Plant history

Indigenous cultures in South America, particularly in regions like Ecuador and Peru, have been using Palo Santo for centuries. The wood of the Palo Santo tree has significant cultural and spiritual importance in various indigenous communities. The name "Palo Santo" is Spanish for "holy wood" or "sacred wood," reflecting its revered status in cultural and spiritual practices.

Various legends and myths surround Palo Santo in indigenous folklore. These stories often highlight the sacred and mystical qualities of the tree, emphasising its connection to the spiritual realm and the plant kingdom. The wood was often burned as an offering to the gods or used in spiritual cleansing. Palo Santo has been used throughout indigenous practises / ceremonies to protect the shaman and participants; Palo Santo can be used as offerings and sacred medicine to accompany other plant medicines and ceremonial intentions.

Plant Identification

• Origin: South America, primarily Ecuador and Peru.
• Growth: Small to medium-sized trees, typically reaching heights of 4 to 10 meters.
• Plant family: Bursera graveolens
• Scent: Aromatic sweet-woody, distinctive scent.
• Colour: Brown
• Harvesting: The wood is usually harvested from fallen branches or dead trees to ensure sustainability. It can take 10-30 years for a palo Santo tree to shred and be suitable for sustainable harvest.
• Endangered: At one point palo Santo was extremely endangered and although it is will always remain as a high threat to indigenous regions, due to the commercial demand on Palo Santo it is important to know where, how what and when harvesting, trading and sources are supplied to and from. Always do your research.

Benefits

Spiritual

Knowing that Palo Santo is Holy wood is overseen as a sacred plant medicine when working in shamanism, ceremonies and particular rituals to call in protection, grounding and calming vibrations. Burning Palo Santo is often accompanied by the setting of intentions. The intention  of lighting the wood is considered a symbolic act that aligns with one's spiritual requirements. You may connect with Palo Santo during times of meditation or shamanic during to seek wisdom, healings and connection with the spirit of Palo Santo. Palo Santo is associated with grounding and centering energy. It is believed to help individuals stay present, focused, and connected to mother Earth.

As a protective energy Palo Santo can assist in the removal of negative energy and spirits that need to be cleared from the person or the space. This is why Palo Santo is also considered a sacred ceremonial plant to set the space with intention and encourage a loving, calming environment by removing energy that no longer serves or needs transmuting. 

• Palo Santo is connected to the element of air and carries masculine energy.

Medicinal

Palo Santo is an excellent plant for medicinal purposes. Naturally Palo Santo is a great mosquito and insect repellent, you can purchase the wood in the form of a beaded bracelet where you can smell its natural aroma. Palo Santo has a positive effect on the nervous system where one an experience serene, calm and anchoring emotions.

An excellent remedy to boil and strain for colds, coughs and flu. A prepared infusion can help elevate such symptoms. This may also be extracted from the essential oil and used in respiratory and salt infused baths or showers. Has excellent anti inflammatory propertied for seasonal allergies, anti-histamine, stress, illness or joints/muscle pain. 

Palo Santo aids against migraines and headaches, with its natural aromatic properties using Palo Santo can help decrease tension and inflammatory symptoms. The resin of Palo Santo is believed to possess antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Some traditional uses involve applying Palo Santo oil or resin to wounds or minor skin irritations to prevent infection.