White sage was used in North American tribes, while Palo Santo was more often used in Central and South America. The materials are both considered to have cleansing properties but are used slightly differently.u003cbr/u003eIn Spanish, the words palo santo literally mean “holy wood.” Harvested from the fallen branches and twigs of the tree found throughout South America, Palo Santo was used in ceremonies to combat negative energy and cleanse a space. Use Palo Santo when you want to move negative energy out of your home and surroundings. Energy healer Durek compares burning Palo Santo to “psychic bug spray.”u003cbr/u003eCalifornia white sage has been used by Native American tribes for rituals and prayers to bring balance and peace to a space and fresh energy into your life.