Palo Santo is the nickname given to the wood of the Bursera graveolens tree that grows in the seasonally dry regions of South America. Stemming from Incan tradition, the fragrant sticks have been used for centuries to cleanse energy during rituals and ceremonies. It is also considered to have many medicinal benefits.
Translated as meaning “holy wood,” Palo Santo is used in a similar manner to sage smudging. It is often wafted around sacred spaces to neutralise or ‘reset’ the energy before a ceremony. This is said to help clear away any negativity that may be present, and create a harmonious environment for creativity and inner contemplation to take place.
The ritual of burning the sticks comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood, burned during spiritual ceremonies, is both medicinal and sacred. Palo Santo is said to show agitated and harmful energy the door, bring in positive healing energies, and allowing you to approach things with an unburdened mind (Siclait.)
Unfortunately, there is the risk that regular exposure to the smoke could irritate the lungs and may even cause long-term damage to the body, although this is yet to be verified in studies. This could potentially leave practitioners and enthusiastic advocates of Palo Santo rather vulnerable to future health risks with continued use.
Awake Healer’s 100% pure Palo Santo oil offers all of the benefits of the traditional wood but without the risks associated with burning the resinous substance. Harvested from Ecuador, our beautiful oil is guaranteed to be of the highest quality - supporting your needs, no matter how large or small they may be.
The oil can be used in any ceremonial setting to purify and attract positive energy, which will create the optimum environment for physical and spiritual healing. Simply add a few drops to an oil burner or a diffuser and let the uplifting fragrance of the scared substance raise the vibration of the space you are working with. A few drops of the oil can also be anointed to candles or an open flame as part of the purification process.
Practitioners, facilitators, healers and Shamans of every walk of life can use this oil to maintain pure, well-balanced energy within the containment they are working in. Palo Santo is also a fantastic tool for individuals looking to strengthen their practice of meditation, as this grounding oil can create a space that inspires a “deeper connection to your inner self, while increasing concentration and strengthening your bond with the earth (ModernOM)”
Much like our 100% Pure White Sage oil, the product can be applied directly to the fingertips and used to cleanse the environment by snapping your fingers around the room until the negative energy has been removed. It can also be used as part of an auric cleanse by applying a few drops onto your palms and then moving them around your body for as long as you feel necessary.
For a less intense purification process, this Palo Santo oil can also be used in combination with other essential oils to create unique, customisable blends for personal and group rituals and ceremonies.
Alongside its ceremonial benefits, Palo Santo essential oil also boasts many medicinal properties outside of its use in rituals and ceremonies. These include:
- Repelling mosquitos and other small, potentially harmful bugs.
According to a 2012 study (Monzote et al), palo santo essential oil is mainly composed of limonene, which is a substance known for its insecticide properties. However, research is needed to fully verify the authenticity of this claim. - Working as a form of pain relief.
A 2017 review (de Cassia et al) found that Palo Santo oil could theoretically possess both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Using the oil to soothe arthritis, as well as both joint and muscle tension could reduce and possibly alleviate the pain. - Reducing Stress
The very nature of its rich, grounding scent naturally inspires relaxation and recuperation for most individuals who are exposed to it. However, a recent study () also suggested that inhaling limonene, which is a compound found in Palo Santo, could relieve stress and anxiety as well.
Awake Healer ensures that their 100% pure Palo Santo oil is ethically sourced. We support inclusion and diversity within the healing community, and believe in creating meaningful reciprocity between ourselves and the indigenous people who grow and farm these products.
We can also verify that our Palo Santo is sourced from farmers who only harvest fallen branches as opposed to prematurely chopping them down. We also ensure that our product complies with current Palo Santo importation regulations.
References:
*De Cassia da Silveira E Sa R, Lima TC, da Nobrega FR, de Brito AEM, de Sousa DP. Analgesic-Like Activity of Essential Oil Constituents: An Update. Int J Mol Sci. 2017; 18 (12): 2392. Published 2017 Dec 9. Dos:10.3390/ijms18122392
*Lima NG, De Sousa DP, Pimenta FC, Alves MF, De Souza FS, Macedo RO, Cardoso RB, de Morais LC, Melo Diniz Mde F, de Almeida RN. Anxiolytic-like activity and GC-MS analysis of (R)-(+)-limonene fragrance, a natural compound found in foods and plants. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013 Jan;103(3):450-4. doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2012.09.005. Epub 2012 Sep 18. PMID: 22995322.
*ModernOM (2020) The Magic Of Palo Santo. viewed 16th March 2021, <https://www.modernom.co/
*Monzote L, Hill GM, Cuellar A, Scull R, Setzer WN. Chemical composition and anti-proliferative properties of Bursera graveolens essential oil. Nat Prod Commun. 2012 Nov;7(11):1531-4. PMID: 23285824.
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