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← The JournalFrom the Owner · July 21, 2026

How to Burn Sage & Palo Santo Safely: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Burn Sage & Palo Santo Safely: Step-by-Step GuideShop White Sage 7 Chakra Rose Petal Smudge Stick — $7.00 →

To burn sage, hold the bundle at a 45-degree angle and light the tip until it catches. Blow out the flame so it smolders. Keep a fireproof dish underneath, open a window, and press the tip into the dish or sand to put it out.

How to Burn Sage, Step by Step

  1. Hold the sage bundle at a 45-degree angle and light the tip until it catches.
  2. Blow out the flame so the bundle smolders and gives off smoke.
  3. Keep a fireproof dish underneath to catch any ash, and open a window so the room is ventilated.
  4. When you are finished, press the tip into the dish or into sand until it is completely out.

Looking for sage? Browse our white sage and smudge sticks, Dragon’s Blood Sage, palo santo and incense. Visit us at 1396 Fulton St in Brooklyn or order online; we ship nationwide.

One of the most beautiful things about owning Nicholas Brooklyn is watching how people create peace for themselves.

Some people come in looking for herbs.

Some come in looking for books.

Some come in looking for answers.

And a whole lot of people come in looking for sage, palo santo, or incense.

I’ve watched customers walk through our doors stressed from work, overwhelmed by life, or simply looking to create a better atmosphere at home. Many of them are searching for ways to slow down, reset, and be more intentional with the spaces they live in.

That’s where products like sage, palo santo, and incense often come into the conversation.

Creating an Atmosphere That Feels Good

Let’s be honest.

Life can be noisy.

Between work, social media, family responsibilities, bills, and everything else going on in the world, sometimes we just need a moment to ourselves.

For some people, lighting a candle does that.

For others, it’s making a cup of tea.

And for many of our customers, it’s lighting sage, palo santo, or their favorite incense and taking a few moments to breathe.

White Sage: A Nicholas Brooklyn Staple

If you’ve ever visited our store, you’ve probably seen bundles of white sage near the register.

White sage has been one of our most popular products for years.

People use it for all kinds of reasons:

  • Before meditation
  • Before prayer
  • Moving into a new home
  • Starting a new business
  • Creating a peaceful atmosphere
  • Marking a fresh beginning

Some people call it cleansing. Some call it blessing a space. Others simply enjoy the aroma and the ritual.

Whatever your reason, white sage remains one of the most requested products in our store.

Dragon’s Blood Sage: For Those Who Want Something Different

Once people become familiar with white sage, many eventually discover Dragon’s Blood Sage.

Dragon’s Blood Sage combines white sage with Dragon’s Blood resin, creating a richer, deeper aroma.

Customers often tell me they love the scent because it feels stronger, earthier, and more grounding. It’s one of those products that people usually come back for once they’ve tried it.

Palo Santo: A Completely Different Experience

Palo Santo is one of those products that surprises people.

Many customers expect it to smell like sage. It doesn’t.

Palo Santo has a warm, slightly sweet, woodsy scent that’s completely different from the sharp herbal aroma of sage.

Some people prefer sage. Some people prefer palo santo. And some people keep both at home and use whichever one matches the mood they’re in that day.

The good news is there’s no wrong answer.

Don’t Forget About Incense

Incense has been used throughout cultures around the world for thousands of years.

One thing I love about incense is the variety. Some customers love floral scents. Some love sandalwood. Some love patchouli. Some want something sweet, while others want something earthy and grounding.

The beautiful thing is that incense allows you to personalize your space in a way that feels unique to you.

A Few Safety Tips

No matter what you’re burning, safety always comes first.

  • Never leave burning products unattended.
  • Keep away from children and pets.
  • Burn in a well-ventilated area.
  • Use a heat-safe dish or holder.
  • Make sure everything is completely extinguished when finished.

What Do I Recommend?

People ask me all the time: “Monique, what should I start with?”

My answer is always the same.

Start with whatever speaks to you.

If you want something traditional, try white sage. If you enjoy warm, woodsy scents, try palo santo. If you want endless fragrance options, explore incense.

There isn’t a right or wrong choice. The goal is simply to create a space that feels peaceful, intentional, and welcoming to you.

Visit Us at Nicholas Brooklyn

For more than 50 years, Nicholas Brooklyn has been a place where people come to learn, explore, connect, and discover products that support their personal wellness journey.

Whether you’re looking for white sage, Dragon’s Blood Sage, palo santo sticks, incense, herbs, books, fragrance oils, or simply a conversation, we’re always happy to help.

Because sometimes creating peace starts with something as simple as changing the energy of the space around you.

Shopping in Brooklyn? Our incense shop and metaphysical and crystal shop pages show what is on our shelves. To shop by product, see our smudge sticks, palo santo sticks incense sticks, frankincense resin and prayer candles essential oils and crystals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to burn sage indoors? Yes, if you take basic precautions. Open a window so the room is ventilated, keep a fireproof dish underneath the bundle, and never leave it burning unattended. Keep it away from children and pets, and make sure it is completely extinguished when you are finished.

How do I put out a sage bundle? Press the lit tip firmly into your fireproof dish or into a bed of sand until the smoke stops. Make sure it is completely out before you walk away. Never leave a smoldering bundle unattended, and keep it away from children and pets.

What is the difference between sage and palo santo? Palo santo has a warm, slightly sweet, woodsy scent that is completely different from the sharp herbal aroma of sage. Many people expect it to smell like sage, and it does not. Some people prefer one, and some keep both at home and choose whichever matches the mood that day.

What is Dragon’s Blood Sage? Dragon’s Blood Sage combines white sage with Dragon’s Blood resin, creating a richer, deeper aroma. Customers often describe it as stronger, earthier and more grounding. It is burned the same way as a regular sage bundle, with a fireproof dish and a window open.

Why do people burn sage, palo santo or incense? People use them before meditation, before prayer, when moving into a new home, when starting a new business, to create a peaceful atmosphere, or to mark a fresh beginning. Some call it cleansing or blessing a space, and others simply enjoy the aroma and the ritual.


Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary.

— Monique Nicholas, Owner