PALO SANTO Smudge Sticks | Bursera graveolens

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens), also known as ‘Holy Wood’ or ‘Wood of the Saints’ describes a group of trees that produce a powerful essential oil known for stimulating the immune system and fighting inflammation.

 

Over 40 different types of Palo Santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. The species is native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador, Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula in Peru.

 

The Palo Santo tree belongs to the same botanical family as Frankincense and Myrrh trees, which also produce beneficial anti- oxidant rich oils that are used around the world. It’s primarily used as incense and essential oil. The wood has historically been utilised in spiritual ceremonies as well as in aromatherapy and is still burned in some churches today.

1. Light a Palo Santo stick with a candle, lighter, or match.
2. Hold the stick downward at a 45 degree angle.
3. Let the stick burn for 30 seconds.
4. Blow out the flame and smudge.
5. Place the stick in a heatproof dish to let it burn out.

The use of Palo Santo from Bursera graveolens is traditional in South America, especially in Peru and Ecuador. According to the local customs, it is used against ‘mala energia’ which means ‘bad energy’. Its use reportedly dates back to the Inca era. Palo Santo is common today as smudge stick, which gives off a pleasant aroma.

 

Palo Santo Oil was used during the time of the Incas for its reputed spiritual purifying properties.  Palo Santo Oil may be applied to the body, such as at the base of the skull or on the spine, to increase relaxation. Palo Santo may be burned, similar to incense, by lighting sticks of Palo Santo wood. In Peru, Shamans and Medicine Men, reportedly lights Palo Santo sticks and the rising smoke will enter the ‘energy field’ of ritual participants to clear misfortune, negative thought prints and evil spirits.

There are 3 grades of Palo Santo which are related to their origin:

 

Grade A - Especial, meaning ‘Special’. This ceremonial grade is the highest quality Palo Santo selected from coastal regions in northern Peru and southern Ecuador. The trees in these areas are the oldest and contain the highest amount of Limonene, which gives the scent a more intense Citrus aroma.

 

Grade B - Amarillo, meaning ‘Yellow’. This regular grade Palo Santo is from Ecuador and is very yellowish in color. It has a balsamic scent with marine notes.

 

Grade 3 - Seleccion, meaning ‘Selection’. It is similar to the Especial grade in that it’s rich in Limonene but unfortunately, due to its hardness, it’s very difficult to burn. It is often sold in smaller pieces or chips to facilitate its ignition.

In Ecuador, there are reforestation programs underway for the Palo Santo tree. To reforest, the transplant method is used, which consists of determining an area of the forest that has overpopulation of the same species to extract the trees that are very close to each other and transfer them to an area of the forest where there are no trees so that they can continue their natural development and spread. There are also extensive planting programs underway.

Concentrated Source of Antioxidants

 

As a rich supply of anti-oxidants and Phytochemicals called Terpenes, Palo Santo is effective for combating free radical damage also called oxidative stress, relieving stomach aches, fighting stress, reducing pains due to arthritis and healing many other conditions. Particularly, it’s been gaining attention for being a natural treatment for inflammatory diseases. 

 

Detoxifier and Immune Enhancer

Palo Santo helps support the immune system and regulates inflammatory responses, such as those triggered by a poor diet, pollution, stress and illness. Limonene, the main active ingredient in Palo Santo, is a bioactive component found in high concentrations in certain plants, including Citrus peels, that has well-researched anti-inflammatory effects.

 

De-Stressor and Relaxant

 

Considered a scent that’s grounding and centering, both Palo Santo and Frankincense are used for emotional and spiritual support since they work like natural anxiety remedies.

 

Once inhaled, Palo Santo travels directly through the olfactory system which controls our sense of smell, where it helps turn on the body’s relaxation responses and reduces panic, anxiety and insomnia.

 

Headache Treatment

 

For a natural headache remedy and instant relief burn some Palo Santo. Known to combat migraines and even stress related headaches or bad moods, Palo Santo helps to lower inflammation and increase blood flow that can help turn off perceived pain. 

 

Cold and Flu Treatment

 

Palo Santo is known to fight infections and viruses. By improving blood circulation and recharging your energy levels, it can help you feel better faster and stop severity of feelings of dizziness, congestion and nausea. 

 

Mosquito Repellent

 

Historically, Palo Santo sticks have been used to make a natural mosquito repellent because it possesses aromatic resins and volatile oils.  

 

Allergy Reducer

 

Because it lowers inflammation and the body’s response to histamines, Palo Santo has benefits for fighting seasonal allergy symptoms, digestive issues and asthma related symptoms.

A chemical analysis of steam distilled Palo Santo essential oil showed that the major active constituents include: Limonene (89.33%), α-Terpineol (11%), Menthofuran (6.6 %) and Carvone (2%). Other beneficial compounds in smaller quantities include Germacrene D, Muurolene and Pulegone.