Palo Santo is a tree native from the Yucatán Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela, where natives have used its wood, resin, and oil for thousands of years due to its natural healing and wellness properties – hence why palo santo which translates to “holy wood” in Spanish.
Not all Palo Santo wood is equal however, which is why it is important to know what to look for. Good, high-quality Palo Santo wood will reveal an easing aroma of crisp mint, hazy citrus, and a hush of pine. Learn how to properly smudge palo santo sticks. Additionally, ensure your palo santo wood is sustainably and ethically sourced.
Now, let’s explore the many benefits of Palo Santo’s wellness and healing properties.
Wellness and Healing Properties
One of Palo Santo wood’s primary wellness properties is limonene – an oil embedded in the wood, which helps give palo santo seemingly endless wellness and healing benefits, including:
- Anti-anxiety & anti-stress qualities – according to a 2013 study, inhaling limonene has been shown to exhibit anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties
- Anti-inflammatory - limonene has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers that relate to osteoarthritis, a condition characterized by chronic inflammation. Palo Santo essential oil is anti-inflammatory and can ease muscular tension in a massage oil or balm, making it great for sore muscles or joints after exercise.
- Anti-oxidant – antioxidants are man-made or natural substances that may prevent or delay some types of cell damage – limonene has demonstrated the ability to fend off these effects in various studies.
Meditation Benefits
Palo Santo wood has been used for centuries as a meditative and spiritual aid. The wood is burned to clear negative energy and usher in prosperity and mental clarity. The essential oil may be diffused to facilitate meditation or prayer, similar to the oils of Palo Santo’s relatives, such as frankincense and myrrh. Learn how to use essential oils.
Sustainability
Palo Santo wood is harvested from the forest floor after aging there for several years after the tree has fallen naturally. No live trees are harvested to obtain Palo Santo essential oil, and strict regulations are developing in South America to ensure that the future of this beautiful flora is protected.
Where to find sustainably and ethically sourced Palo Santo wood.
Stay Updated on Palo Santo
Palo Santo is a precious resource and one that contributes to many benefits for people from all walks of life. If you have questions about the different ways you can incorporate Palo Santo in your life, let us know because we love sharing information on Palo Santo. You can find a general guide on Palo Santo here, as well as wholesale pricing on Palo Santo wood.
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Palo Santo Supply Co. works in partnership with sustainable farming organizations in Peru to package and distribute palo santo wood products, ensuring a renewable venture that will keep palo santo wood accessible for as long as the earth rolls on. For more ideas and products, view our latest blog posts.
VIDEO: How To Use Palo Santo Wood
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