Palo Santo

Most of us are familiar with burning Palo Santo to clean-up an energetic space or to help clear our own energic fields enhancing our connection to divine. But with that comes responsibility to honour the medicine offered appropriately. It’s important we don’t fall into the trap of cultural appropriation. Within this article we will explore the what’s, why’s and where’s of Palo Santo and what we can do to ensure the longevity of this sacred tree, so that future generations can also benefit from its magic.

Palo Santo History

Palo Santo the “holy stick” native to Central and South America, from Mexico to Peru, is called Bursera graveolens. A wild tree that grows in the tropical dry forest with many natural healing properties which have been known to indigenous shamans and healers for centuries. And until approximately thirty years ago was a well-kept secret. Since then, the western world and its often-unintentional Pseudo-spirituality led to it becoming popular, thus a commodity. And unfortunately, because of that, has become an increasingly rare tree. In Peru, this majestic tree is now a protected species, and harvesting is limited to the twigs and branches.

The alchemy

So, excited are we to try out our latest inspiration, advance in our knowledge and bring joy, peace, harmony, and abundance into our lives, we forget or in some cases didn’t even stop to learn, that true Alchemy starts in the preparation. How many of you truly, deeply understand the ceremony of smudging? The calling in of the directions, the elements, honouring the ancestors, the cleaning of self before smudging another. How many have chosen crystals from the internet, instead of exchanging energies and allowing the crystals to choose you? I do not write this to instigate shame but to give voice to the elements and life forms that in some cases sacrifice themselves to help us.

Shamans and healers of old

Were all herbalist, having knowledge of medicinal plants, herbs, and trees local to their region. Part of the alchemy would be becoming one with nature and asking each plant/tree/herb permission before taking. Each chosen with care, love, gratitude, mindful of the plant’s growth cycles, where to cut to cause least damage and pain.  Even when stocks where accumulated due to seasonal growth, no-more than was necessary for that year was harvested, in some instances less dependent on the growth, to ensure crops would be available in the coming years.

But those are also the times when we would forage and hunt for our food. We don’t live in those times anymore! But the wisdoms from the old ways absolutely need to be reintroduce into our modern existence. And those of us following the spiritual path have a responsibility to lead by example. To be mindful when sourcing our products. If not native to us, to connect with people from the region, learn directly from them the rituals used.

The lost Alchemy of Palo Santo

Did you know that a Palo Santo tree cut to its death holds no power, no alchemy and yet most incense sticks and essential oils are made from cut trees?

All you gain is a sweet-smelling room…

The Alchemy of Palo Santo lays within a naturally fallen tree or through the gaining permission from the tree for a branch to be skilfully harvested. Remember energies are reciprocal and thus if we just take, we gain nothing!

The healing and purifying properties of Palo Santo, its Alchemy, comes from the oils within the wood. The tree or branch needs to be left to decompose for between 5-8 years before the oil reaches full maturity and thus, we benefit from its healing magic.

If like me, you love using Palo Santo buy from indigenous owned small businesses. It cost a little more and you wait a little longer for your delivery, but it will be packed full of alchemy.

The power of its Alchemy

As I said previously most of us know of Palo Santo’s purification properties, but did you know it can also:

• Ease headaches
• Boost immunity
• Soothe panic attacks
• Relieve breathing issues associated with colds & flu
• Reduce neurological pain
• Act as an anti- depressant
• Stimulate the brain’s olfactory system, allowing for greater relaxation
• Help with grounding
• Used as an anti- inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• And Antimicrobial

How I use Palo Santo

Its probably best if I first state I use all three mediums of this magical tree, the wood chips, incense, and oil. If you haven’t guessed I’m a fan!

The wood chips

Usually arrive in small bundles, of wood cuttings approximately 5-6 cm long and 2-3 cm in circumference. I offer personalized healing smudging sessions for clients and so I often shave the wood chips in which to blend to other mediums to create a bespoke healing and cleansing smudging ritual.

I also use pillar candles as my fire element when working and so I use a whole chip as my candle snuffer. This has a two-fold effect, one, I’m not blowing away whatever was/is in the process of being created from that healing, ceremony, or intention setting. Two, by using Palo Santo I clear the candle, in preparation for its next use.

Incense sticks

I use incense sticks as a portable quick freshen up! And for many unaccustomed to energetic cleaning and clearing it’s gentler than white sage… I have found most new clients tend to react negatively to sage. I personally believe due to the amount of heavy energy they are unknowingly carry, the shift of sage is physically noticeable and so instigates anxiety. Palo Santo is a favourable, gentler, go to with new clients initially.

Oil

I always buy the 7ml bottles of essential oil – all oils not just Palo Santo. Not the most cost effective and in many ways not the most environmentally friendly, hands up to that! But I like my oils to be fresh.

When massaging I blend a few drops to a carrier oil. Add a drop to my face cream as a booster, when my skin is looking tired, dry, or flaky. I constantly have my diffuser on in the house. I add 3 drops to 100mls water, but you can use up to 15 drops. Personally, I find that overpowering, but it will all depend on personal preference and intention of use. 3 drops are sufficient to create an ambiance of centred creativity.

As with any essential oil, store in a cool dark place, out of reach of children. NEVER ingest and if working with clients perform a patch test. Also be aware there are certain medical conditions the are contra-indicative with the use of essential oils, check before using.

Summing up

Using Palo Santo is a magical gift of healing and cleansing. But you need to be mindful of the sanctity of its traditional use and responsible about where you buy it.

If you would like to work with me and learn more about natural medicine and/or ceremony, then drop me an email so we can discuss your needs.