5 Benefits of Palo Santo

5 Benefits of Palo Santo

There's no denying that all things energetically cleansing are at the forefront right now.   From crystals to sage, cacao ceremonies to ecstatic dance we are leaning more and more upon these rituals deeply rooted in ancient healing traditions to clear our minds, bring us to a state of balance and calm, especially while we continue to navigate these uncertain times. 

One you may have noticed being burned in a yoga class, women's circle or perhaps seen in chemists and wellness stores but not yet tried is Palo Santo. 

Palo santo (Bursera Graveolens) which translates literally to “holy wood” in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo santo trees which are found primarily in South America and in some regions of Central America. They're part of the citrus family, with a relation to frankincense and myrrh, all typically used by the native people pf South America as an essential tool in sacred shamanic rituals for  energetic cleansing and medicinal purposes, for both physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 

 But what does Palo Santo allegedly do? 

'Palo santo sticks can be used to clear negative energy in your home / space.'

1. Spiritual purifying and energy cleansing.

Thanks to its high resin content, palo santo wood is believed to release its purifying properties when burned and restore tranquility and calm. 

For centuries the indigenous people of the Andes have been using palo santo for spiritual purification and energy cleansing.  

To cleanse any space’s energy, simply light a stick and then extinguish the flame, gently waving the stick in the air or waving your hand over the stick. White smoke will be emitted from the smouldering wood which can disperse around you or your space.  It's important to set an intention to clear away any sticky energy that may be holding you back or have you feeling stuck. 

woman holding palo santo at heart space in ritual

'Smudging palo santo can create a cathartic ritual.'

2. Using Palo Santo in ritual allows for mindful and intentional release. 

Rituals are a beautiful way to keep us grounded, present and balanced.  Where life can often send us curve balls and have us feel as though we are heading off course, ritual creates opportunity to course correct, to come back into centre and into our bodies and breath not just in our minds.   Where smudging sage is all about moving the energy out, smudging palo santo is more about moving energy IN.  Intention is everything, so get out your journals or notebooks and pens and create a ritual with moment by moment awareness that has you open to each sensation. 

'Vibrationally cleansing and renewal for crystals'

3. Smudge Palo Santo over crystals to maintain their benefits. 

Crystals are known to do all of the heavy lifting when it comes to drawing our energy, much like us humans, our crystals benefit from regular cleansing rituals so they can maintain their best qualities. 

Integrating a smudging practice every 3-5 days for your rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, or other crystal types, is a beautiful way to keep your crystals primed for their true power.

palo santo white sage crystal

'Palo Santo has been known to help with physical ailments'

4. Drinking palo santo tea might help with inflammation.

Keep in mind there’s no extensive research here, but it has been said that sipping on palo santo tea 

(made by simmering the wood in hot water) that’s been simmered may help reduce body inflammation and pain as well as aid digestion. And like many other cups of tea do, the ritual of sipping palo santo tea can help calm an anxious mind.

When used in oil form palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties.

'Palo Santo has the most enticing and clarifying scent'

5. The lingering sent has lasting effects 

The benefit of burning palo santo wood in a smudging ritual / practice is it's lingering scent.  For our kitchens and bedrooms, vehicles and workspaces, the brightness of citrus, marked with the ancient notes of its natural heritage, bring a uniquely clarifying scent to every space that reminds us of the healing practice each time our noses lift to it's aroma. 

 

Palo santo smudging

 

While I could keep banging on about the many benefits of Palo Santo it's important to note that if you have any medical concerns it is to be used with caution especially if you have lung or breathing problems, are pregnant or breast feeding (it is suggested to avoid oil or incense), not all Palo Santo is responsibly sourced.  

Although it is not in the endangered list, it is important to buy palo santo that’s been ethically and sustainably sourced.

For many years, palo santo was harvested by deforestation. Deforestation has negative environmental effects. It also reduces local people’s sources of income.

But palo santo can be harvested without removing trees. The wood can be obtained from fallen branches, while the oil can be extracted from fruit. These methods leave the forest unharmed.

Before buying palo santo, make sure it was responsibly produced. This will help support the preservation of the palo santo species and the livelihood of the native peoples.

Before buying palo santo, make sure it was responsibly produced. This will help support the preservation of the palo santo species and the livelihood of the native peoples.

To make your smudging rituals easy we have bound together our favourite smudging tools with love along easy to use notes to help you on your cleansing, detoxifying and manifestation rituals.  See link below. 

*Our product is organically grown and sourced from sustainable farms.

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