During a recent stay in Ojai, I discovered the magical and mystical Palo Santo. It’s warm, delicately sweet and woodsy aroma filled me with a sense of peace and tranquility. Intrigued, I learned that Palo Santo grows on the coast of South America and is related to Frankincense, Myrrh and Copal. In Spanish, Palo Santo literally means “Holy Wood.” The magic is in the alchemical process that happens after the death of a limb or a tree. In order for the Palo Santo to gain its magical and medicinal properties it must die, but not just any death – only a natural death of a wise old limb or tree. The Palo Santo trees live for 80 to 90 years. After this death, the tree must remain in its natural habitat for 4 to 10 years to complete its metamorphosis. Only then do its sacred, medicinal and mystical properties come alive.
Spiritual Benefits
Palo Santo is burned in ceremonies by Shamans and Medicine people for its energetically cleansing and healing properties similar to Sage. It creates a pleasant, fresh smelling smoke with hints of mint and citrus that work well in keeping away mosquitoes and other flying insects. It provides an uplifting scent that raises your vibration in preparation for meditation and allows for a deeper spiritual connection. It is also said that Palo Santo enhances creativity and brings good fortune. I keep a bowl in my living room. Even unlit, its beautiful aroma fills the space.
Healing Benefits
Palo Santo is traditionally used for relieving common colds, flu symptoms, stress, asthma, allergies, migraines and headaches, anxiety, depression, inflammation, sea sickness, arthritis and more. In aromatherapy, Palo Santo Essential Oil is considered to be antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It is said to have excellent absorption properties and can be used in massage therapy to relieve pain and inflammation of the muscles and joints, regenerates skin conditions, and promotes skin nutrition, healing and flexibility. It also contains high levels of D-Limonene and Monotropenes, which scientific researchers are studying for their anti-cancerous effects and chemotherapeutic properties.
Sustainable & Non-Toxic
Palo Santo is wild crafted and sustainably harvested by a family that has planted over 30,000 trees back into the area over the last 10 years. The essential oil can only be extracted from dead trees and fallen branches using “Vapor Distillation” without the use of dangerous chemicals or solvents.
Burning Instructions
Use a candle, match or lighter to ignite your stick of Palo Santo. Hold at about a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down toward the flame. Allow it to burn for about 30 seconds to 1 minute and then blow out. Move about your workspace, home, car, bathroom or anywhere you would like to clear the energy. I keep some in my doula bag when attending births. When finished, place the stick in a fire proof bowl of metal, glass or clay. The glow will end on its own unless you blow on the ember which will keep the smoke going. Unlike conventional incense which burns completely after lighting, Palo Santo may be relit many times.
Have you used Palo Santo? Please share below!
This information should not be used as a substitute for seeking the guidance of a health care provider. Always use caution when working with fire.