Incorporating Palo Santo chips into potpourri can bring a warm, grounding aroma profile to your living space.
However, it’s important to approach this practice with care and attention to detail.
Table of Contents
Sourcing and Selection
Before you begin, ensure that the Palo Santo chips you plan to use are ethically and sustainably sourced.
Palo Santo trees must be allowed to mature and rest on forest floors for several years after their natural death before they’re harvested. Look for reputable suppliers that support responsible forestry practices and respect cultural traditions.
High-quality Palo Santo chips will have a delicate, woody fragrance and a light, natural color.
Preparation and Mixing
As a base, you might include dried rose petals, lavender buds, orange peels, cinnamon sticks, or other aromatic ingredients. Carefully break your Palo Santo chips into smaller pieces if needed, then evenly distribute them throughout the mixture.
When adding Palo Santo to your potpourri, start small. Its scent is subtle yet distinct, so a few chips will generally suffice. The key is to achieve balance: too few chips may be undetectable, but too many could overpower the blend’s other aromas.
Blending Techniques
To help the fragrance mingle, gently toss the mixture by hand or use a wooden spoon, taking care not to crush delicate flowers or herbs. Aim for a layered complexity.
Consider pairing Palo Santo with complementary scents—such as earthy cedar, gentle chamomile, or sweet citrus—to create a well-rounded profile. The earthy, resinous notes of Palo Santo often pair beautifully with bright, clean scents, resulting in a soothing environment without a single element dominating.
Placement and Maintenance
Your finished potpourri should be displayed in a suitable container—ideally something breathable like a wooden bowl or a ceramic dish that allows the fragrances to naturally diffuse. Avoid direct sunlight and sources of intense heat, as these can dry out your potpourri too quickly and diminish its aroma. Find a quiet corner of your home or workplace where the scent can subtly infuse the air, rather than overwhelm it.
Over time, you may notice the fragrance of your potpourri begins to fade. To refresh it, gently stir the mixture to release the scent trapped in the lower layers. If needed, you can lightly mist it with warm water—just enough to revitalize the aroma without creating a damp environment that might encourage mold or mildew. Keep a close eye on your mixture; if any ingredients begin to smell off or show signs of decay, remove them promptly.
