is palo santo wood a closed practice

If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? Spirit of Palo Santo, clear away the bad things so that only good may come in. If the fragrance is not on the wood, you probably have lower quality palo santo or another wood entirely! Well-intentioned but ill-informed memes warn that palo santo is teetering on extinction. Jessica Timmons is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Healthline, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and more. Aside from its mental health applications, more recently studies have shown that it has promising benefits when it comes to raising immunity and fighting illnesses. It has been used (through the practice of smudging) to clear energy for thousands of years within indigenous cultures. 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. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. The therapeutic benefits of Palo Santo are many, with it being highly medicinal and healing. National governments are responsible for regional conservation status, which means a species can be considered endangered in one country and not in another. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. What are the benefits of palo santo? 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. Remember: we cannot consume our way to our higher selves. 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. Website created by Lighthaus Design, Original Products Botanica instagram Link, Original Products Botanica pinterest Link. Palo santo (which translates into English as 'holy wood') is wood from the bursera graveolens tree, native to South America. Researchers observed biological activities including antineoplastic, antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions against cell mutations and tumor growth. Please see our privacy policy to learn more! Note: this post has been updated as of June 9, 2021. Treat this wood with respect and it will reward you. To make sure yours is sourced by a company that abides by regulations and preserves the South American ecosystem, read the sites "about" page, peep its social media accounts, and call them up if you have to. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. Theres a rise and a growth of consciousness around energy and spirituality. 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. 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. 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. 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. In the Global North, are other cultures expected to step aside and give space for white well-being, while giving up their own? As you do this, state your intention. 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. P501 - Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant. She works primarily with palos (sticks), herbs, and flowers. There's only one restriction here: Treat the spirit of the wood with respect. Palo Santo, also known as holy wood, has been used by Shamans of the Amazon and the Andes for centuries to achieve spiritual purification, awareness, and energy cleansing. The grounding aroma can help you prepare your mind and energy for meditation. There are some brands that are very stringent when it comes to the sourcing of their Palo Santo. Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. The "closed practice" language is the emotive layer to make you stop asking questions, but it's not the actual issue; it's conservation. 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 . 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. 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? Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. good vibes only?) 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 Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. To remedy the feeling of disconnection and loss of meaning, connect with your lineage and ancestors for answers. 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). Even though the oil can be obtained from fallen limbs or even dead trees, even this must permitted through the government in most countries, so therefore manufacturing is limited. Once youve successfully lit the stick, waft it around to distribute smoke through the room. 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. .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. This all sounds great, right? Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. When it is full, the wood produces more abundant, deeply scented oil.When the wood is burned, it gives off a dense, fragrant smoke. 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. Organic, 100 percent pure oils offer the most benefits and are the only kinds recommended for internal use to reduce inflammation. What exactly is cultural appropriation? This video sums it up really well. 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. In other words, its important to leave the root, because thats how the plant grows back. 5 PorkchopFunny 2 yr. ago Owning palo santo/burning it/sticking it up your butt/doing whatever with it is not a closed practice. Does the company work directly with the farmers to ensure the harvesting process is ethical and sustainable? The best thing to do is source herbs that are grown locally, or grow your own! 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. As a note, if you're browsing your fave place to buy herbs and look at the options for smoke cleansing next to white sage, you might find Palo Santo ("holy wood in Spanish). When it burns, the aromatic wood releases lemon, mint, and pine notesan invigorating, grounding fragrance that is believed to have a number of benefits. 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, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. Now a journalist who practices Palo and Santera, Montoya has traded in her playful childhood potions for direct, intentional mixtures. They are more than happy to be asked about their medicines, as it shows an interest in their practices, and an appreciation for the tradition. If you can smell the scent within the wood, then you likely have real palo santo. Known to combat migraines and even stress-related headaches or bad moods, palo santo helps to lower inflammation and increase blood flow that can help turn off perceived pain. This has caused some serious problems for those burning the sticks without knowing, as many have immediately caught rapid fire. If the usage of sage is important to you, you can call a centre close to you and just ask them for some sage. Quite simply, these rituals are not open for the taking. 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. If you find yourself wanting to burn herbs, ask yourself first if there are alternatives that you can use that dont encroach on Indigenous rituals or that harm the earth. ), and follow what naturally pulls you. The highest quality oils form in the aged heartwood, which is used in sacred ceremonies and for healing by specific local cultures. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. 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. 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. 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. Burning palo santo as part of a calming ritual can help promote a shift in energy. 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. Palo Santo is traditionally used as a natural remedy for colds and flu, as well as symptoms of stress. Over 40 different types of palo santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. One is not necessarily better, as they have similar uses including enhancingspiritual purifying and energy cleansing.. Smudging is an easy and effective way to cleanse your home and yourself when done with love and care. This has been on our minds here at Sacred Wood Essence a lot lately. You can also leave pieces of the wood in your home, especially on your altar. 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. Like sage, which is predominantly used by Native Americans, South American shamans believed burning Palo Santo had similar properties capable of resetting energy that was tainted by negativity or conflict. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Limonene, the main active ingredient in palo santo, is a bioactive component found in high concentrations in certain plants, including citrus peels, that has well-researchedanticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. 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. Being responsible about sourcing your palo santo is another important consideration. Palo Santo is used in South America in much the same way white sage is used in North America- to combat negative energy and to cleanse the space. Is Netflix's 'The Nurse' Based On A True Story? Get free domestic shipping on all orders over $95. 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 significance of this practice carries the deep dignity that is associated with the solemnity of religious rites, so a flippant high vibe IG post is disrespectful and discourteous. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. Has the company physically traveled to the area in which the trees grow, and do they make regular visits? In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. Because [Palo Santo] is rather popular, you have to look into whether its been ethically sourced, he says. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. Shamans and healers, often known as Curanderos, traditionally used the energizing and healing properties of palo santo to purify air, dispel evil spirits, and cleanse negative energy. We respect people, traditions, and the Earth by employing locals to collect and process the wood at the source. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}How To Avoid Unexpected Health Bills. This creates local abundance. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Colonialism and capitalism place importance on extraction and commodities, whereas Indigenous cultures uphold the gift economy, a true spiritual exchange between all living beings. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. The need to take ownership of cultural practices is rooted in colonialism and capitalism, with a misguided belief that the possession of sacred tools is enough to bring about inner peace, rather than actually doing the work. 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. 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. 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. The species is native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador, Mexico and the Yucatn Peninsula in Peru. Interestingly, these benefits are only found when a palo santo tree dies naturally and is allowed to decompose for five to eight years. Native Americans used both as sacred plants for smudging (burning). Do they say which country the wood is from? Ensure that your ritual is at least benefiting the farmers and harvesters who make it possible for you to have it, and that the actual benefit (therapeutic oils) are present in the wood. 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. Once you have your hands on ethically sourced palo santo, these mantras from an Indigenous, third-generation medicine woman can help you infuse it with your intention. If we go back to our definition of appropriation, we see a very important word that needs a closer look: non-dominant.When we appreciate an item, activity, or expression from a non-dominant culturesuch as burning palo santo, listening to reggae, or surfing Oahus north shorewe need to step more lightly. ITEM 757: Palo Santo water/shower. are clickable links to these studies. 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. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Due to the demand, opportunists are prematurely cutting down these sacred trees, in order to quickly process the wood into sticks for selling. 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. Breathe the sacred fragrance, and allow it to enhance your meditation. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. On the surface this practice looks like any other wellness trend incense, diffusers etc., however it is deeply rooted in cultural appropriation and thus is hurtful to the Indigenous communities who have practiced this for centuries, and from where this ritual comes from. compassion? This ones a biggie, Hammond warns. My Boyfriend & I Don't Agree On Religion. P264 -Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Step out into the world knowing you attract good things and are connected to the divine. Follow your intuition; once you feel you have enough, extinguish the flame and begin your routine. The end will continue to smolder, releasing dense, white, fragrant smoke. Whether in incense or essential oil form, research suggests that palo santo benefitsinclude: As a rich supply of antioxidants and phytochemicals called terpenes, palo santo oil is effective for combatting free radical damage (also called oxidative stress), relieving stomach aches, fighting stress, reducing pains due to arthritis and healing many other conditions. Wondering whether burning sage is cultural appropriation is a fair question long story short, burning sage is problematic for a few reasons, the biggest being cultural insensitivity and environmental unsustainability. But its so important to know the difference!. 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. This is both a serious hazard, and an indication that this kind of usage is just not right. 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. Whether its conflict at work or a stressed-out partner bringing you down at home, Palo Santo is said to show agitated and harmful energy the door (literally), bring in positive healing energies, and allow you to approach things with an unburdened mind. We like the brand Anima Mundi Herbals, as the founder, Adriana Ayales, is a rainforest herbalist who grew up in Costa Rica. Palo Santo translates as "holy/sacred wood". I am currently working on phasing out Palo Santo from the remaining 2 kits in my shop. Historically, and still today, its uses have included naturally preventing/treating allergies, colds and flu, bug bites, headaches, muscle pains and more. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. The work of these artisans represents a connection to their ancestry that spans millenniums, with the power to create dialogue between different cultures, breaking cycles of prejudice and discrimination. This is one reasonpalo santo essential oil is considered a powerful supporter of mental and emotional clarity.

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