Bursera graveolens, also know in Spanish as palo santo, which means „holy wood“, is a tree that grows on the coast of Ecuador. The tree belongs to the same family as frankincense and myrrh. It is commonly used and known as a folk medicine. Palo santo is rich in organic compounds such as limonene and a-terpineol. This essential oil is significantly anti-bacterial and anti-viral, and with its high levels of limonene, it is quite helpful when battling skin infections or acne.
The tree’s botanical name is Bursera Graveolens and it comes from the family of trees known as the Burseraceae. The part used in making the essential oil is the wood. The method used to extract the oil is steam distilled and its color is clear, almost like pale yellow. The initial aroma is not very strong, so it will not leave any significant scent.
The Palo Santo was used by shamans to cure illnesses, and because of this, the Spanish called it „Santo“. Even though Palo Santo just recently became a popular essential oil, it has been used for many years. The Incas used it as a remedy for spiritual cleansing and purifying. The Shamans used it in ceremonies to drive away bad spirits, clear bad energy, and to cure a wide range of illnesses.
The tree grows for about 40 years and then it dies. Then, it has to be laid down for about 10 years, before it can be fully processed. Palo Santo is obtained from the wood after the natural death of the tree or from the pieces found on the ground. To keep its special properties and values, the dead tree must be laid on the ground for about 10 years before the wood can be harvested. The oil production will begin after the tree has been on the ground for some time. The oil will develop in the trunk and the longer the tree remains on the ground, the quality of the oil will be much higher.
What is Palo Santo used for?
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The Palo Santo essential oil has great benefits and here is a list of things it can help with and how to use it:
- For flu, allergies, migraine, and bad mood – dilute a few drops in water and dissolved vapors to the atmosphere with a diffuser of essences.
- For meditation and relaxation (psychophysical) – dilute a few drops in water and dissolved vapors to the atmosphere with a diffuser of essences.
- For preventing tumors in the stomach, liver, lungs, breasts, and skin – apply three drops under the tongue three times a day for six days a week.
The Palo Santo essential oil 33% diluted with soy oil has a wide range of benefits as well:
- For the flu, allergies, asthma, migraine, and bad mood – apply a few drops on the chest at the heart level, nose, temples, and neck.
- For dizziness – apply a few drops on the chest at heart level.
- For panic, stress, and labor anxiety – apply a few drops on the chest at heart level, nose, and the neck.
- For massages – apply on the area that is being massaged and it will reactivate blood circulation and recharge energy levels.
- For arthritis, arthrosis, neck pain, and muscle aches – when in pain, apply a few drops of the oil three times a day directly on the area that is in pain, and massage until the oil is absorbed.
Conclusion
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If you want a natural and healthy remedy, you can use this Palo Santo essential oil for many problems or illnesses you might have. In addition to the wonderful healing properties of Palo Santo wood oil, it has a great economic benefit for all the people involved in the harvesting and distillation of the oil.
