Strengthen your bond with the earth, cleanse your energy and find calm within yourself with palo santo wood.
Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo (“holy stick”), is a wild tree native from the Yucatán Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. Its wood has a sweet aroma reminiscent of pine, mint, and lemon. For centuries, it has been associated with healing and good fortune. Used by shamans, saints, and individuals seeking a deeper spiritual connection with the world, palo santo is believed to offer a range of incredible benefits. Here’s further information about palo santo sticks and the benefits of burning them.
What are palo santo sticks?
Bursera graveolens, commonly known as palo santo, is native to the seasonally dry tropical forests of Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Galápagos Islands.
This tree is part of the Burseraceae family, which is the same family that frankincense and myrrh come from. It is traditionally used in ritual purification and folk medicine to treat stomach aches, as a sudorific, and as a liniment for rheumatism. The aged heartwood of palo santo is known to be rich in terpenes such as limonene and α-terpineol.
Palo santo sticks have gained popularity worldwide. They are small, thin pieces of wood derived from the Bursera graveolens tree. Ceremonies often use them to cleanse spaces, promote physical healing, improve focus and reduce stress.
The wood is typically harvested after the tree has fallen, ensuring sustainability and environmental respect. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced.
What are the different forms of palo santo?
You can burn palo santo as incense or apply the oil on your skin. Palo santo comes in various forms, including:
Wood: Palo santo wood is available in sticks, chips, or powder.
Resin: The aromatic resin found in palo santo wood can be extracted and used independently.
Oil: Palo santo essential oil can be obtained from both the tree’s wood and fruit.
What are the benefits of burning palo panto sticks?
Palo santo is associated with several medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Here’s a list of the reported benefits. Like anything of this nature, how palo santo benefits each person will be different.
It can cleanse negative energy
One of the primary reasons people burn palo santo is its ability to clear negative energy. Many cultures use it in rituals to purify spaces, allowing for a fresh, positive atmosphere. Whether moving into a new home or just looking to refresh your surroundings, burning palo santo is said to be a powerful tool for energetic cleansing.
It can enhance your mood
The aroma of palo santo is both soothing and uplifting. Its sweet, citrusy scent can help enhance mood and create a sense of peace. Many people find that burning palo santo during stressful times provides a calming effect, making it an excellent addition to relaxation routines.
Elevate your spiritual experience
Palo santo can be a practical aid for those seeking deeper focus during meditation. The smoke creates a tranquil environment conducive to introspection and mindfulness. Incorporating it into your practice can help ground your thoughts and elevate your spiritual experience.
It can help you to feel less stressed
In our fast-paced world, finding moments of calm is essential. The soothing aroma of palo santo is believed to help alleviate stress and anxiety. Burning it while unwinding at home or during self-care rituals can promote relaxation and mental clarity.
It can repel insects
Palo santo has been traditionally used to repel mosquitos and is also believed to discourage ants, termites, and flies. The claim holds some merit because palo santo essential oil is primarily made up of limonene, a substance known for its insecticide properties and used in natural insect repellents.
It is said to reduce pain
Another potential benefit of palo santo is pain relief. It is believed that palo santo may help alleviate various types of pain, such as arthritis, headaches, and throat pain.
This effect could be attributed to limonene, a substance found in palo santo, which has been suggested to possess analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, it’s important to note that there is currently no concrete evidence to support the pain-relieving effects of palo santo, and further research is necessary to substantiate these claims.
Are there any side effects?
Palo Santo sticks are generally safe and are not associated with significant side effects. However, it’s essential to exercise caution in specific scenarios:
- If it is your first time using the oil, you should do a patch test first to check for any skin irritation. If irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately.
- Individuals with lung or breathing problems should avoid burning palo santo, as it may exacerbate their symptoms.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s recommended to avoid using palo santo oil or incense.
How to use palo santo sticks
Using palo santo is simple. Here’s a quick guide:
- Light the stick: Hold one end and light the other with a candle, match or lighter.
- Let it burn: Hold the stick downward at a 45-degree angle. Allow it to burn for about 30 seconds to a minute.
- Extinguish the flame: Blow out the flame, letting the stick smoulder and produce smoke. Place the stick in a heatproof dish or holder to let it burn.
- Cleanse your space: Move around the area you wish to cleanse with the stick to allow the smoke to move through the space.
Practice fire safety while burning palo santo sticks
It’s important to practice fire safety when burning palo santo sticks to prevent accidents and ensure a positive experience.
Use a heat-resistant container: Place the palo santo stick in a heat-resistant dish or an abalone shell to catch any falling embers or ash.
Keep a close watch: Never leave a burning palo santo stick unattended. Stay present and attentive while it is burning to prevent any accidents.
Where can I buy Palo Santo Sticks?
Whether used for smudging to clear negative energy, enhancing meditation practices, or simply enjoying its calming aroma, palo santo can enrich various aspects of life. It’s crucial to use palo santo mindfully and sustainably, respecting its cultural significance while embracing its numerous benefits. Here at The Whitby Goth, we only stock sustainably sourced palo santo sticks collected from branches that have fallen naturally from the trees. We sell three different sizes of bags, which you can purchase here.
