Lignum vitae

In the Yoruba religion and, more frequently in Palo Mayombe, palo santo is used primarily for spiritual cleansing, the purification of spaces, and the manipulation of energies. It is used for smudging to eliminate negative vibrations, attract good luck, and in rituals of control or protection, being a sacred wood for its ability to harmonize the environment.

• Cleansing and Purification: It is burned (smudged) to cleanse homes, businesses, or people of dense energies, envy, or spiritual heaviness.
• Palo Mayombe (Paleros): In this branch, the use of different types of sticks (including "palo santo") is essential for preparing the nganga (ritual cauldron) and working with spirits.
• Rituals of Dominion or Protection: Its use is mentioned to control or influence situations, sometimes grinding it into powder to use it in spiritual workings, or to break witchcraft.
• Harmonization: It is used to calm the atmosphere after arguments or to raise the spiritual vibration of a place.