Palo Santo, or Holy Wood, is a piece of wood from a tree species that has a citrus aroma and beneficial properties for energetic purposes. It is widely used to create peace and harmony in enclosed spaces.
Furthermore, it can also be used as an oil to soothe physical pain, and its aroma can help combat stress. Today we'll talk about what it is, where it comes from, and its many benefits so you can use it yourself.
Palo Santo, what is it?
Palo Santo is a tree species whose wood is easily recognizable by its intense, citrusy aroma. It can be used in various forms: cut wood, incense, oil, and more. Its benefits are both physical and mental.
Palo Santo's properties are only fully developed once the tree has dried and died; if the tree is still alive, it's ineffective. Several years must pass for the wood to develop its properties. It's easy to tell when this happens because the citrus scent becomes noticeable, which it wouldn't before.
Interestingly, it has been shown that cutting down the tree and letting it dry does not provide the same therapeutic benefits; in fact, the properties are much diminished. Ideally, the tree should die naturally so that all the beneficial properties are generated in its wood. This will take a long time, averaging 40 years.
What's interesting about this wood is one of its components: limonene. Limonene is a natural substance found in the peels of citrus fruits, such as lemons. It's this substance that gives Palo Santo its characteristic scent, along with subtle hints of mint or eucalyptus.
Origin of Palo Santo or "Sacred Wood"
This tree species can be found in Mexico and other Latin American countries such as Guatemala, Ecuador, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Peru . It is a tree that dates back to ancient times. Pre-Hispanic cultures used it in their rituals to communicate with the gods and ancestors, but also as a way to attract good luck and ward off negativity.
It is a tree of the Burseraceae family (Bursera graveolens). It can reach a height of between 4 and 10 meters . Its bark is smooth and gray. Essential oil is produced from its fruit, which is harvested during the winter.
How to use and what to use Palo Santo for
The most common way to use Palo Santo is to buy pieces of wood to burn as incense. Since it's not a typical incense stick, it will need to be lit several times. This is actually beneficial, as it lasts a long time and allows you to better utilize its properties.
Once the wood is lit, we'll walk around our house and let the smoke fill the air. Then we can place it over a bowl until it burns out on its own. We can repeat this process as often as we like.
Another way to use it is as an infusion . Boil the dried branch for about 15 minutes over low heat. Ideally, let the infusion steep for about 5 minutes afterward, then drink it as desired.
As a recommendation for using it for the first time, it's a good idea to air out your house and take the opportunity to clean. Afterward, close the windows and fill the rooms with the smoke of Palo Santo so that positive energy remains in the house and its aroma relieves daily stress. And... why not? If you have time, it can be an excellent moment to pamper yourself, take a bath, or massage your scalp to enjoy the relaxation that the scent of Palo Santo provides.
Why use it?
For centuries, Palo Santo has been used to ward off evil and attract good things. This is because its scent increases self-esteem, helps relieve stress, improves mood, and, at the same time, leads to a greater sense of balance or mental and emotional peace.
Its medicinal properties are another reason for its widespread use. It has antiseptic, depurative, diuretic, and antirheumatic properties. It is a beneficial source of antioxidants. For rheumatism, the bark is macerated in alcohol. Its leaves are an excellent insecticide, and when cooked, they are an antispasmodic. The buds have been used throughout history as an abortifacient.
In addition to all of the above, its smoke is a natural mosquito repellent, so using it during the summer will bring numerous benefits to our home.
All these benefits make this product essential for many people, especially those focused on a more natural lifestyle and seeking mental and physical balance. It's frequently recommended for practices like Reiki, yoga, meditation, and aromatherapy, as well as for improving the home environment, as many do with ancestral wisdom to protect their homes.
Where to buy it?
These days it's very easy to find, both in stores specializing in natural products and in those that sell incense or aromatherapy products . The only thing we need to be clear about is what form we want to buy it in. Our recommendation is to start with the burning stick as incense and then, if you like the effect, try other varieties such as the oil.
