Palo Santo has been used for centuries in various spiritual, religious and medicinal ways. In this article, I will share with you some amazing benefits and different ways to use it for healing and spiritual purposes.
What Is Palo Santo?
Palo Santo is mystical tree that grows mainly in South America (Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, etc.). In Ecuador, for several months from January to June, the air is filled with a sweet and mysterious note of Palo Santo mixed with the sea breeze. For many generations, its wood was used by Indian peoples for the preparation of medicinal decoctions, tinctures and, of course, for purification by smoke.
Palo Santo literally means “Holy Wood”. A distinctive feature of this tree is the ability to accumulate in its wood aromatic resins and essential oils, and accordingly, to allocate them during processing.
The Mystery Of Palo Santo
The quality and quantity of oil that is extracted from Palo Santo wood varies according to the lunar cycle. In particular, the new moon gives less oil and a lighter flavor. The full moon is more oil and a deeper flavor. The special Moon power at the equator affects the gravitational fields that affect distillation. Thus, we can say that the Moon itself supports the extraction of the oil from wood.
Shamanic Wisdom
For centuries, before Palo Santo was introduced to North America, it was used by shamans to cleanse themselves from negative energy, attract positive energy, restore peace and balance, improve concentration and meditation, and heal people on the physical and spiritual levels.
The ancient practice of shamanism believes that Palo Santo contains a Spirit. This Spirit is the manifestation of Palo Santo’s healing power. The shaman turns to the Spirit of this Holy Wood and allows the spirit to heal. The spirit of the tree carries wisdom that allows the smoke of the Palo Santo stick to heal people physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Shamans warn that the spirit of Palo Santo must be treated with respect and to never abuse it. By the way, this is one of the reasons why it is forbidden to cut down Palo Santo trees. It has to fall itself in order for us to be allowed to enjoy its gifts.
Male and Female Trees
Interestingly there are male and female Palo Santo trees that grow in groups of one male tree and eight female trees. At the same time, the life expectancy of male trees is 200 years, while female trees tend to live about 40-50 years.
Their wood also has distinctive characteristics. The wood of the female trees is yellow, hard and heavy, while the wood of the male is white, hollow, fragile, and light. Shamans teach that these trees have a special Spirit that lives in the forest long after the tree’s life is over. It is not surprising that shamans believe these trees are living beings!
Palo Santo Benefits
1. Cleansing of negative energy
One of the most amazing qualities of the Palo Santo tree is its ability to cleanse everything it comes into contact with. The smoke coming from the stick produces a deep cleansing effect on the energy.
Shamans say that the attraction to Palo Santo fragrance is a sign of emotional and spiritual purity. However, there are people who feel discomfort from inhaling the aroma of Palo Santo. This phenomenon is part of the cleansing effect. Constant use of Palo Santo helps a person to be cleansed of negative energies.
2. Maintaining an atmosphere of peace and harmony
It helps to cleanse the room from negative energy. Thus, peace and harmony come to the house.
3. Relaxation
It helps to enter into deep meditation and immersion in a feeling of peace and protection.
4. Expansion of consciousness
It helps to reach the feeling of unity with the Universe.
5. Therapeutic effect
It has a rich set of medicinal properties, including:
- antibacterial;
- antiseptic;
- antiviral;
- immunostimulating;
- spasms relief;
- decongestant;
- expectorant;
- sedative;
- antineoplastic.
6. Attracting positive energy
It is able not only to cleanse negative energy but also to attract positive energy. During the burning of the stick, the Spirit of Palo Santo releases the oils of the Sacred Wood, which purify the space and the people that inhale the smoke. Thus, the Spirit attracts positive energy and even heals people on both the physical and subtle levels.
7. Structuring of thoughts and concentration
When a person is healed on a subtle spiritual level, his ability to concentrate increases and makes meditation deeper and stronger.
Different Ways to Use Palo Santo
1.The use of Palo Santo Wood without burning it
One of the most popular uses of this Holy Wood is as a talisman or amulet.
You can also place small pieces of the wood to aromatize the space – cabinets, car, rooms. However, make sure you treat Palo Santo with respect! For example, do not place it in the toilet or next to the trash can! Remember that the Spirit lives in these pieces of wood. Therefore, you need to treat them appropriately!
You can place sticks on your altar. Thus, you will bless the altar itself and increase the magnetism of all the power objects that are on it.
Another way to use it is to place a piece of the wood in the car. First of all, it will be a great alternative to using air fresheners. And secondly, it will protect you while driving and the car itself.
2. Burning Palo Santo Sticks
You can burn the sticks to purify your aura and to cleanse the energy of your house.
When you burn the sticks, you not only purify the energy from the negativity but also attract positive energy into your space.
How to Burn Palo Santo Sticks?
Holding the stick by one edge, you set fire to its tip on the other side. Wait until a small part of it evenly lights up. Then carefully put it out, blowing or waving it in the air. Let the smoke rise freely in the air.
If you want to cleanse the energy of any objects – bring the stick close enough to them and make a few circular movements around to make smoke gently envelop them. Or just put the smoldering Palo Santo next to you for a few minutes.
The same can be done for cleansing the space. Just walk around the room, bringing a smoking stick to each corner. If the smoke begins to fade gently blow on the stick.
To conduct self-cleansing, move a burning stick in a circular motion from head to toe.
When you have done all the necessary actions, you can put a burning stick on a ceramic saucer, shell or any other refractory stand. The stick will extinguish itself after some time.
3. Essential Oil
Palo Santo is a natural cleanser. Use it in a diffuser to stay healthy. This healing oil has antitumor, anti-infective, antiviral, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immune-stimulating, and sciatic effects on the body.
In addition, this oil is an ideal additive to massage oils.
This essential oil will help you ground and release emotions such as anger and fear. Use the oil during your meditation to stay concentrated and connected with the spirit. It calms, relaxes, grounds, gives emotional balance, helps spiritual development, activates inspiration, and helps your concentration.
Conclusion
Do you want to take your spiritual practice to the next level? Then Palo Santo is the tool to use! You can use it in any form you like and see its amazing benefits. Cleansing, protection, healing and so many more positive properties you can get just out of one stick! If you’ve never tried using it, you don’t know what you’ve been missing!