Used since ancient times, Palo Santo has wonderful emotionally cleansing properties. The Incas used Palo Santo (also known as Holy Wood) for its purifying abilities, and in various parts of South America, Central America, and Mexico it was, and is still used today, to clear “mala energia” – bad energy. Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) essential oil, can aid with concentration, focus, help us enter a deeper meditative state, and provides a feeling of emotional and physical protection. When used as part of Reiki therapy, Palo Santo can help balance the 1st (Root) and 6th (Brow) chakras.
Therapeutically, Palo Santo essential oil can assist with healthy lung function, is skin nourishing, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and can aid with anxiety and depression. One of my favorite uses of Palo Santo is to add to blends for clients who suffer from heart palpitations when experiencing anxiety – I have found it to be extremely effective for this intention.
The woodsy, spicy, warm, and slightly sweet aroma of Palo Santo lends itself to blending gorgeously other essential oils. Some of my favorite choices are: Frankincense (Boswellia carterii), Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), Lemon (Citrus limon), Rose (Rosa damascene), Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum), Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis), and Neroli (Citrus var Amara).
Care must be taken when purchasing Palo Santo; find a trusted source where it has been harvested in a sustainable and ethical manner. Although it is not at this time endangered, the current popularity of this oil can, of course, lead to problems in the future. In addition, when purchasing make certain that you are buying 100% pure essential oil, as there are many synthetic versions on the market.
Although Palo Santo is not one of my favorite aromas, it definitely is one of my most used oils because of its beneficial properties. I encourage you to add Palo Santo to your collection!
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