The Palo Santo Sticks Essential Guide

The Palo Santo Sticks Essential Guide

Welcome! If you’ve ended up on this site, you’re probably doing some research on Palo Santo Sticks. Perhaps you’ve heard from a friend or co-worker that they “smudge” to help clear out negativity or bring good luck. Maybe you’re interested in learning more about how Palo Santo Sticks can help with overall wellness? In any case, Palo Santo is becoming increasingly popular as more people seek natural therapies in boosting mind, body, and spirit!

Palo Santo SticksThe “Holy Wood”

Palo Santo (Bursera Graveolens) is the species of tree grown in the tropical forests of several South American countries extending from Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula to Ecuador. It is an aromatic citrus tree and part of the family of plants that includes frankincense and myrrh. Palo Santo is a Spanish term, which literally means “holy wood (or stick).” The name aptly describes the tree’s beneficial effects as it is known to provide health, physical, and spiritual benefits. Palo Santo smudge sticks and essential oils are the two major products derived from the mystical tree. 

History

Palo Santo sticks are widely used in rituals for spiritual purification. For centuries since the Inca period, Palo Santo sticks were utilized to bring good luck and cleanse houses of bad spirits. The tradition of using Palo Santo was passed down for generations and the practice continues even to this day!

Now, the popularity of the Palo Santo with relation to natural healing has extended to the United States and other countries outside of the American continents. 

As Palo Santo continues to gain worldwide recognition for its effective alternative therapies, people have sought after Palo Santo sticks. The internet and social media continue to promote the benefits of Palo Santo smudge sticks and essential oils resulting in the countless number of people achieving physical and spiritual health. 

Palo Santo Wood Burning Benefits

Products from Palo Santo offer many ceremonial benefits to naturally heal and energetically cleanse oneself.  In preparation for meditation, Palo Santo smudge sticks are burned to draw positive energies and keep them grounded. Its scent is uplifting–raising vibration levels in order to facilitate a mind, body, and spirit connection. It also boosts creativity, positive feelings,  and good fortune!

As an alternative medicine method, Palo Santo smudge sticks are said to yield  healing benefits. The aromatic scent from the burning of the Palo Santo smudge sticks can help those with common ailments such as colds, flu, stomach ache, rheumatism, asthma and inflammation. It is also effective for other ailments such as stress, headaches, and depression.

Palo Santo essential oil is useful in massaging.  Its efficacy in calming the nervous and immune systems for faster recuperation from illness is widely accepted!

 

Sustainability

A common misconception is that Palo Santo trees are endangered due to deforestation. This rumor is erroneous and misleading. It is the Bulnesia Sarmientoi, also called by the common name of Palo Santo that is in fact threatened with too much exploitation and is becoming endangered! It is a tree that looks similar to mahogany and grows in the forests of northern Argentina’s Gran Chaco region and southern Paraguay. It is sought for its durable lumber and fragrant resin normally used in the production of soap and incense sticks. Bulnesia Sarmientoi is heavily logged for fuel while the forests where they are grown are gradually being cleared to give way to cattle grazing and other industries. 

Bursera graveolens

Bursera graveolens is actually used to produce burning sticks, incense, and essential oils. This tree is not related to Bulnesia sarmientoi (although it goes by the same common name) 

Bursera graveolens grows in Brazil, northern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and the coastal dry forests of Ecuador. Most companies will only manufacture products from the wood of fallen trees. When you purchase Palo Santo Sticks, make sure to purchase from a supplier that supports ecological sustainability and respects the environment.

Palo Santo Smudging 

Palo Santo smudge wood is ignited with a lighter or match. After burning it for about a minute, blow it out. Move around the areas or rooms you want to cleanse or clear the energy with it. The scent emitted by the burned wooden stick  will bring peace and clarity as well as enhance positive feelings!