Palo Santo - Holy Wood

Palo Santo - the Holy Wood

Recently I was introduced to Palo Santo wood when I was going through Energy Detox with Therese Jaggy at Ame de Lumiere. The smell was sweet and distinctive. Therese the healer explained that the wood is unique in its nature, that it really only becomes more useful when a branch dies naturally - and in her words, when the tree chooses to give. There were also stories of its amazing healing abilities both physical and spiritual.

Here's some quick background of what I learnt about Palo Santo wood. Palo Santo grows on the coast of South America. Most of Palo Santo available for purchase are from Peru and Ecuador used widely by shamans and healers. These trees live for around 80-90years and after death, the tree must remain in its natural habitat for 4-10years to complete its state from wood to its magical healing medicinal property.

I became curious and decided to learn more about the wood myself, and started researching it. First I ordered the wood and essential oils from Shaman's market - http://www.shamansmarket.com and Sacred Wood Essence - http://www.shop.sacredwoodessence.com and I was ready to embark on my own spiritual journey with Palo Santo.

Benefits and Uses

Spiritual Healing

Palo Santo is often used pervasively in ceremonies by Shamans and Medicine people for its energetically cleansing and healing properties similar to Sage.  It creates a pleasant, fresh smelling smoke which is uniquely Palo Santo - almond like perhaps? My husband doesn't think much of its scent - he thinks it smells like insecticides. But I've read that it works well in keeping away mosquitoes and other flying insects.  However it does provides an uplifting scent that raises your vibration in preparation for meditation and allows for a deeper connection to Source.  It is also said that Palo Santo enhances creativity and brings good fortune to those who are open to its Magic.

Physical Healing

Before I started using Palo Santo, I learnt of its ability to help with relieving cold and flu symptoms, asthma, allergies, migraines, headache, stress, anxiety, depression, inflammation, arthritis, breast cancer .. it seems to be an endless list. Mainly because of its  high levels of D-Limonene and Monotropenes - which relates to skin regeneration, and promote skin nutrition. Some have also stated benefit of use for blisters, muscle aches and pain. It is also promoted to be an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.

When I first received the oils in office, i used it immediately on my aching knees. I was pleasantly surprised that the pain reduced by 50% that i can stand and squat unassisted. However, subsequent tries on my mother and my aching knees after a brutal badminton session, I didn't achieve the same effect.

I also tried it on my friend with milk blisters. She been trying really hard to express breast milk and injured her breast. On the first application the milk flowed .. however it gotten stuck again, and the next day she visited the doctor who told her it is infected.

My conclusion .. it works to lift my spirits and energy and I feel really grounded when i have it around me. While the physical benefits seems to have its hits and misses, it hasn't been promoted of its healing benefits in the medical circles yet.. so perhaps more research needs to be done. Though I did come across fox news that reported of Palo Santo's anti cancer properties:
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/10/02/palo-santo-fragrant-wood-with-cancer-fighting-properties/

Wood in its different shapes and forms

Palo Santo Essential Oil - I've used it neat on my knees and dabbing it on me. It can also be used in diffusers or oil burners, but I personally think its more beneficial to use it directly. Or perhaps in a balm will also be a great way to benefit from the oil

Palo Santo Spray - I've used this for space clearing and lifting my energy and clear my aura before meditation

Palo Santo Stick - Similar to smudging, but really useful if you like to shave it burn it like an incense or boil it to drink it as tea.

Using Palo Santo stick as a smudge

If you plan to use it as a smudge, here's how you may do it:

Using a candle, match or lighter to burn your Palo Santo stick. Hold it at about a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down toward the flame. Burn for about 30 seconds to 1 minute and then blow out. Move about your workspace, home, car, bathroom or anywhere you would like to clear the energy. The glow will end on its own unless you blow on the ember which will keep the smoke going. Palo Santo may be relit many times

Palo Santo Powder

Palo Santo Shavings/Powder - Similar to the stick just that when burning, you use it all up at once mainly. I used to form to drink as tea, careful not to add too much as it can be really bitter, a tiny bit will be enough to infuse the aroma and taste and healing properties.

If you've any experience of Palo Santo do share your experience too.