Palo Santo – Where Does It Come From and What Is It?
Palo Santo is the popular name for wood that comes from the Bursera graveolens tree. It grows in South America and usually reaches Europe in the form of cut sticks, powder, or oil. The name literally translates to “holy wood.” The classical use of this wood is associated with energy cleansing, and the rituals stem from the ceremonial traditions of the Incas. Supposedly, during spiritual ceremonies, the smoke rising from smoldering Palo Santo can have healing properties.
The wood from Bursera graveolens is considered sacred among many local cultures of the South American region. Its pleasant scent makes it one of the world’s most sought-after incense products. It’s worth adding that the tree species we are discussing above is not on the list of endangered species. However, Bulnesia sarmientoi, a similar tree also called holy, indeed is on such a list.
What are the benefits of Palo Santo? The product is mainly used in the form of essential oils or burned like other types of incense. For centuries, the wood has been utilized during various spiritual ceremonies, as well as in aromatherapy. Interestingly, it often appears as an ingredient in incense used in Catholic churches around the world.
The Major Benefits of Palo Santo – Why Should You Use It?
Regardless of the form in which we use Palo Santo, this ceremonial incense has many very useful benefits. Remember, it is available not only in the form of sticks for burning. There is also a special version of powdered Palo Santo, as well as an essential oil based on the plant. The most important benefits of this product include:
Concentrated Source of Antioxidants
Palo Santo oil is a rich source of antioxidants. As a result, it is effective in combating damage caused by free radicals (also known as oxidative stress). Additionally, this product soothes stomach pains, fights stress, reduces pains caused by arthritis, and treats many other ailments. The global medical community is also interested in the oil due to its potential use in cancer therapy.
Detoxification and Immune Support
Palo Santo can support the immune system, regulating its improper functioning. The active substance, limonene, is a bioactive component that shows anti-inflammatory and purifying effects. The incense also contains chemical compounds that, in clinical studies, show targeted action against cancer cells.
Antidepressant and Stress Reducer
Palo Santo oil has grounding and focusing properties. Thus, it can be considered natural support in the battle against stress, anxiety, or depression. Inhaling the vapors from the incense directly affects the brain, where it activates the body’s relaxation responses. This reduces anxiety, facilitates falling asleep, and allows for relaxation.
Headache Relief
As we’ve mentioned, inhaling smoke from Palo Santo actively works on the brain. As a result, it can release headache pain, including migraine attacks. By increasing blood flow, it relieves pain caused by stress and nervous situations. The oil can also be rubbed into the neck to alleviate intracranial tension as well.
Insect and Mosquito Repellent
Burning Palo Santo as incense can also protect against pesky insects. If you struggle with mosquitoes in your home during the summer, try smudging the room. Meanwhile, the oil mixed with water can be an effective repellent to use directly on the skin.
Where to Buy Original Palo Santo?
It should be emphasized that with the rise in popularity of Palo Santo, there has been a lot of fraud online. Sellers often sell other sticks that have nothing to do with the Bursera graveolens tree. It’s worth noting that genuine Palo Santo may be harder to access, as, for example, in Ecuador, the cutting of this holy tree is banned.
It’s somewhat easier in the case of essential oil, as it can also be obtained from fallen or previously cut trees. Although in this case too, many South American countries limit access to forests for the purpose of raw material collection.
What to look out for when buying Palo Santo? Do not buy cheap sticks or oils, which likely have nothing to do with the original product. Since real Palo Santo is harder to access, its price must be somewhat higher.
Palo Santo – Holy Wood – Spiritual Use
Palo Santo wards off negative attitudes, destroys spiritual and emotional obstacles, and simultaneously attracts luck. To enjoy the spiritual meaning of the stick, light its tip until it flames. Then, wait for the fire to extinguish on its own, and the stick will gently smolder, releasing soothing smoke. If the gray-blue smoke begins to fade, you can gently blow on the incense’s tip.
How to use Palo Santo for cleansing spaces, objects, and people? Perform slow, coordinated, and thoughtful movements and gestures. Carrying the incense around the area to be cleansed is a good method. You can also spin around or smudge individual elements with gentle back-and-forth motions. Let the incense smoke spread well throughout the area.
The spiritual use of Palo Santo takes on new meaning if you define your intention during the ceremony. Simple words and thoughts are enough to gradually push away negative thoughts and emotions. Over time, they will give way to kindness and purity.
The ritual of smudging with Palo Santo is also a good time for prayer to gods or an attempt to connect with the spiritual world. Using the incense, you can try to emotionally connect with ancestors, spiritual guides, or guardian angels.
If you’re using powdered Palo Santo instead of sticks, you can mix the powder with other herbs. Together they will create a unique atmosphere, and the deep scent of Palo Santo will bring bliss and relaxation.
Do you meditate? Palo Santo expands awareness and allows you to enjoy pure thoughts during meditation. However, moderation in burning the incense is recommended, as its scent may be too intense for some.
Buy Palo Santo and Discover Its Properties
If you want to try the best quality Palo Santo, check out the ground version, which you can successfully add to a herb mix. This product allows you to enjoy the natural fragrance and a range of benefits of the wonderful plant. Also, try the oil, which perfectly works as an addition to diffusers and body balms.
