Because people might get tempted and inhale the fumes that created from by lit the health beneficial herbs like palo santo nearest distance to get most out of . ), and follow what naturally pulls you. Smudging is an ancient and sacred Indigenous ritual meant to purify and cleanse the soul and the spaces surrounding it (different than smoke cleansing). Our consumer-driven society makes it seem as though as long as we can purchase something, that we should and can engage with it. 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. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. 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. But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. Another factor at play is the ICUCN's ranking itself, which is based on global populations. This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. 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. Palo santo oil was used during the time of the Incas for its reputed spiritual purifying properties. Jessica Timmons is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Healthline, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and more. Has the company physically traveled to the area in which the trees grow, and do they make regular visits? 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. If you can smell the scent within the wood, then you likely have real palo santo. Waft The Smoke. The palo santo tree belongs to the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as frankincenseand myrrh trees, which also produce beneficialantioxidant-rich oilsthat are used around the world. The sweet, smoky fragrance is an intoxicating go-to for cleansing and clearing spaces. 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. But you need to be sure to be mindful of the sanctity of its traditional use and responsible about where you buy it. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isn't on the Red Listyet. 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. respectful understanding of indigenous practices, these mantras from an Indigenous, third-generation medicine woman, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198031/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23285824, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16734569. But another South American tree species, bulnesia sarmientoi, is also known as palo santo, and that one is threatened. 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. Historically, and still today, its uses have included naturally preventing/treating allergies, colds and flu, bug bites, headaches, muscle pains and more. 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. 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 . 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. The big takeaway is, again, to be very responsible about where you get your palo santo. I have since learned that Palo Santo is also considered a closed practice in the Latino Community. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Remember to focus your mind, and note that you may need to relight the stick once or twice. As an essential oil, it's great for aromatherapy and can also be used during therapeutic massages. ITEM 757: Palo Santo water/shower. What is a Closed Practice? 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. At Lots of Zen, our palo santo incense is made from fine palo santo wood shavings bound together with a chemical-free glue. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. If not, you're better off shopping elsewhere. Estimates are that only five to ten percent of dry tropical forests are still intact around the world. These tropical dry forests are hospitable to human activity (read: exploitation), and are therefore often subject to clear cutting for cattle ranches, which means Palo Santo trees often get caught in the logging process. There was always a sage bundle in the middle of our coffee table ready to be lit when the energy felt off or someone with bad mojo left or one of us was feeling crunchy (our nickname for bitchy). But if you tend to poke around smoke cleansing social media circles, you've probably heard people ask (and might be wondering yourself): Is burning sage and smudging cultural appropriation? 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? Since one of Palo Santo's many spiritual properties is its ability to draw in luck, wearing a little bit of Palo Santo cologne is a discreet way to use it.Take a moment to relax and center yourself, and picture your entire body surrounded by an egg-shaped shield of golden light. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Ive already bonded to these runes, but does this mean I should get rid of them? It has been used (through the practice of smudging) to clear energy for thousands of years within indigenous cultures. Use a match or lighter to ignite the end of your palo santo stick, and let it burn for about 30 seconds or so before blowing it out. numerology, angels, angel numbers, guides, ancestors, guardian angels, manifestation. This is a respectful and reciprocal way in which we can uplift and amplify Indigenous voices. As you do this, state your intention. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. The best thing to do is source herbs that are grown locally, or grow your own! 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. 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. When the moon is new, the wood produces a smaller quantity of light oil. The Softer, the Better. Limonene, the main active ingredient in palo santo, is a . Palo Santo is a precious wood, so you may not wish to burn it. Just rubbing a few drops into the skin is believed to soothe the mind and ward off headaches and anxiety, too. Our highest potential is cultivated by our innermost depths and our truest beliefs. In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. With practice and a willingness to see, you can use incense smoke or ashes to answer any question you can think of. I am currently working on phasing out Palo Santo from the remaining 2 kits in my shop. If it is what she claims, how should I properly give it back to the earth or dispose of it? Her work has appeared in Healthline, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee Crumbs. Gaspar de Portol's 1769 expedition is said to have camped near El Palo Alto (referring to "the tall [redwood] tree," now a city landmark) on San Francisquito Creek. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. So much of what were feeling as a collective this disconnect and longing for real meaning can be remedied by leaning on your family, lineage and ancestry for answers. 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. The grounding aroma can help you prepare your mind and energy for meditation. 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. Suddenly, what was once thought of as evil is now witchy and woke, when practiced by white people? So, is the wood youve just added to your cart from a tree thats been prematurely chopped down? Again, this takes a bit since I have to print new materials, labels, etc. 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. 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. By listening to locals, honoring traditions, supporting communities, and giving credit and compensation at every turn, we can support a cultural exchange that truly is appreciation, not appropriation. 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. 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. 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. Palo santo ( Bursera graveolens) is a tree that's native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. This ceremony is performed using medicinal herbs and plants, such as white sage, tobacco, sweetgrass, cedar, and Palo Santo, and it is (often) done by gathering these sticks and herbs into a bundle which is then lit. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. One is not necessarily better, as they have similar uses including enhancingspiritual purifying and energy cleansing.. 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. 4. In Spanish,. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. The benefits of growing your own herbs are many, and have huge therapeutic elements. Similar toclary sageandcedarwood essential oils, palo santo has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural cleansing agent. dazedxbat 1 yr. ago. Blessed be. See what shes up to at her website. 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. Test the oil on your skin somewhere that is less sensitive, such as your forearm or foot, to make sure you dont have any allergic reaction or other side effects. 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. 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. Other beneficial compounds in smaller quantities include germacrene D, muurolene and pulegone. This tug is usually your ancestors guiding you exactly where you need to go. The "closed practice" language is the emotive layer to make you stop asking questions, but it's not the actual issue; it's conservation. Its wood is very aromatic -- it accumulates fragrant oil and resin in the wood fiber, which produces its distinctive scent. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. We understand how this can be a lucrative source of income for many small communities in South America, so ensuring youre actually supporting them, not the middlemen or distributors, is important. Don't Closely Inhale the Palo Santo Fumes. found along the coast of Southern California, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France, International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list. 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. We never want to disrespect the traditional ways in which a plant is used. Here at Sacred Wood Essence, we practice deep respect for Palo Santo ( Bursera Graveolens ). 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. P403 + P235 - Store in well-ventilated place. Today, palo santo oil may be applied to the body (such as at the base of the skull or on the spine) to increase relaxation, [12] similar to aromatherapy . Thinking About Trying Keen? You might even smudge around your own body, says Matluck, if your goal is to clean up the energy around you after a particularly unpleasant run-in with an old friend. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. (Help!). 2. The species is native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador, Mexico and the Yucatn Peninsula in Peru. A cousin of both frankincense and myrrh, palo santo literally means "holy wood," and it's a fitting name given its past. 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. Look to your ancestral lands to learn more about the plant medicine that your grandmothers used, and pay attention to the plants that are trying to get your attention right now. Its important to note that while the tree itself is not endangered, its habitat tropical dry forest is threatened. 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. .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. You can also leave pieces of the wood in your home, especially on your altar. In Canada, there are Indigenous Friendship Centres in many cities across the country. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood . This way, youll be better prepared to establish harmonious office relationships and start spending comforting QT with your partner. 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. 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,. 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. Keep the windows closed for a stronger effect, or open if you prefer a less intense smell. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. I know burning palo santo is a closed practice, but what about my runes? This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. If you do find yourself starved for ritual or spirituality, explore other means by which you can do this, such as the ideas listed above meditation, tree hugging, If you do want to buy Palo Santo, buy it from sustainable and ethical brands like the few we highlighted above. Get free domestic shipping on all orders over $95. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion until 1978 in the U.S., and many were jailed and killed just for keeping our ways alive, including my great-great grandfather, Ruth Hopkins, a Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer, tells Bustle. Burning Palo Santo is generally a safe practice however once it has been burned for 20-30 minutes the scent can become overpowering so it is best to have a few windows . Please see our privacy policy to learn more! 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. 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. It even has the power to attract sacredness and benevolence to a space, says Jonathan Hammond, shamanic practitioner, spiritual counselor, and author of The Shamans Mind. Your FREE Astrology Sex, Love and Attraction Guide. Palo Santo is traditionally used as a natural remedy for colds and flu, as well as symptoms of stress. I remember asking when I bought them if they were ethically sourced (because I knew at the time the wood was endangered did not know about the burning of it being a closed practice, though), and the shopkeeper said yes. Quite simply, these rituals are not open for the taking. Because it lowers inflammation and the bodys response to histamines, palo santo has benefits for fighting seasonal allergy symptoms, digestive issues and asthma-related symptoms. While the wood and oil are said to have medicinal properties, it is best used to heal on the spiritual or vibrational plane. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood, burned during spiritual ceremonies, is medicinal. And exposure to the particles released by burning wood can be irritating to the lungs. That gives the oils in the wood enough time to fully mature before it is harvested and processed into sticks or essential oils. Smudging is an easy and effective way to cleanse your home and yourself when done with love and care. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. 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. This creates local abundance. Since it expands consciousness and bolsters mental clarity and connections to the divine, this wood is ideal for meditation. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUCN) ranks the conservation status of palo santo, scientifically known as bursera graveoleon, as "of least concern." 1 small stick of Palo Santo wood; 2 cups of boiled water; Honey or a natural sweetener (as per taste) Directions. Advertisement. 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. Considered an oil thats grounding and centering, both palo santo and frankincense oils are used for emotional and spiritual support since they work like natural anxiety remedies. Im going to miss traditional Sage Smudging and Palo Santo but you know my Energy Cleansing Sprays and Salves have evolved into beautiful alternatives! Its important to buy from smaller businesses versus brands like Anthropologie, Sephora, Urban Outfitters or Amazon that are selling it for the trend factor alone. All Rights Reserved. This all sounds great, right? Though thinking about energies and how they impact your overall wellness might not be part of your day-to-day right now, Erica Matluck, holistic coach and co-founder of .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}Seven Senses, a practice for integrative medicine, says shes sensing a shift. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? Over 40 different types of palo santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. 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. 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 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. 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. are clickable links to these studies. Springtime is the ideal season for rituals to cleanse and uplift yourself, and set your intentions and goals for the rest of the year. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. FYI: The Bursera graveolens tree's branches have to naturally break off, the entire tree has to fall, or it has to die before the Palo Santo can be harvested from it. Where does palo santo grow? You can find it in northern Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, the coast of Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Yukatan Peninsula. thomas layton walton, motorcycle accident yesterday in ct, darrell jackson jr columbia, sc,
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