Spanish for “holy wood”, Palo Santo is a sacred tree which grows in select parts of South America and is a natural insect repellant. It has been used for centuries by shamans in ritual prayer, ceremonies and healing, known for its grounding and focusing effect which can enhance creativity, productivity and increase good fortune.
How To Burn Palo Santo
- Light the stick with a candle or match or a lighter
- Holding the stick at an angle or flat, and letting it burn for 30 seconds to a minute
- Blow out the flame with your breath or by waving the stick rapidly
- Place the stick in a heatproof dish to let it burn
Forms of palo santo
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Wood. The wood of the palo santo tree is available as sticks, chips, or powder. It usually comes from the branches of the tree, so it’s 100 percent wood
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Resin. Palo santo wood contains a very aromatic resin, which can be extracted and used separately
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Oil. The essential oil of palo santo can be derived from the wood and fruit
Palo santo benefits
- Palo santo sticks can be used to clear negative energy in your home
- Smudging palo santo can create a cathartic ritual
- Sniffing palo santo oil can relieve headaches
- It can supposedly a bug repellent
- Diffusing palo santo oil purportedly helps to ward off colds
- For some people, it also can alleviate stomachaches
- Palo Santo essential oil can be used to reduce stress levels
When to use Palo santo
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When you feeling down or depressed
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Before you go to bed after a long day around people
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Before and after a you’ve had guests at your home
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When you move into a new home
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When you begin a new job, feel stressed
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When you start your own business
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Before and after a healing session
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Before meditation and yoga
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After any illness
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After an argument / conflict