What is it?

Palo Santo is a term for different varieties of trees that are saturated with an unique resin. These trees are worshiped by South American Indians. Their tradition has been using the properties of Palo Santo for thousands of years.

Botanical origin of trees varies, but most of them come from burseraceae family trees, for example:

• Bursera graveolens
• Bursera microphylla
• Guajak (guajacum officinale, guajacum sanctum)
• Massoia (cryptocaria massoia)
• Bulnesia arborea

It should be noted that the desired properties come only from those trees that died from natural causes. If a tree would be cut down it would not have desirable properties. And when it would die naturally, it would still take at least 3-4 years before it could be used.
Through the natural decomposition of the wood, oily substances are produced. Those on combustion give white smoke that is used for releasing us from negative energy.

How does Palo Santo work?

When burned, the wood has surprisingly strong and sweet scent and that is why Palo Santo can also be used as incense. Thanks to its properties, it is ideal for purifying and obtaining positive energy. Palo Santo is stimulating and euphoric for human mind, itensures (especially in difficult moments) soothing atmosphere and helps to ease fears and concerns, encouraging creativity and stimulatinhg the senses. The smoke works positively during prayers and meditation. Inhaling Bursera graveloens smoke results in strong, psychoactive results. Palo Santo is also used as an analgesic, aphrodisiac, diuretic, expectorant and insecticide also has anti-inflammatory effects.

How to use Palo Santo?

The original inhabitants of South America - the Indians - traditionally light Palo Santo on burning coals. This is because great magical powers are assigned to coal. They use it in their rituals as protection against sickness, accident, evil spirits and negative energies. Moreover, it is said that the Palo Santo smoke has a purifying effect on the body, especially after contact with people or places with negative energy.

Palo Santo and its use in aromatherapy:

• Palo Santo is used to expel negative energies and restore positive energy.
• Its aroma helps to deepen the spiritual moments of meditation and contemplation.
• Cleans environment and helps to create an intimate atmosphere in the bedroom.
• It has a calming and relaxing effects. Protects against mosquitoes.
• Creates a sensual experience that introduces a state of peace and well-being.

Components

To this day it is not known which components are responsible for the psychoactive effects. However, it was proven that the Palo Santo consists of components such as: monoterpenes, esters and oil linaloe with geraniol, laevo-linalool, linalyl acetate, heptenol methyl, linalool, alpha-terpineol, linaloloxiden and other alkaloids.