Embracing The Saints
Palo Santo, scientifically known as Bursera Graveolens, is a tree indigenous to the South American rainforest. Roughly translating to the “wood of the saints,” Palo Santo is in the citrus family, related to other fragrant resinous trees like frankincense, myrrh and copal. Discovered by Spanish Monks as far back as the Incan Empire, their experiments with the wood showed its ability to cleanse and heal.
Since then, it has been used in spiritual practices and healing ceremonies across the world. With strict government regulations, the tree itself can only be legally harvested for its heartwood when it has died from natural causes and laid in the forest floor for many years. Palo Santo is decreed to have a myriad of benefits from improving our concentration and creativity to having the ability to cleanse and restore crystals. Below we’ll break down some of the benefits this sacred wood is said to possess why is what makes it so unique.
Metaphysical Cleansing
Similar to other smudging herbs, such as white sage and yerba santa, Palo Santo (when burnt) is said to emit negative ions that help uplift our mood and cleanse people, places and objects from negative energy. What makes it different to a lot of other smudging herbs is that it can attract positive energy as well. It is known to cleanse crystals, assist in spiritual grounding, improve our ability to meditate and concentrate, and enhance our creativity and productivity. A variety of sacred plants have been used for these purposes globally, but South American indigenous cultures believe that Palo Santo is the most powerful.
Effects on our physical and emotional bodies
Palo Santo is said to not only clear metaphysical spaces but also help heal our physical and emotional bodies too. It possesses the ability to assist in treating cold and flu, asthma, headaches, and emotional disturbances such as anxiety and trauma. The wood itself is a rich source of brain-oxygenating antioxidants and phytochemicals, also known as monoterpenes, such as limonene and α-terpineol. The high concentrations of these compounds are said to aid in the prevention of a variety of cancers and assist in fighting free radical damage.
When Palo Santo was made into an essential oil, a published medical study at the University of Havana found that components of the wood slowed the growth of MCF-7, a type of breast cancer. The oil is also said to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. When used as a herbal tea, Palo Santo is said to support the immune system and stop inflammatory responses caused by diet, pollution, environmental stresses and illnesses. This method also acts as a natural digestive aid.
Antibacterial Cleaning
The oil of Palo Santo possesses potent antibacterial properties that, when mixed with water in a bottle, can be used as a natural alternative to a household cleaner.
Insect repellant
The oil or smoke from Palo Santo has an additional benefit as an insect repellant. The aromatic resins and volatile oils that the wood possesses are said to ward off mosquitos, making it the perfect alternative to a more natural repellant.
I’ve been actively sage smudging for a few years now. I had started to incorporate the practice whenever I felt the energy was heavy in my apartment, usually after a big clean-up or whenever I opened all the windows to clear stagnant air. More recently I found myself doing this ritual daily, having originally brunt sage I’ve changed over to Palo Santo, alternating some days with Japanese incense. While I prefer the smell that burning sage makes, I find Palo Santo has more beneficial properties and doesn’t produce thick plumes of smoke like sage does.
How to use Palo Santo
When cleansing the energy of physical space, object or person, begin with a clear intention of clearing negative energy.
Light one side of your Palo Santo stick and let the flame burn for a moment until the fire properly catches on.
Blow out the flame lightly and walk around the space allowing the smoke to waft. Focus your mind on cleansing and clearing negative energy.
Once you’ve finished removing the negative energy, positive energy must be invited into the space to maintain balance. With a spirit of gratitude, ask the smoke for its continued protection and blessing.
Note: If you are pregnant, avoid using Palo Santo during your pregnancy.
If you’re already religiously sage smudging to purify your space, or it sounds like something you would like to start incorporating into your routine, Palo Alto is one of the best options available to do this.
With wellness,
Aleksandar
