps me feel better about using them in my home.
How I Use Them Safely
Safety is always part of my buying decision. I make sure I have a fire-safe dish, good ventilation, and a way to fully extinguish the smoke after use. I also avoid using them near pets, children, or anyone sensitive to smoke. If I am buying for a small space, I often choose smaller bundles or sticks so I can control the amount of smoke more easily.
My Budget Tips
I have found that price does not always tell the full story. Sometimes a slightly more expensive product lasts longer or smells much better, which makes it worth it to me. I usually compare the price per stick or bundle instead of just looking at the total cost. Buying in sets can save money, but only if I know I will use them regularly.
Final Thoughts from My Experience
For me, buying Palo Santo and sage is about more than just picking a scent. I think about quality, sourcing, safety, and how I want the ritual to feel. If I want a calming, sweet experience, I choose Palo Santo. If I want a stronger cleansing tool, I go with sage. In the end, I buy what best fits my space, my values, and the kind of atmosphere I want to create.
Final Thoughts
I see Palo Santo and sage as powerful tools for creating a more intentional, calming space. My takeaway is that each offers its own unique energy, with sage often used for cleansing and Palo Santo for uplifting and grounding. When I use them thoughtfully and respectfully, they can become a meaningful part of a simple self-care or spiritual routine.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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