As we enter the third year of the pandemic, many are looking for ways to boost our immune system and to alleviate the stress of remote working and learning. For thousands of years, ancient healing methods that involve crystals, oils, and even sage are now more in the forefront. While it’s no replacement for seeing a doctor or seeking out therapy, one healing property you may want to add to your arsenal is palo santo, a wood that has historically been used for medicinal purposes. But what is palo santo, exactly? “Palo Santo can be used to smooth or calm emotional pain, it can uplift and call spirit back to you, or be used to remove the heaviness around you,” says Gianna Spriggs-Macdonald, curandera (a healer in Mexican traditional medicine) and co-owner ofCurio, Craft, & Conjure Inc. It can help with inflammatory reactions such as headaches, stomach issues, and reduce stress levels. While there isn’t a lot of scientific proof about the benefits of palo santo, it’s been used for centuries to help with healing. Here’s a look at how you can incorporate palo santo into your wellness journey.
What is palo santo?
“Palo santo (bursera graveolens) or “holy wood” is a wood native to Peru, Ecuador and other South American countries. Palo santo has been used for centuries to clear negative or heavy energies from spaces or individuals. It has also been used for its healing properties in shamanic ceremonies,” explains Spriggs-Macdonald. It even has a woody scent with hints of pine, lemon, and mint. It is used like sage, which is predominately used by Native Americans, but South American shamans believed burning Palo santo had similar properties to reset energy. It’s also thought to have the power to attract sacredness to a space." Palo santo is available in different forms. These include:
Wood: The wood of the palo santo tree is available as sticks, chips, or even powder. Resin: Palo santo wood has an aromatic resin that can be extracted.Oil: Palo santo’s essential oil can be taken from the wood and fruit.
“Palo Santo’s wood, oil and resin have been used for a number of purposes since ancient times. Undeniably, it is a rich source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, which gives it natural potency to work against oxidative stress and helps it to relieve stress, pain and inflammation,” notes Dr. Mark Davis, MD, a doctor atPacific Analytics. “One of the major and active chemicals of palo santo is limonene that is associated with anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties fight inflammation and protect the epithelial barrier of cells.”
How to use palo santo
Palo santo has many healing properties, and can be used in a variety of ways that are beneficial to your wellness journey. Dr. Davis says incorporating palo santo into your wellness routine is best through aromatherapy. “You can use its oil by diffusing it in your diffuser or you can even inhale it directly. You can also burn dried palo santo wood sticks. Take a candle, match to ignite the sticks and bring them closer to the candle flame. Burn it for half a minute and allow it to slowly diffuse all over your home,” explains Dr. Davis. The aroma also acts as an insect repellent to ward off pesky bugs. Dr. Davis adds that inhaling palo santo can help reduce anxiety and stress. “When it is inhaled, the chemicals of palo santo travel to the brain through the olfactory system of the brain, where they induce calming effects and reduce panic attacks, anxiety and sleeplessness.” You can also apply palo santo as an oil on your skin to treat pain, including headaches. Spriggs-MacDonald recommends using palo santo to clear energy. “ I would recommend using palo santo to cleanse a space before you enter into your meditative or breathwork practices. Doing so can help you to clear your mind and prepare for the day ahead, while the aroma of palo santo can help to uplift you.” To cleanse a space’s energy, light a palo santo stick and then extinguish the flame, gently waving the stick in the air. White smoke will be emitted from the smoldering stick, which can disperse around you or your space. Dr. Davis says palo santo may also improve circulation and can help your body’s immune system. “[It can help] fight infections and viruses that cause colds and flu. It can also be used as an allergy reducer as it has the ability to lower inflammation and the body’s response to histamines.” Dr. Davis says a small amount of palo santo can be added to tea to help ease cold and flu symptoms. “Take one stick of palo santo and cut them into small pieces. Add one tablespoon of wood shavings to two cups of hot water. Let it steep for 10 minutes, remove the palo santo, and add some honey or stevia to elevate the taste,” he advises.
What are the side effects of using palo santo?
Palo Santo generally doesn’t cause side effects, but it’s always best to test it out or check with your doctor before using it. Dr. Davis says if you have lung or breathing problems, you should avoid burning it since the smell can trigger the symptoms. If it’s your first time using the oil, do a patch test first and if your skin gets irritated, stop using it immediately. “High doses of palo santo can result in nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and vomiting, so make sure it is being used in normal doses,” says Dr. Davis.
Where to buy palo santo
Before you purchase palo santo, research the company selling the product you’re interested in. “It can be purchased from most metaphysical stores. I would be mindful of the suppliers of palo santo. Palo santo must come from trees that have died naturally and not been killed. Ethical harvesting of Palo Santo is something to keep in mind when purchasing it. It is a sacred wood to some of the indigenous peoples of South America and should be respected and used with both respect and gratitude,” says Spriggs-MacDonald. Dr. Davis says if you plan to use palo santo orally, choose a very high-quality therapeutic oil brand. Next up: Everything You Need to Know About Acupuncture.
Sources
Gianna Spriggs- Macdonald, a Curandera and owner of Curio Curandera and co-owner of Curio, Craft, & Conjure Inc in Charlotte, North Carolina Mark Davis, MD, at Pacific Analytics, a diagnostic lab in California
