5 ways to use palo santo in your everyday life

Starting the year with an energy cleanse is a good way to remove negative and stagnant energies from the environment. More than a care for the house, it is a care for the spiritual well-being of the residents. And if you are looking for a ritual that can purify you and your home at the same time, palo santo can be a good alternative.

what is palo santo

Palo santo is an aromatic wood splinter obtained from the tree Bursera graveolens, common in Latin America. Its smoke is used in purification rituals, but it brings the user benefits that go beyond energy cleansing: it relieves stress, reduces anxiety, has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with respiratory problems.

Although the flake is its best-known representation, palo santo can be found as incense and essential oil and all can be used in aromatherapy. Its main characteristic is the sweet smell, fruit of the natural formation of resin after the death of the tree. This characteristic is the main way to recognize the product among imitations. If it doesn’t smell sweet, it’s not an original splinter.

Is Palo Santo endangered?

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN), which analyzes the risk of species on a global scale, Bursera graveolens is not endangered, classified as “least concern” since 2019. sarmientoi, formerly known as Bulnesia sarmientoi, has been considered “endangered” since 2017.

Both are popularly known as palo santo, which raises doubts about the danger of the species. But the extraction of wood in no way interferes with the life cycle of the tree. It occurs about 4 years after death from natural causes. The trunk remains intact where it fell, completing the composition that gives rise to the sweet smell. The later the wood is harvested, the greater the chances of taking advantage of its benefits.

palo santo properties

Both wood and essential oil contain limonene, terpineol and menthofuran, responsible for the properties listed below.

Helps with respiratory problems

According to an article published in 2017, Peruvian medicine uses palo santo to treat respiratory problems such as asthma and flu, as it has calming and anti-inflammatory properties that help control symptoms.

Antibacterial and Antifungal

The same study concluded that the essential oil of Peruvian origin has antimicrobial action thanks to a substance called thymol.

Stimulant

Common in citrus peels and their essential oils, limonene is also present in palo santo. Its stimulating action is able to help with anxiety and depression.

Aphrodisiac

Palo santo incense or smoking it in the couple’s bedroom is a good way to strengthen relationships, as its scent is considered an aphrodisiac.

Relaxing

Its calming property is also indicated to leave the environment or itself with a more peaceful vibration, and can even be used during meditation.

how to use palo santo

Next, see how to use palo santo in your daily life.

smoking

Choose one of the ends of the wood chip and light it whenever you want to use it. Wait until the fire steadies and extinguish it by shaking. Walk around the room so that the smoke travels throughout the room. Repeat the process as many times as necessary so that all chosen environments are purified.

If your intention is to remove negative energies from yourself or someone else, repeat the previous step by step. When extinguishing the splinter, pass the smoke through the body. After the process, let it erase naturally – never put it under water. So you can use the same chip over and over again.

Diffuser

Add a few drops of palo santo essential oil to a personal or ambient air freshener. So everyone can enjoy the benefits while in the same room.

body use

Essential oil is also used in the body. Just put a few drops in products such as creams, clays or even applied in massages, with vegetable oil.

Inhalation

In addition to the above options, you can drip a few drops on pillows, pillows and sheets. Consult an aromatherapy specialist to know the ideal amount and period according to your goal.

Meditation

Light the wood and place it a reasonable distance from your meditation spot. The intention is to just breathe the smoke lightly during the activity, without causing discomfort or distractions.

Remember to apply the smoke with the windows open, so that negative energy can come out. In addition, it prevents allergies and other respiratory problems from being aggravated by inhaling smoke.

where to buy palo santo

Here are some options on where to buy aromatic wood for your energy cleansing.

1. We Mystic;
2. Long live Zen;
3. Free market;
4. Shopee;
5. Inca Scents;
6. Topazius crystals.

Palo santo is an aromatic wood that has several benefits for body and mental health. Also check out the article on aromatherapy and learn about other specials that help balance body and mind.