Palo Santo looks like a small wooden stick and it's scent is known to raise the vibration in preparation for meditation, creative endeavors and ceremony. The practice of smudging, therefore, should not be taken lightly, according to Dr. Adrienne Keene, an assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. good vibes only?) Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your spiritual practice. Issues with participating in Palo Santo usage stem from: For years, the over-harvesting of Palo Santo to keep up with Western demand has led to deep concerns of its ability to regenerate robustly. Does the companys site say anything about their work with South American suppliers and how they comply with Palo Santo importation regulations? But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. Don't Closely Inhale the Palo Santo Fumes. "You can also recite a prayer to your deity or deities, invoke your guardian angels, or call on your spirit guides to help you drive away negative energy. Palo santo essential oil can be diffused for aromatherapy and may reduce tension, boost mood, and calm the nervous system. Palo Santo in Spanish is holy stick. Palo Santo, literally meaning "holy wood" in Spanish, is a tree that is widely distributed throughout Central and South America. 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. 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. Help! 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. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. 5 PorkchopFunny 2 yr. ago Owning palo santo/burning it/sticking it up your butt/doing whatever with it is not a closed practice. and kick out of it (anger, frustration, generally bad juju), then start waving your burning Palo Santo around the corners of the room, says Hammond. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. You dont need to burn the wood for very long to create a decent amount of smoke. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. Researchers observed biological activities including antineoplastic, antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions against cell mutations and tumor growth. The ritualistic burning (or smudging) of Palo Santo wood comes from the Incan belief that the smoke produced by Palo Santo has medicinal properties. ), and follow what naturally pulls you. Nurturing and growing a plant is a form of self-care, giving you balance, grounding you and providing purpose, similar to what burning a bundle would do. Palo santo as a magical or metaphysical practice does not belong to a single tradition. 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. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features. Ayales works directly with the farmers, actually knows their names, and regularly visits the areas where her products come from. When it burns, the aromatic wood releases lemon, mint, and pine notesan invigorating, grounding fragrance that is believed to have a number of benefits. This is both a serious hazard, and an indication that this kind of usage is just not right. Its wood is very aromatic -- it accumulates fragrant oil and resin in the wood fiber, which produces its distinctive scent. She works primarily with palos (sticks), herbs, and flowers. 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. 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. 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. Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007 and has covered everything from parenting and pregnancy to residential and industrial real estate, cannabis, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, landscaping, home decor, and more. 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. 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 . Wed also like to mention the importance of understanding herbs, herbalism and plant medicine. Thinking About Trying Keen? 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. Its name translates to "holy wood," and this beautiful, aromatic tree lives up to its reputation as a healer and cleanser. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. 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. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Cultural Appropriation and Disregard for the Sacred: While cultural appropriation is a term that can get thrown around for almost anything these days (we are huge fans of celebrating different cultures and encourage you to embrace and learn about as many things as possible, respectfully and in the right way), we do have to be cautious and considerate when it comes to specific realms. You can either allow some of the wood to smolder in an incense bowl, or, if your meditation area is small or you find the dense smoke too heavy, try a Palo Santo incense or a Palo Santo & Rue incense. Palo santo is not a closed practice. Sage has long been used as an herb in Mediterranean cuisine, used for medicinal purposes, or grown ornamentally. 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. It's done by burning herbs like sage or wood or their resin. But you need to be sure to be mindful of the sanctity of its traditional use and responsible about where you buy it. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. Here's everything you need to know about it: Its wood from a tree called Bursera graveolens, nicknamed Palo Santo, that grows in South America. In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? You can also use the essential oil in the same way or combine it with water and spray it directly onto your skin or clothes. It grows in dry tropical forests and produces very fragrant resin. Smudging is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to Native and Indigenous communities. We can create all the altars we want, but if the belief isnt there, well be hard-pressed to feel that sacred shift. Due to the demand, opportunists are prematurely cutting down these sacred trees, in order to quickly process the wood into sticks for selling. No, of course not! Youll want to check the genus species name (Bursera graveolens)so you know youre getting the real thing. Transparency is key here companies that are working on the ground, with the farmers and who are participating in true reciprocity are the only ones we should be supporting, if we must be using it at all. Just make sure to spot test the oil on small patch of skin at first to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions, Dr. Goldstein recommends. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently removed it from its endangered list, stating that the tree is of least concern. By depleting the land of these precious plants for trendy usage, we have to ask: who is wellness really for? Palo santo oil was used during the time of the Incas for its reputed spiritual purifying properties. The demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. The practice of using the palo santo smoke to clear energy and call in good vibes is an Indigenous tradition called smudging. The Softer, the Better. You will need roughly 1 tsp of shavings per 1-2 cups of water (add more shavings for a stronger flavor) Place the shavings in the boiled water and let steep for around 10 minutes Remember to focus your mind, and note that you may need to relight the stick once or twice. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. Indigenous Latin American cultures have used its wood in traditional healing and spiritual ceremonies for centuries. Is the company invested in its relationship with the farmers and committed to supporting their livelihood. This has been on our minds here at Sacred Wood Essence a lot lately. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. Again, this takes a bit since I have to print new materials, labels, etc. If you can find wood chips, sticks or cones, burn one or twoin an incense burner for about 20 or 25 minutes. 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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. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood, burned during spiritual ceremonies, is medicinal. It keeps families together. This aroma, which traditionally symbolizes a cleansing of negative energy, is bound to bring you serenity. The wellness industry has stripped the deeply religious aspects of these plants and packaged them up for profit. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) You can also leave pieces of the wood in your home, especially on your altar. Remember: we cannot consume our way to our higher selves. 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 . What was once a tradition of the past, energy cleansing is on a successful comeback tour thanks in part to Palo Santo, the unassuming wood that before you know it, you might start crediting for your amped-up wellness. Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. Using palo santo in your home can be a beautiful, beneficial way to clear your space and calm the mind. As a general rule of thumb, here are some herbs and plants that are sacred to Indigenous communities and that should not be used for smudging, unless practiced with true intention and purchased in a way that supports Indigenous communities: For true reciprocity and cultural appreciation, think about how you can give back to Native peoples, instead of just attempting to take. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. When you are through, allow the smoldering end to burn out. Theyve already planted 4000 trees in 2019. 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. It's worth noting however, the research about the benefits (or risks) of exposure to smoke from Palo Santo is limited, says Adam O. Goldstein, MD, professor of family medicine and director of tobacco intervention programs at University of North Carolina. Palo santo the aromatic wood that has been used for traditional healing and in spiritual ceremonies in indigenous and mestizo Latin American cultures for centuries has seen a growth in. . Waft The Smoke. This "Holy Wood" from South America has the power to purify living spaces, soothe frayed nerves, and delight the senses. Native Americans used both as sacred plants for smudging (burning). Here are some ways to get started using palo santo oil: Try using several drops of pure palo santo oil as a detoxification agent by combining it with hot water (not boiling) and drinking it as an herbal tea. 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. 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. Palo santo is also related to the citrus family and has a somewhat similar sweet note of clean smelling pine, mint and lemon. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. The herbs that grew in your ancestral lands, the plants that your grandmothers used, and the herbal remedies that were revered all hold potent healing medicines that will connect you far deeper and more meaningfully than any trend or suggested product. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Culinary sage (the kind you use in butternut squash and roasted chicken dishes), also known as garden sage, originally comes from the shores of the northern Mediterranean region. Palo santo oil mixes well with other oils, including: black pepper, cedarwood, clary sage, cypress, douglas fir, frankincense, lemon balm, myrrh, rose, vetiver andsandalwood essential oils. The highest quality oils form in the aged heartwood, which is used in sacred ceremonies and for healing by specific local cultures. It grows in dry, tropical forest areas, and the majority of it is found in Ecuador. If burning incense, herbs, or wood is part of your self-love practice and inner wellness work, there are safe-burning alternatives to burning sage for smoke cleansing, including lavender, pine, thyme, and cloves, each of which has its own unique properties and is not environmentally endangered. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. 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. P370 + P378 - In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical, or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction. What herbs or plants are trying to get your attention right now? Learn how to regulate your nervous system, Participate in a vibrational sound healing bath. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? To successfully market these fast bundles, synthetic Palo Santo scents are being produced, where chemicals are combined to mimic the trees natural aroma. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. 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. Step out into the world knowing you attract good things and are connected to the divine. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that white sage has important medical benefits it is used to cure colds and aid postpartum healing and its a crucial part of the surrounding ecosystem. 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. Other beneficial compounds in smaller quantities include germacrene D, muurolene and pulegone. Any wood used in ritual should be sourced from fallen branches. The "closed practice" language is the emotive layer to make you stop asking questions, but it's not the actual issue; it's conservation. 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. We also really love Incausa this non-profit collaborates with artisans, villages and associations of eight different native ethnicities in the Amazon. In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. 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. What exactly is cultural appropriation? Her work has appeared in Healthline, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee Crumbs. This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. 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. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. This ones a biggie, Hammond warns. Advertisement. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. Its protective phytochemicals seem capable of helping to stop disease formation within the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Everyone has times when they could use a little extra good fortune. Watch on Practice smudging by tying a handful of palo santo sticks together in a fire-safe bowl, then ignite gently in a closed-off room to burn for fifteen or so minutes. 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 bags unmarked, and its more than clear that the runes are carved by hand (and cut by hand; they are far from uniform shapes). White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. 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. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. Once youve successfully lit the stick, waft it around to distribute smoke through the room. Its hard to let go of something I grew up with, sure, but its harder to think that I am hurting a group of people. The sacred acts that indigenous people do with herbs are not what you're going to be doing with them so I wouldn't worry about it. To remedy the feeling of disconnection and loss of meaning, connect with your lineage and ancestors for answers. However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). These tools only serve to amplify what is already present within us, yet consumerism wants us to believe that they are a necessity. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Unfortunately, most of those times seem to happen outside of the home, where burning Palo Santo wood would be difficult and attract a lot of attention! Palo Santo drives away negativity, destroys obstacles, and attracts luck. practices that are only passed down through the people that descended from them most of these practices have limited amount of information, due to being protected by their people these religions come from thousands of years of people worshiping, connection, loving, and devoting themselves to With practice and a willingness to see, you can use incense smoke or ashes to answer any question you can think of. 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. The fruit from the palo santo tree emits an odor similar to fennel (anise) thats slightly sweet, which is one reason why people like to diffuse the smell throughout their homes or use it in natural cleansing products. 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. Palo Santo has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list, because though the tree is not yet nearing extinction, its recent overharvesting can put it on that path. 4 [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] [deleted] 2 yr. ago We are all peruvian enough 7 Palo Santo itself is no longer on the endangered list, however its habitat tropical dry forests are being clear cut for cattle ranching, meaning the trees can be affected. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin.
