Palo santo, or Holy branch (Bursera graveolens) is a tree that’s located in the dry forests on the coasts of Peru & Ecuador. This tree is known in traditional medicinal practices for helping ease symptoms of flu & asthma, for skin conditions, plus soothing & relaxing purposes.
The holy stick of this fragrant wood is used as an incense in religious processions. Today, the incense is used all around the world to “cleanse negative energies” in our homes & workplaces.
What is interesting about this tree is that it only lives for about 40 years & there is no medicinal benefits in cutting them down, therefore the traditional way (that is still used today) to harvest this tree is by collecting the bark from already fallen & dead tree’s. This makes this 100% ecological & 100% protection of natural resources (which is awesome!). The dead tree’s must wither for around 4-10 years to be of any medicinal use – or so we thought…
Amazing results from a recent 2020 study published in a medical journal, found that the fresh leaves when made into an extract (liquid herbal medicines) actually have medicinal values too, by reducing diarrhoea! This now gives us much more value to this little tree!
OK, back to the incense. So many of us find the aroma of Palo santo relaxing, so it’s commonly used to ease stress, it’s thought to have a purifying, cleansing effect on the body & mind. As the incense burns, it releases aromatic smoke into the air. Palo santo isn’t associated with any major side-effects, however it is important to use some caution if the following scenarios apply to you or your family. If you have any type of lung or breathing problems you should avoid burning Palo santo as it may worsen your symptoms. I also recommend avoiding it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
To burn Palo santo sticks, simply light one end with a candle, lighter or match. Then hold the stick downwards at about a 45 degree angle, and let the stick burn for about 30 seconds. Blow out the flame & place the stick in a heat-proof dish, or do as I do, place the stick in a pot-plants soil to burn. Remember, to NEVER LEAVE INCENSE BURNING UNATTENDED! I have Palo santo in stock & ready to send your way.
Recent Comments