Palo Santo, literally meaning “holy wood” in Spanish, is a tree that is widely distributed throughout Central and South America. Palo Santo is used in South America in much the same way as White Ceremonial Sage is used in North America- to combat negative energy and to cleanse the space.
Palo Santo is different than many of the other smudging materials as it is fragrant in its raw form and does not necessarily need to be lit, though it usually is when being used for ceremonial purposes.
Palo Santo is often used by Amazonian shamans in sacred plant spirit 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.
Its use reportedly dates back to the Inca era.
Traditionally, only the fallen branches and twigs of the tree are harvested, and this practice is regulated by the government of Peru to ensure that the trees do not become over-harvested
It is believed that a tree or fallen branches must lie dead for 4-10 years before the medicinal and mystical properties of the wood begin to come alive. It is also believed that the branches of the Palo Santo that are felled by lightning have the highest concentration of medicinal and mystical properties.
Palo Santo trees have been seriously over-exploited in South America, especially in Ecuador. In many parts of the country where the trees once grew abundantly, the populations are now decimated, deforested for use as incense, medicine, fuel, or for making aromatic boxes. The preservation of the last remaining forests of this precious tree is critical, Palo Santo is endangered.
Palo Santo trees have been seriously over-exploited in South America, especially in Ecuador. In many parts of the country where the trees once grew abundantly, the populations are now decimated, deforested for use as incense, medicine, fuel, or for making aromatic boxes. The preservation of the last remaining forests of this precious tree is critical, Palo Santo is endangered.
We buy our Palo Santo from a conservation project in Ecuador.
Our Palo Santo, (Bursera Graveolens), comes from “Proyecto de Palo Santo” a reforestation project based in the dry forests near the Ecuadorian coastal town of Puerto Lopez. Only branches that have fallen naturally are used, as a result, no tree has been cut down. A percentage of each Palo Santo purchase goes directly to replanting (60,000 trees since the start of the project), as well as many worthwhile community causes.
In Spanish, Palo Santo means Holy Tree and has been used for centuries by shamans during ritual prayers, ceremonies, and healing. Its metaphysical properties of Palo Santo smoke clean negative energies and raise vibration during meditation preparations, allowing for a deeper connection to Source.
Just like its biological cousin Myrrh, Palo Santo is rich in brain oxygenating terpenes such as limonene and terpinol.
By purchasing this Palo Santo you are directly supporting the reforestation
By purchasing Floracopeia Palo Santo you are directly supporting the reforestation of Palo Santo trees.
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