- Other Names
- Palo Azul, Palo Dulce, and Kidneywood
- Farming Method
- Farmed
- Plant Part
- Wood
- Country of Origin
- Ecuador
- Application Method
- Bath, Diffusion, and Topical
- Scientific Name
- Bursera graveolens
- Extraction Method
- Steam Distilled
About the Plant:
Palo Santo is the Spanish name for the South American tree known as “holy wood.” This is very fitting given the many uses of Palo Santo in spiritual practices. This tree is in the incense tree family; thus, it is similar to Frankincense and Myrrh.
Palo Santo trees grow in a cluster. Each male tree is surrounded by a group of eight females. Did you know the life span of a male tree is significantly longer than a female tree? Male trees have been known for living for up to 200 years versus forty to fifty years for the female trees.
Because female Palo Santo trees are more abundant than their male counterparts, they are typically harvested more frequently. The wood is made into objects like boxes, wine barrels, and beads for jewelry, though its primary uses are medicinal, aroma-therapeutic, and ritualistic.
Where it Grows:
Palo Santo is native to Ecuador and Peru. However, some researchers will state it is also native to Mexico as these trees have been found on the Pacific Coast from Mexico to South America. Amrita Aromatherapy's Palo Santo is sustainably harvested from aged deadwood gathered from the forest floor on Ecuador's Pacific coast in South America, which allows the oils to be produced without harming any living trees.
Traditional Uses and Lore:
Palo Santo is a part of the Burseraceae botanical family and is cousins with Frankincense and Myrrh. Palo Santo is used in spiritual rituals for clearing negative energy from a person or space, much like the use of White Sage in Native American smudging practices.*
Originated in South America, this sacred tree has been used for hundreds of years for its believed ability to ward off any negative energy.* Amazonian shamans used this sacred plant in ceremonies; the rising smoke of the lit sticks is believed to enter the energy field of ritual participants to clear misfortune, negative thoughts and to chase away evil spirits.*
Other Facts:
- Scent: Subtle, Sweet, and Woody Aroma with a Hint of Mint and Citrus
- Fragrance Note: Middle Note
- Composition: Terpenes, Limonene, α-Terpineol, and Carvone
- Family: Burseraceae Family
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
- Refreshing Aroma
- Sensual Cheer
- Soothing for Digestion
Palo Santo Essential Oil is as precious as Frankincense and Myrrh. It has been considered precious for spiritual and meditative purposes as well as for calming and relaxing the body, mind, and spirit.* You can simply close your eyes, and inhale the aura and aroma of the spiritual essence of this tree.*
Topical Application (for use on the skin):
- Overall topical application: Dilute up to 3% in any carrier oil (maximum of 15 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil) for the following and apply to affected areas:
- Respiratory System:
- Eases Respiratory Congestion
- Alleviating Symptoms of Allergies
- Reduces Symptoms of Colds / Flu
- Musculoskeletal System:
- Alleviating Muscle Pain
- Reducing Inflammation
- Nervous System:
- Distracted / Unable to Concentrate
- Uninspired / Unable to Create
- Reduces Headaches / Stress
- Elevate Positive Mood
- Respiratory System:
- Aromatic Bath: Dilute up to 2% (10 drops per tablespoon) in bath salts or milk or similar before adding to a full bath for the following:
- Respiratory System:
- Eases Respiratory Congestion
- Alleviating Symptoms of Allergies
- Reduces Symptoms of Colds / Flu
- Immune System:
- Support and Boost Immune
- Improve Sleep Habits
- Nervous System:
- Distracted / Unable to Concentrate
- Uninspired / Unable to Create
- Reduces Headaches / Stress
- Elevate Positive Mood
- Respiratory System:
Diffusion (add a few drops to a nebulizer or nasal inhaler):
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Blends Well With:
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Safety Precautions:
- Palo Santo Essential Oil can cause skin sensitization if oxidized and may cause hepatoxicity.
- Never use essential oils undiluted, in the eyes or mucus membranes.
- Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner.
- Keep away from children.
General Safety Precautions:
- Use essential oils only in diluted form on the skin and never internally.
- Always be careful when using essential oils with children.
- Give them only low doses, or better, consult a qualified aromatherapy expert before using.
- Use essential oils with care and only under the proper guidance of an expert while pregnant or if you have liver damage, epilepsy, cancer, or other serious health problems.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Palo Santo has a unique penetrating aroma with a woody, fruity/sweet balsamic blend with nuances of citrus, mint, and soft spice, much like that of Frankincense. Due to its calming and relaxation properties, Palo Santo has been used in many spiritual rituals for centuries as it promotes meditation and prayer.*
Palo Santo has been used to encourage relaxation, soothing the nerves, and calming the mind, aiding the attainment of a meditative state.* Its astringent properties make Palo Santo helpful in clearing the respiratory channels affected by cold or flu.*
Following is a list of conditions which Palo Santo Essential Oil addresses by category:
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Bottles are filled by volume. Some bottle sizes may not be filled to the top, but do contain the volume of oil specified.
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