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What’s Palo Santo?
Palo Santo (Latin: Bursera graveolens) is one of the most revered aromatic plants of South America. The name means “Sacred Tree” in Spanish. Its smoke cleanses space, brings clarity to the mind and warms the heart. But behind the beautiful scent lies something more – this plant has a powerful spirit and an ancient history of use in spiritual practices, healing and magic.
At Home of Ayahuasca we use Palo Santo as part of ceremonies, to clear space, create intention and harmonise energetic processes. Its spirit is considered an ally in the journey of inner transformation.
The Spirit of Palo Santo
The spirit of Palo Santo is perceived as masculine. It is strong but not aggressive, wise and benevolent. He acts gently but confidently, penetrating into the darkest corners of the inner space where doubts, fears and lingering pain are hidden. He does not force them out, but illuminates them with the light of awareness, creating an atmosphere in which it becomes possible to let them go.
Working with this tree can teach:
- How to find centre in moments of anxiety and uncertainty;
- How to clear not only space, but also one’s field from other people’s influences;
- How to approach the Force with gratitude and intention;
- How to experience clarity in body and mind.
History and Origins
Palo Santo has been used for centuries in the spiritual and healing practices of the Andean and Amazonian peoples: Quechua, Aymara, Waorani and others. It has been used by shamans and healers to expel negative energies, cleanse evil spirits, attract good fortune and restore balance.
Traditionally, only naturally fallen wood was used, The wood must die its death and “lay” for 3-10 years before it is infused with spirit and flavour. Only in this form is it considered a true Palo Santo – alive and sacred.
Chemical composition and active ingredients
Palo Santo essential oil contains up to 68% limonene, a substance with strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties (Saltos et al., 2022).
Palo Santo also contains:
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α-Terpineol and mentofuran – substances with relaxing, soothing effects
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Caryophyllene – interacts with the cannabinoid system of the body, reduces stress and anxiety.
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Borneol – helps with headaches and respiratory problems
It is these ingredients that give Palo Santo its unique, warm, woody and citrusy aroma, which is enhanced when the sticks are burned.
Healing properties and uses
Energy cleansing
Palo Santo smoke is traditionally used to cleanse rooms, auras and objects of heavy energies. It is particularly valued as a preparation tool for ceremonies, meditations and spiritual work. It helps to “reset” an environment and create space for new states.
Emotional and mental balance
Palo Santo aroma promotes the production of serotonin and dopamine, helping to combat anxiety, irritability, and depression. It is particularly effective when combined with breathing practices.
Scientists have also found that the essential oil reduces the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase – this may explain its calming and mild “grounding” effect (Saltos et al., 2022).
Physical health
- Relieves headaches and colds
- Improves sleep quality
- Has a mild analgesic effect
- Stimulates the immune system
- Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties
Palo Santo oil can be used externally for joint pain, skin inflammation and insect bites.
Scientific studies have shown the antibacterial activity of palo santo (Noel-Martinez et al., 2021, Saltos et al., 2022). In another study, the oil showed moderate activity against cancerous and parasitic cells (Monzote et al., 2012)
Palo Santo in shamanism and ritual practice
Palo Santo is one of the key plants of strength for setting the space before a session with Ayahuasca or during a diet. Its spirit can serve as a protector, ally, and guide between worlds. Unlike Mapacho, Palo Santo does not act on the level of directly expelling harmful energies and entities, but rather “tunes the frequencies,” creating a harmonious vibration around it.
Shamanism often uses the smoke of palo santo sticks to:
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Preparing the space for ayahuasca or other healing work
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Blessing participants and creating a peaceful mood
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Cleansing and grounding after strong energetic processes
Palo Santo and integration of experiences
After retreats with Teacher-plants, Palo Santo can be an important aid in the process of returning to daily life. Its smoke helps to anchor the states experienced in the ceremonies, bringing back into the body the wisdom and strength gained in the altered states.
Palo Santo is not just an aromatic tree, but an ally in spiritual practice, a protector and teacher. Its spirit helps on the path of purification, balance and inner clarity. Get to know it on our Ayahuasca retreat in Peru, where each plant becomes a living participant in your journey to yourself.
Research:
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Monzote, L., Hill, G. M., Cuéllar, A., Scull, R., & Setzer, W. N. (2012). Chemical composition and anti-proliferative properties of Bursera graveolens essential oil. Natural Product Communications.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/234048748 -
Saltos, R. E., Bec, N., Salinas, M., & Armijos, C. (2022). Chemical composition and AChE-BuChE activities of the essential oil of palo santo Bursera graveolens(Kunth) Triana & Planch from Jipijapa, Ecuador. Boletín Latinoamericano y del Caribe de Plantas Medicinales y Aromáticas. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/362363457
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Noel-Martinez, K. C., Cruz, G. J. F., & Solis-Castro, R. L. (2021). Bursera graveolens essential oil: Physicochemical characterisation and antimicrobial activity in pathogenic microorganisms found in Kajikia audax. Scientia Agropecuaria, 12(3), 303-309.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/353384248
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