Palo Santo Sticks, from

Palo Santo is also known as "Holy Wood" or "Sacred Tree". It is used in religious rituals throughout Peru. The wood is highly aromatic and is burned in churches in the same manner that Frankincense and Myrrh are burned in churches in Europe. Palo Santo was first known to be used by the Incas for purification and cleansing, aid against misfortune and for clearing an area of negative spirits. It is often used in Ayahuasca ceremonies. Palo Santo is a protected species in South America and is usually harvested by collecting fallen branches. This is closely monitored by the government. This creates a limited supply, but also ensures its survival for use by the indigenous people.