We're always looking for new ways to relax, tap into our inner peace, and just practice self-care. Palo santo is a vintage source that's turning into more than just a new trend to accomplish all of the above. Palo santo is Spanish for "holy wood" and is found on a tree called Bursera graveolens that grows in South American countries like Peru and Ecuador. Incans traditionally believed the smoke that stems from the wood as it's burned during ceremonies had medicinal benefits. Today, whether you spray its scent from a perfume bottle, inhale it as an essential oil, or indulge in it from a candle, the benefits of palo santo are still very present.
The Benefits Of Using Palo Santo:
Shutterstock
Relax, Sis
Palo santo has been compared to sage for several reasons; one of them being that they both offer relaxing results. Palo santo is said to have cleansing properties that ward off negative energy when a stick of it is burned and waved.
Gets Rid Of The Common Cold
Like many essential oils, when palo santo oil is placed in hot water and inhaled, it can reduce symptoms of the common cold like inflammation and congestion. Here's a bonus: It can also relieve stomach aches, bloating, cramping, and nausea.
Headaches, Be Gone
Yes, palo santo oil has a reputation for reducing headaches when combined with a carrier oil and rubbed on the temple of your head. Even when put in a diffuser or rubbed as a stick, palo santo oil can serve as a natural remedy for headaches.
Move Back, Bugs
Who knew palo santo could also work as a bug repellant? Smudging palo santo keeps away pesky insects like mosquitoes - and because it doesn't include any toxic chemicals and products, it's harmless for you and the bugs. So, it's a win-win.
Sweet Sleep
The smoke that comes from smudging palo santo can help you get a good night's sleep with its therapeutic antidotes. Burning a little before bed can help your body relax and reduce stress, getting you ready for a much-needed solid night of rest.
How To Use Palo Santo:
Shutterstock
While palo santo comes with a nice handful of benefits, there are multiple ways you can use it to make sure it serves the purpose you really need. If you have an actual stick of palo santo, light it with a candle (pointing the tip 45 degrees down to the flame) and let it burn for roughly 30 seconds before blowing it out. You can then place it in a candle holder or keep it in your hand.
Smudging is another method to take advantage of palo santo to get rid of negative energy. Many people start at their front door and make their way through their space to cleanse the home of any unwanted vibes.
A Final Note About Palo Santo:
Shutterstock
Lastly, it's vital to note that the palo santo tree is on the endangered watch-list. The United Plant Savers Medical Plant Conservation has stated that there are less than 250 full-grown trees in the wild, and the amount continues to dip (but isn't heading for extinction yet).
It's also advised that palo santo and other trees that are popularly used for sage and smudging (i.e. white sage, sweetgrass, and cedar), are extremely sacred to the Indigenous community and should be used as more than a trend. One option is to purchase palo santo from a viable and ethical company and business that support farmers that harvest the herb.
Alternatives for palo santo that could have the same benefits include lavender, rosemary, European sage, juniper, mint, and dill.
Are you a member of our insiders' squad? Join us in the xoTribe Members Community today!
Featured image by Shutterstock
RELATED
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence
Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images
For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Leon Bennett/Getty Images
