That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. Our consumer-driven society makes it seem as though as long as we can purchase something, that we should and can engage with it. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. 7 Incredible Benefits of Palo Santo and How to Use it for Health The big takeaway is, again, to be very responsible about where you get your palo santo. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. 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. You can also combine palo santo withlavender oil,bergamot oilor frankincense oil for additional relaxation benefits. The Benefits Of Palo Santo, Healing Wood, According To Experts In some countries, such as Ecuador, its against the law to remove or cut down these trees because theyre protected due to palo santo deforestation. P370 + P378 - In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical, or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction. "All burned wood releases smoke compounds that can cause significant harm when inhaled over a long time or at high exposures," he explains. Once inhaled, palo santo travels directly through the olfactory system (which controls our sense of smell) of the brain, where it helps turn on the bodys relaxation responses and reduces panic, anxiety and insomnia. 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. Palo Santo is traditionally used as a natural remedy for colds and flu, as well as symptoms of stress. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. It is also known to relieve asthma, headaches, anxiety, depression, and reduce inflammation. If you are a brand who is unsure about cultural sensitivity and how to walk these lines respectfully and in a way that is truly reciprocal, learn more about our Conscious Consulting services and how I can help guide you. Does the company work directly with the farmers to ensure the harvesting process is ethical and sustainable? We have to ask ourselves, what benefit are we really looking for here? 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. If you feel like you engage with Palo Santo in a truly authentic way, we encourage you to support those that are harvesting as sustainably as possible, and who are benefitting the local communities in their endeavours. To enjoy its energizing effects during yoga, we recommend lighting a piece of palo santo wood before you begin and allowing the smoke to gently fill the room. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isn't on the Red Listyet. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. While the tree matures relatively quickly (50-70 years compared to the hundreds of years others in the arboreal world take), the only way to get the full benefit of this tree is by letting it die naturally, and allowing it a four to ten year resting period on the forest floor. However, while I was scrolling I came across a closed practice video, obviously I knew that white sage is a closed practice, but she said that Palo Santo was also a closed practice and could be dangerous, it cleanses "bad and good" energy she said. The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse. Palo Santo Sticks - Mountain Rose Herbs Youll want to check the genus species name (Bursera graveolens)so you know youre getting the real thing. Being responsible about sourcing your palo santo is another important consideration. Being so far removed here in the West, these bundles are still being snatched up faster than ever due to the trend, rather than the understanding of its importance. For example, in Peru, a shaman will lightBursera graveolens sticks, and the rising smoke is said to enter the energy field surrounding the site. Colonialism and capitalism place importance on extraction and commodities, whereas Indigenous cultures uphold the gift economy, a true spiritual exchange between all living beings. The executive director of United Plant Savers, Susan Leopold, told The New York Times that dry tropical forests have been decimated. Burning dried wood from the mystical palo santo tree, and collecting its concentrated oils, have been widely used in folk medicines and by shamans (medicine men) for centuries. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Are We Doomed To Break Up? That's not entirely true. As an essential oil, it's great for aromatherapy and can also be used during therapeutic massages. Website created by Lighthaus Design, Original Products Botanica instagram Link, Original Products Botanica pinterest Link. Suddenly, what was once thought of as evil is now witchy and woke, when practiced by white people? Aryelle Siclait is the editor at Women's Health where she writes and edits articles about relationships, sexual health, pop culture, and fashion for verticals across. Briefly put, Palo Santo is the wood of the Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). In 2005, Peru had listed Palo Santo as endangered due to overharvesting. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. There's only one restriction here: Treat the spirit of the wood with respect. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. You dont need to burn the wood for very long to create a decent amount of smoke. Native Americans used both as sacred plants for smudging (burning). Sacred Wood Essence - Sustainable Palo Santo compassion? 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 demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. Connecting with your lineage and your ancestry isnt just some woke way to side-step cultural appropriation, but it deeply aligns you with the medicine and healing power of the plants that your ancestors used and thrived on. So, while the trees are not directly in danger, their sought-after habitats might cause them to become casualties in the process, a devastating result for both the trees and the Indigenous folk who rely on them. Palo Alto, city, Santa Clara county, northern California, U.S. For starters, it's your answer to ~good~ vibes. Protecting and Empowering Empaths Across the Universe. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. dazedxbat 1 yr. ago. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. What plant medicines and herbs did your ancestors use? Palo santo is known to fight infections and viruses that can leave you with a cold or the flu. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood, burned during spiritual ceremonies, is medicinal. A cousin of both frankincense and myrrh, palo santo literally means "holy wood," and it's a fitting name given its past. This is one reasonpalo santo essential oil is considered a powerful supporter of mental and emotional clarity. P501 - Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant. White sage has become so gentrified and has lost its true meaning unless its blessed & used in a traditional way which Im 100% sure most non-natives dont have access to @lilnativeboy, How to Sustainably and Respectfully Use Palo Santo. Burning palo santo as part of a calming ritual can help promote a shift in energy. What is it, and how can you use it today? To use it, light a stick, wait about thirty seconds, and blow out the flame. Wild plants can't support becoming commercial commodities, which is why you'll see Walmart now selling random bundles of who-knows-what wood sprayed with "sage-scent"- seriously, go check out their incense . Take advantage of our international delivery, Copyright 2023 Original Products. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. 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. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently removed it from its endangered list, stating that the tree is of least concern. Magic and Spiritual Uses & Benefits of Palo Santo - Original Botanica Instead of seeking fulfillment and spiritual connection through social media trends, try listening to your body (what plants or practices is it guiding you towards? In Canada, there are Indigenous Friendship Centres in many cities across the country. 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 scientific name is "Bursera Graveolens", and it's related to FrankIncense and Myrrh. 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. I have palo santo and have been using it for around 5 months, and since it's witchtok, there's a possibility it's misleading. Bursera graveolens - Wikipedia I know burning palo santo is a closed practice, but what about my runes? What naturally grows in your ancestral lands? Your 3-Step Guide On How To Use Palo Santo Wood Palo Santo Benefits, Uses, Recipes and Side Effects - Dr. Axe Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation - Sacred Wood Essence The Crystal Industry and Why Its Nowhere as Luminous as the Materials it Produces. In 2004, researchers from the University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Japan discovered several other key phytochemicals in palo santo oil that are capable of fighting cancerous cell mutation. 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. But how do we at Sacred Wood Essence put our money where our mouth is? Its about power.. Buying from small, indigenous-owned businesses over a huge corporation will help ensure you're getting true palo santo, instead of a synthetic substitute, while also directly supporting farmers and suppliers. In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Carry this around the area you wish to cleanse, waving the smoke with your hand or a hand fan to make sure it gets into all of the corners. 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. A Note On Sage Smudging & Palo Santo Empath Essentials Palo Santo - What Is The "Holy Wood" And How To Use It For Inner-Peace dry tropical forests have been decimated. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. For a natural remedy for muscle, bone and joint pain, try massaging the oil mixture into the skin until the oil is absorbed or sitting in a soaking bath with palo santo and Epsom salts. 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. Here's What To Know First, Based On My Experience. Just rubbing a few drops into the skin is believed to soothe the mind and ward off headaches and anxiety, too. Once it's burned for 30 seconds, blow out the flame then place the stick in a heatproof container to allow it to continue its burn. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee Crumbs. People in multiple countries in South America use it to repel insects. This way, youll be better prepared to establish harmonious office relationships and start spending comforting QT with your partner. Theres a rise and a growth of consciousness around energy and spirituality. White sage grows naturally in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico and is particularly found along the coast of Southern California and in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. When shes not stuck to her laptop, Jessica loves hanging out with her husband and four active kids, drinking really great lattes, and lifting weights. I have since learned that Palo Santo is also considered a closed practice in the Latino Community. First, a primer on the perks: In addition to the historic and spiritual perks of burning it, Palo Santo is also beloved in South America for its scent. palo santo : r/magick - Reddit But its so important to know the difference!. Its wood is very aromatic -- it accumulates fragrant oil and resin in the wood fiber, which produces its distinctive scent. These days, to take advantage of its unique smell, Palo Santos been distilled into an essential oil, says Matluck. Palo santo ( Bursera graveolens) is a tree that's native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. Try to refrain from indulging in these practices if you are not an Indigenous person, and do not buy into this practice solely for the trend aspect of it, especially without educating yourself on the deep cultural and religious context first. Is using White Sage Incense a Closed Practice? : r/IndianCountry - Reddit Opened vs Closed Practices | Wiki | Baby Witches 101 Amino Its unique fragrance is like a mixture of pine resins, citrus, and frankincense, and it clears away negativity, smooths vibrations, and draws in positive feelings better than almost anything else. 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. Our highest potential is cultivated by our innermost depths and our truest beliefs. 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). 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. Though the ritual of smudging as well as the fragrance of Palo Santo are incredibly captivating and tempting, respect for both the tree and Indigenous folk go beyond the need for the consumption and ownership of what is sacred. The therapeutic benefits of Palo Santo are many, with it being highly medicinal and healing. Palo Santo drives away negativity, destroys obstacles, and attracts luck. In Spanish,. P264 -Wash hands thoroughly after handling. In preclinical studies of mammary carcinogenesis and inflammation-related diseases, supplementing with limonene helps to fight inflammation, lower cytokines and protects the epithelial barrier of cells. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood . Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. Researchers observed biological activities including antineoplastic, antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions against cell mutations and tumor growth. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. You can burn the wood or incense in a sick room -- in addition to clearing out negative energies produced by pain and illness, it is said to have antibacterial, antiviral, and relaxing properties. In the Global North, are other cultures expected to step aside and give space for white well-being, while giving up their own? Palo santo is not a closed practice. Again, this takes a bit since I have to print new materials, labels, etc. 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. When smoked as incense, this is called smudging. By lighting shavings of palo santo wood, the smell keeps not only bugs but also spiritual bad energy away, according to mystics. Why We Need to Stop Using Palo Santo | Forage and Sustain But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. Palo Alto | California, United States | Britannica Return to the room and pitch open the windows to its wholly purified and renewed space. Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. What is a Closed Practice? Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. Smudging is an ancient and sacred Indigenous ritual meant to purify and cleanse the soul and the spaces surrounding it (different than smoke cleansing). 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. Because [Palo Santo] is rather popular, you have to look into whether its been ethically sourced, he says. The grounding aroma can help you prepare your mind and energy for meditation. Palo Santo sticks have been getting more popular as an alternative to sage, but buying this Central and South American tree bark used by Amazonian tribes can also be harmful, in similar ways to white sage. ITEM 757: Palo Santo water/shower. While the wood and oil are said to have medicinal properties, it is best used to heal on the spiritual or vibrational plane. Palo santo (Bursera graveolens), also known as holy wood or wood of the saints,describes a group of trees that produce a powerful essential oil known for stimulating the immune system and fighting inflammation. This term refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that: To read more on this topic, this website is a great place to start!Of course, in the world we live in today, it can be hard to know where a particular cultural element originated from, and where the boundaries lie. Dr. Adrienne Keene, assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, This article was originally published on July 19, 2019. 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. The smoldering end will give off a white smoke for a few minutes, and you can prop it in an incense burner in advance of your practice.
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