Palo santo: what it is, what it is for and how to use it

This is a complete guide to this sacred wood, from what Palo Santo is to its practical application, with proper care

If there is one aromatic substance that has gained popularity in recent years, it is Palo Santo. Translated from Spanish as “sacred wood” or “pau santo”, it is a product used by various cultures over the centuries for its therapeutic and spiritual properties.

Native to regions of South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador and parts of the Andean region, the Palo Santo is known for its calming aroma and therapeutic properties.

This is a complete guide to this sacred wood, from what Palo Santo is to its practical application, with proper care.

What is Palo Santo?

Palo Santo is a tree of the species Bursera graveolensAlso known as Hollywood Bursera. Belonging to the Burseraceae family, this tree is found mainly in the tropical and subtropical areas of South America.

The term is often associated with the dry wood of this tree, used in various ritual and medicinal practices. But there are other ways of presentation and use, as we will see below.

Besides yours therapeutic properties and traditional uses, palo santo shares a significant botanical link with other aromatic resins known for millennia, such as frankincense and myrrh, all belonging to the Burseraceae family.

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Origins of Palo Santo

Palo Santo is native to regions of South America, particularly Peru, Ecuador and parts of the Andean region. Therefore, its roots are deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of these places and have been highly appreciated by indigenous communities for centuries.

Its origins in the rich Andean biodiversity contribute to the mysticism and respect that surround its use.

During the time of the Inca, a civilization known for its rich spirituality and connection to nature, the palo santo oil it was much appreciated.

Extracted from this sacred wood, the oil was used in rituals to cleanse and purify the spirit, believing it ward off negative energyit promoted healing and facilitated a deeper connection with the divine.

However, its popularity has grown internationally as more and more people have sought natural alternatives to promote health and well-being.

What is Palo Santo for?

Palo Santo is widely used for its aromatic and therapeutic properties. This is because the smoke produced by burning wood has purifying, energizing and calming effects.

In this sense, see the main uses:

• Energy Cleaning Energy: Palo santo is often burned as incense to purify and energetically purify environments, creating an atmosphere of peace and serenity.
• Increases concentration: Its delicate aroma helps improve concentration and mental clarity, being a precious ally in meditation and study practices.
• Relieve stress: Calming properties offer a natural environment against stress and anxiety, promoting a state of relaxation.

Components and aroma

Palo Santo wood, especially if aged, reveals a complex chemical composition and is rich in terpenessuch as limonene and α-terpineol.

• Limonene: Known for its refreshing citrus aroma, limonene has mood-enhancing effects and antiseptic properties.
• α-terpineol: This terpene offers a delicate floral aroma and has calming properties, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

The presence of these terpenes contributes to the characteristic and pleasant aroma, and also plays a crucial role in its therapeutic properties.

Therefore, they are one of the main responsible for effectiveness purification rituals and wellness practices, which offer benefits ranging from improved concentration to stress relief.

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How to use Palo Santo?

Although most people know the dry burning wood, There are several ways to use Palo Santo to enjoy its benefits. I wait:

Burning of chips

We can light the chips lightly to release their aromatic smoke, then use them to purify spaces, objects and individuals and create an environment conducive to meditation, prayer and other spiritual practices.

Incense

Palo santo in the form of sticks is a traditional method for purifying environments and attracting positive energy. In this sense, these incenseoften combined with other natural materials to facilitate combustion, they allow for a more controlled and uniform release of smoke and aroma.

Essential oils:

Extracted from wood, Essential oil of palo santo concentrates its healing properties, being used in Aromatherapy for purification and relaxation. Use in diffusers to aromatize rooms or topically, in appropriate dilution.

To smoke:

We can also use palo santo sticks in greater quantities to smoke environments, a practice that aims to purify the space of stagnant or negative energies.

How to burn Palo Santo

To burn Palo Santo effectively, follow a few simple steps:

• First, make sure you have a safe, non-flammable surface to place the wood on while it burns, such as a plate or ceramic container.
• Then, light one end of the wood with a match or lighter and let it burn for a few seconds before blowing on the flame to create smoke.
• You can then move the wood around the area you want to clean or purify, allowing the smoke to spread throughout the room.

Where to buy Palo Santo

We can find palo santo in esoteric product shops, natural herb shops, yoga and meditation shops, as well as online on various e-commerce platforms.

It is important to ensure that the product you purchase is sustainably sourced and ethically grown to help preserve the ecosystem in which the tree grows.

Treatment and contraindications

While they are safe to use, it is important to take some precautions. When burning wood, be sure to do so in a well-ventilated area to avoid excessive smoke inhalation.

Also, avoid letting wood burn completely, as this can produce hot ash that can cause burns. People with respiratory sensitivities may want to avoid prolonged exposure to smoke.

Try it!

Palo Santo enchants us not only as a tool for self-care and spirituality, but also as a connection to ancestral knowledge, environmental preservation, and the search for balance and harmony in our environments.

Its ancient use, rich in meanings and uses, reminds us of the importance of maintaining a respectful and conscious relationship with natural resources, recognizing their profound wisdom.

The mail Palo santo: what it is, what it is for and how to use it appeared first Personalize.

Simone Kobayashi (contact@simonekobayashi.com)

– Holistic therapist working in Sao Paulo and online. He dedicates his professional life to combining therapeutic techniques such as Reiki, Flower Remedies, Acupuncture, Energy Analysis, Energy Cleansing, Harmonization, Access Bars and Quantum Healing.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.