Smudging is an easy and effective way to cleanse your home and yourself when done with love and care. Palo Santo translates as "holy/sacred wood". While many Indigenous folk do sell sage and other plant medicines, its important we know where we are buying from and who we are supporting. But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. These herbs are revered in many Indigenous cultures for their potent medicinal properties, and many shamans in South America also use Palo Santo to aid the journey of a dying soul into the afterlife. If you have used herbs to cleanse your space in the past and enjoy the ritual, you don't have to give it up in order to do so in a culturally conscious way. Does the companys site say anything about their work with South American suppliers and how they comply with Palo Santo importation regulations? Before you buy from a company, ask the following questions: There are arguments to be made for and against buying palo santo, but the combination of Western demand and responsible cultivation and harvesting can bring value to both the species and its habitat. Im going to miss traditional Sage Smudging and Palo Santo but you know my Energy Cleansing Sprays and Salves have evolved into beautiful alternatives! If someone is harvesting white sage and doesnt know how to properly do so, theyre preventing more plants from growing and thus endangering the plant species. Reason being: The palo santo tree has long been thought to have special spiritual qualities. Detoxifier and Immune Enhancer. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! ), and follow what naturally pulls you. Ive already bonded to these runes, but does this mean I should get rid of them? In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. It took a bit to print new materials, labels, and all of that but I got it done and I am now proud to say that there are no sage bundles available at Empath Essentials and even the term smudging is slowly being phased out. Though it is illegal in Peru and Ecuador to cut down Palo Santo trees, it is quite difficult to enforce this law. Located 35 miles (55 km) south of San Francisco and 14 miles (23 km) north of San Jose, it lies on the western shore of San Francisco Bay. To suddenly mark it as trendy and attempt to engage in the rituals that were once illegal for the very communities that created them, means Native culture is open for cherry picking, where cool aspects can be taken, while the history and atrocities these communities had no choice but to endure can be ignored. Smudging, also known as saging, has become a trendy wellness practice that folks use to cleanse their spaces be it a bedroom, an entire home, or even a car. With information constantly at our fingertips (s/o to the internet), people are looking into alternative ways to wellness that dont rely on modern medicines quick fixes, says Matluck. If you can find wood chips, sticks or cones, burn one or twoin an incense burner for about 20 or 25 minutes. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. Regardless of what you're cleansing, you'll want to have your windows or doorways open so the old energy has somewhere to go (and you don't stink up the house with smoke . Do they say which country the wood is from? Having become quite the sensation in recent years in the Western world, Palo Santo (alongside white sage), has erupted when it comes to self-care. Shamans and healers, often known as Curanderos, traditionally used the energizing and healing properties of palo santo to purify air, dispel evil spirits, and cleanse negative energy. "All burned wood releases smoke compounds that can cause significant harm when inhaled over a long time or at high exposures," he explains. Its scientific name is "Bursera Graveolens", and it's related to FrankIncense and Myrrh. Palo santo oil was used during the time of the Incas for its reputed spiritual purifying properties. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. are clickable links to these studies. Once you have your hands on ethically sourced palo santo, these mantras from an Indigenous, third-generation medicine woman can help you infuse it with your intention. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. The wood has historically been utilized in spiritual ceremonies, as well as in aromatherapy, and is still burned in Catholic churches today. Your FREE Astrology Sex, Love and Attraction Guide. Colonialism and capitalism place importance on extraction and commodities, whereas Indigenous cultures uphold the gift economy, a true spiritual exchange between all living beings. But how do we at Sacred Wood Essence put our money where our mouth is? Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) good vibes only?) Like sage, which is predominantly used by Native Americans, South American shamans believed burning Palo Santo had similar properties capable of resetting energy that was tainted by negativity or conflict. Once youve successfully lit the stick, waft it around to distribute smoke through the room. Not all medicine works for everyone, so customize your uniqueness by leaning into the herbs that were revered by your ancestors, or those that are deeply speaking to you. Well-intentioned but ill-informed memes warn that palo santo is teetering on extinction. The best thing to do is source herbs that are grown locally, or grow your own! Try to cut the top inch or so down from the tip then light it, then blow it out which produces a lot of smoke. When you are through, allow the smoldering end to burn out. As a great way to naturally lower pain from arthritis, injuries, chronic neck or back pain, and sore muscles, apply several drops with a carrier oil three times a day directly on the point of pain. This incense is used in aromatherapy because the wood smells so pleasant to the individual. Once you are equipped with some context and history, burning palo santo sticks or using palo santo essential oil is pretty straightforward. Palo Santo is a precious wood, so you may not wish to burn it. In reality though, not all medicine works for everyone. Support Indigenous-owned businesses, follow Indigenous accounts, and if you can, support these organizations that are doing incredible work to assist Indigenous communities: Some alternatives that can be used for space cleansing, bug repellent or for creating a calming atmosphere are listed below. This form of cleansing can look a bit like smudging, but its just the simple act of burning herbs, wood, incense, or other safe-to-burn materials that possess cleansing properties. When it comes to something like white sage which North American Indigenous communities have been using for centuries, the appropriation of it is hurtful because these very communities were banned from practicing their religious beliefs for decades by white settlers and government bodies, who claimed their plant medicinal practices were evil and rooted in witchcraft. Arent we just engaging in spiritual bypassing by assuming the look of a new-age woke human, or are we actually interested in ascending and bettering ourselves? Keep the windows closed for a stronger effect, or open if you prefer a less intense smell. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. Like smudging with sage, smudging with Palo Santo is all about covering the space in which you need a boost of purified energy and want to attract alllll the good stuff with intention. chemicals are combined to mimic the trees natural aroma. The bags unmarked, and its more than clear that the runes are carved by hand (and cut by hand; they are far from uniform shapes). Long story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. TikTok's Viral Strength & Mobility Test Will Humble You, Why TikTok's "Body Doubling" Productivity Trick Really Works, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. This has caused some serious problems for those burning the sticks without knowing, as many have immediately caught rapid fire. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. The highest quality oils form in the aged heartwood, which is used in sacred ceremonies and for healing by specific local cultures. I thought I was in the clear with this one because I was using ethically sourced Palo Santo where the trees were literally dying of natural causes and then waiting years before they were sourced. Whether its conflict at work or a stressed-out partner bringing you down at home, Palo Santo is said to show agitated and harmful energy the door (literally), bring in positive healing energies, and allow you to approach things with an unburdened mind. As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted on your skin without a carrier oil, and keep them away from your eyes, inside your nose and mucus membranes, children and pets. Similar toclary sageandcedarwood essential oils, palo santo has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural cleansing agent. Particularly, its been gaining attention for being a natural cancer treatmentfor inflammatory diseases. Either way, the tropical dry forest habitat of bursera graveoleon is suffering worldwide, so there is some reason for concern. Website created by Lighthaus Design, Original Products Botanica instagram Link, Original Products Botanica pinterest Link. Palo santo as a magical or metaphysical practice does not belong to a single tradition. What is it, and how can you use it today? Sage has long been used as an herb in Mediterranean cuisine, used for medicinal purposes, or grown ornamentally. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Ensure that your ritual is at least benefiting the farmers and harvesters who make it possible for you to have it, and that the actual benefit (therapeutic oils) are present in the wood. You can also leave pieces of the wood in your home, especially on your altar. Are We Doomed To Break Up? The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood, burned during spiritual ceremonies, is medicinal. You may also wear a Palo Santo bead necklace or bracelet to connect to the spirit of the wood and enjoy the fragrance without burning. 1 small stick of Palo Santo wood; 2 cups of boiled water; Honey or a natural sweetener (as per taste) Directions. Though not the only sage native to North America, white sage is by far the one most frequently used and sold by the wellness industry. Learn About Treatments and Diet Changes, How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids (4+ Natural Remedies), Create a natural bug spray by making this, What is palo santo? In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. Over 40 different types of palo santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. Our team includes licensed nutritionists and dietitians, certified health education specialists, as well as certified strength and conditioning specialists, personal trainers and corrective exercise specialists. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. The pleasing, grounding aroma of palo santo triggers the brain's olfactory system, stimulating the relaxation response1 and preparing the mind for meditation or creative focus. Treat this wood with respect and it will reward you. Palo santo wood chip incense or essential oil can also be used to clean the air and surfaces in your home and prevent illnesses, contamination or even bad energy. Purify your kitchen, bathroom or appliances by diffusing the oil or running it through your household appliances. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? The practice of using the palo santo smoke to clear energy and call in good vibes is an Indigenous tradition called smudging. As you do this, state your intention. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Get free domestic shipping on all orders over $95. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage (which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. Calling all natural-healing skeptics: Palo Santo might just make a believer out of you. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sacred Wood Essence has personally shown me their photos where they are working alongside the Palo Santo harvesters in Ecuador, and you can see that the working conditions are ethical, the Palo Santo is sourced sustainably, and that this work is the sole livelihood of this group of people. You cant buy blessings from a rabbi, so apply that same logic here. It's scent is like the actor you've never noticed before, but then you watch him in one movie and you realize he's starring in everything. The therapeutic benefits of Palo Santo are many, with it being highly medicinal and healing. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. Trends like this negate the actual importance behind the practice, giving non-Native folk the idea that they can commodify cultures for their own personal benefit. We never want to disrespect the . Your words can be simple, like,"With this smoke, I cleanse this space of negativity. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, here's what you need to know about burning white sage. Try using some in various homemade soap, lotion, incense and cleansing products, especially in any recipe that calls for frankincense, cedarwood, myrrh orlemon essential oil. Okay, I was on witchtok which can be EXTREMELY miss-leading, not enough information, toxic, or just straight up lies. What Is Palo SantoAnd What Does It Do Exactly. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. Like every platform that uses social networking buttons and analytics, we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Camila Cabello And Shawn Mendes' Full Relationship, Everything To Know About Rihannas 2nd Pregnancy, Stars Who Got Their Start on Reality TV Shows, These Pregnant Celebrities Have Due Dates In 2023, See Blake Shelton's Throwback Pic With Reba, Meghan Trainor Says She 'Can't Walk' After Sex, Five Dead Giveaways Tell Burglars You're Not Home, 40 Things You Can Buy On Amazon For Under $10. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. compassion? Palo Santo is a mystical tree that grows on the coast of South America and it means "Holy Wood" in Spanish. With practice and a willingness to see, you can use incense smoke or ashes to answer any question you can think of. Distancing ourselves from the true meaning and depth that specific communities have been practicing for hundreds of years robs these sacred cultures of their revered traditions and the plant medicine that is integral to their well-being. Is the company invested in its relationship with the farmers and committed to supporting their livelihood. Historically, palo santo wood chips or sticks have been used to make a natural mosquito repellent (likecitronella oil) because it possessesaromatic resins and volatile oils. This way, youll be better prepared to establish harmonious office relationships and start spending comforting QT with your partner. Sage, however, is not historically part of European witchcraft, from which many modern day witch practices stem. The valuable fruit of theB. graveolenstree is a small black seed covered by a red pulp thats contained in a green capsule. Be suspicious of companies selling oil (sometimes just called holy wood oil) for low prices over the internet today. Lastly, upon hearing from those within the community, and Indigenous folk in North America, Palo Santo, along with white sage shouldnt be sold as a commodity (especially by retail chains), but rather be given to you by a shaman to ensure it actually has the sacred benefit that it is being used for. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. This video sums it up really well. To try smudging with palo santo, which is intended to improve the energy in your environment, you can burn a small amount of the wood in your home. Growing your own ensures that you are consuming within a boundary that youve set and that no communities or wildlife gets hurt in the process. A closed practice is one where the mysteries and practices are off limits to people who are not initiated to it. This way youll end up with Palo Santo that has the spiritual properties you want to bring into your life and honors the rich history and the region it comes from. Working with Indigenous communities, establishing a relationship and supporting their livelihood matters, however the majority of brands are either disconnected to the process or have no idea where or how they get their Palo Santo or sage. Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. With the wellness industry making acts of self-care synonymous with the consumption of products and appendages, people have flocked to the crystal shops to get their bundle stashes faster than ever, attempting to smudge their way to inner peace. Its about power.. This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. For starters, it's your answer to ~good~ vibes. This aroma, which traditionally symbolizes a cleansing of negative energy, is bound to bring you serenity. Does the company work directly with the farmers to ensure the harvesting process is ethical and sustainable? The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUCN) ranks the conservation status of palo santo, scientifically known as bursera graveoleon, as "of least concern." What are the benefits of palo santo? What herbs or plants are trying to get your attention right now? One is not necessarily better, as they have similar uses including enhancingspiritual purifying and energy cleansing.. When not being used for its smell, Palo Santo oil has become a go-to for its anti-inflammatory and stress-relief properties (one note: these pluses are based on anecdotal evidence, and Dr. Goldstein says there's no data proving they're legit). It grows in dry tropical forests and produces very fragrant resin. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. It grows in dry, tropical forest areas, and the majority of it is found in Ecuador. For a natural headache remedy and instant relief, dilute a few drops in water and dissolve the vapors with a diffuser whenever a headache strikes. The sweet, smoky fragrance is an intoxicating go-to for cleansing and clearing spaces. Burning palo santo as part of a calming ritual can help promote a shift in energy. Youll want to check the genus species name (Bursera graveolens)so you know youre getting the real thing. Using palo santo in your home can be a beautiful, beneficial way to clear your space and calm the mind. In other words, its important to leave the root, because thats how the plant grows back. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Palo Santo is used in rituals to cleanse and ward off negative energies (Palo Santo is related to frankincense, myrrh, and copal trees, three other powerful energy cleansers and protectors). .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. dry tropical forests have been decimated. Although its well-tolerated, applying palo santo essential oil to a small patch of your skin to perform a test is a good idea before using it on larger or more sensitive parts of the body.
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