We all know I am a lover of smudging my home. Something about a home without all of the negativity dragging it down that makes life so much easier on us all. I am the kind of person that always seems to have the worst luck when I let negativity in. With so many people in and out of my home, I Have to work to keep its energetic climate I love so much. One smudge we use here is Palo Santo. There is a lot of talk about palo santo and a lot of misinformation out there.
What is palo santo
Palo Santo is a tree officially known as Bursera Graveolens. Palo Santo Grows in Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Puru, Colombia, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands. Palo Santo has a sweet rich aroma that can be better suited for smudging than sage that tends to smell like weed when burned.
Palo santo is related to fakeness and myrrh. The name Palo Santo means “holy wood” and has become an important part of many spiritual practices. Closely related to citrus trees Palo Santo gives off a sweet minty lemon scent.
Is palo santo endangered?
There is a lot of talk about palo santo being endangered. That we will wipe out this tree if we continue to use it in our homes, yoga studios, and spiritual spaces. The truth is palo santo tree is endangered. Between the destruction of our rainforests and deforestation, the number of wild Palo santo trees is dropping rapidly. The trees used for spiritual practices are a different verity and must never be cut down to for this use.
Should I stop buying palo santo?
No. Infact buying palo santo can help this tree. It has to “cure” on the forest floor by dying of natural causes and then sits undisturbed for 4-10 years before releasing the essential oils that give it the aroma. Without this process, palo santo will have no aroma making it useless for aromatherapy and spiritual practice. No trees are EVER cut down for Palo Santo!
How to ethically source palo santo
The truth is when you buy palo santo you are helping to preserve this plant and grow the communities that are cultivating new palo santo trees. The trick is to buy yours from a company that ensures more trees are planted and that profits go back into the communities living alongside this holy tree. I recommend Sacred Wood Essence who prides themselves in their sustainable business practices and conservation efforts.
What is palo santo used for
Palo Santo can be used for purifying, cleansing, and healing. This is a great option for enhancing your meditation and aiding protection spells.
How to use palo santo
Palo santo sticks are burned for spiritual practice and cleansing on its own or added to smudge sticks. Palo Santo incense are continent for use during prayer or ritual. Palso Santo oil is perfect for use in your diffuser to take advantage of the aromatherapeutic qualities of palo santo.