Video Lesson: Uses of Palo Santo
The sacred Palo Santo tree offers a wide variety of health and spiritual benefits. It is a highly requested natural remedy in different countries where lighting a piece of wood is a symbol of celebration of its sacred aroma.
Its name is Spanish for “holy wood” or “wood of the Saints”. The spiritual benefits of burning Palo Santo have been known by people in South America for centuries. Researchers are currently studying the health benefits of Palo Santo essential oil.
Properties of Palo Santo
Inca shamans and healers from the Andes mountains spread the purifying and protective gifts of Palo Santo. Among the natives it is believed that the smoke from burning its wood can banish evil spirits.
Its smoke is also used in aromatherapy and meditation since as it relaxes the mind and induces a feeling of peace and comfort.
Spells with Palo Santo
Palo Santo FAQ
Is black smoke normal? Why won’t my Palo Santo stay lit? How to use Palo Santo to cleanse at home?
Origin of Palo Santo: Central and South America.
Element: Air
Planet: Venus
Gender: Masculine
Zodiac: Gemini
Printable Page: Magical and Health Uses of Palo Santo
🖨️ Palo Santo Spiritual Properties
Transcription of the video
Uses of Palo Santo in Witchcraft
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is a sweet, fragrant wood. It is cultivated from a South American tree. The people of Peru call the wood “holy wood” or “wood of the saints”. Since the Incas, the people of South America believe that the tree has spiritually purifying properties. In fact, the wood is so sacred to the area that in Ecuador it is illegal to chop down the tree and in order to harvest any dead trees you must have a special government permit. The sacred properties of the wood are said to dissipate if the wood is not harvested from a tree that died of natural causes.
Spiritual Properties of Burning Palo Santo
Cleansing / Smudging
As a staple in sacred rituals, the smoke of the palo santo tree is very powerful. Healers, practitioners, and shamans use the smoke of a wood stick to cleanse the area for rituals. The smell of the burning wood is deep, fresh, and contains undertones of citrus. The palo santo tree actually belongs to the citrus family. The wood is considered by many to be the most fragrant in the world and the scent can raises our energy vibrations to create a deep connection to Mother Earth and the divine energies. As the wood burns, it clears negative energy and creates a tranquil feeling of peace. Local South American custom tells of its ability to protect both the home and the spirit.
Inspiriting Creativity
Lighting the very end of a stick of palo santo and blowing it out in order to smolder brings creativity to the space. The smell of the wood enlivens the senses and ignites the imagination. It enhances energy levels and stimulates the mind to begin the process of creativity through clarity and concentration.
Health Uses of Palo Santo
Cold and Flu Prevention
This citrus smelling wood fights cold and flu viruses with vigor. By recharging your energy levels and increasing your blood circulation, your body can heal and recover faster from these down times. Adding a few drops of the essential oil to a bath or shower can relieve symptoms of colds such as congestion and dizziness. Applying a few drops to the heart or chest can help stop the flu before it takes hold.
Cancer Fighting
Palo santo is full of cancer fighting compounds. These compounds protect cells and lower oxidative stress. The oil from palo santo trees contains highly protective phytochemicals. In the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, and nervous system, these phytochemicals stop cancer causing formations. The main active ingredient in palo santo is limonene which has anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects1. Researchers in Japan found other key phytochemicals that fight cell mutation and tumor growth in palo santo oil as well2. These cancer fighting compounds showed the most progress when attacking lung, breast, and colon cancer cells.
Contraindications
Always test the oil on your skin prior to using on any sensitive areas. Research and use only reputable brands of palo santo essential oil as the true oil is becoming harder to obtain and many copycat versions are on the market.
Because palo santo strengthens your connection with the divine, it is a fantastic plant for lifting the spirits and inspiring creativity. May your workings with palo santo bring you many soul-warming blessings!