What is 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? Because theyre related and have similar emotionally stabilizing benefits, you can use palo santo as a substitute for more-popular frankincense oil ormyrrh oil. The key is in supporting the businesses that recognize and respect both the traditional process and the local farmers and aren't just in it for the bottom line. What plant medicines and herbs did your ancestors use? Here are some ways to get started using palo santo oil: Try using several drops of pure palo santo oil as a detoxification agent by combining it with hot water (not boiling) and drinking it as an herbal tea. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. So, is the wood youve just added to your cart from a tree thats been prematurely chopped down? 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. In 2005, Peru had listed Palo Santo as endangered due to overharvesting. The pleasing, grounding aroma of palo santo triggers the brain's olfactory system, stimulating the relaxation response1 and preparing the mind for meditation or creative focus. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. Once youve successfully lit the stick, waft it around to distribute smoke through the room. This light allows good things to enter, but no negativity or evil intentions can pass through. But its so important to know the difference!. Here's What To Know First, Based On My Experience. Blessed be. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Protecting and Empowering Empaths Across the Universe. It keeps families together. Remember to focus your mind, and note that you may need to relight the stick once or twice. Even if you couldn't put a name to it at the time, you've probably enjoyed the signature scent of palo santo at some point. 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. Try to refrain from indulging in these practices if you are not an Indigenous person, and do not buy into this practice solely for the trend aspect of it, especially without educating yourself on the deep cultural and religious context first. The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse. To use it, light a stick, wait about thirty seconds, and blow out the flame. All Rights Reserved. Thinking About Trying Keen? This way, youll be better prepared to establish harmonious office relationships and start spending comforting QT with your partner. So when our religious practices are mocked through these products, or folks are commodifying and making money off our ceremonies, its not about who has the right to buy or sell. Palo Santo is a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with mouthwatering hints of citrus. Particularly, its been gaining attention for being a natural cancer treatmentfor inflammatory diseases. Well-intentioned but ill-informed memes warn that palo santo is teetering on extinction. But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. Calling all natural-healing skeptics: Palo Santo might just make a believer out of you. Try to cut the top inch or so down from the tip then light it, then blow it out which produces a lot of smoke. Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. 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. 4 [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] [deleted] 2 yr. ago We are all peruvian enough 7 Our consumer-driven society makes it seem as though as long as we can purchase something, that we should and can engage with it. Everyone has times when they could use a little extra good fortune. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. Briefly put, Palo Santo is the wood of the Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). 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. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) 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. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. While many Indigenous folk do sell sage and other plant medicines, its important we know where we are buying from and who we are supporting. dazedxbat 1 yr. ago. Palo Santo is used in rituals to cleanse and ward off negative energies (Palo Santo is related to frankincense, myrrh, and copal trees, three other powerful energy cleansers and protectors). To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) 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. 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. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. Another factor at play is the ICUCN's ranking itself, which is based on global populations. The executive director of United Plant Savers, Susan Leopold, told The New York Times that dry tropical forests have been decimated. This is where the resin forms, the scent associated with Palo Santo. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. If you are a brand who is unsure about cultural sensitivity and how to walk these lines respectfully and in a way that is truly reciprocal, learn more about our Conscious Consulting services and how I can help guide you. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. For starters, it's your answer to ~good~ vibes. 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. 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. But another South American tree species, bulnesia sarmientoi, is also known as palo santo, and that one is threatened. 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. "All burned wood releases smoke compounds that can cause significant harm when inhaled over a long time or at high exposures," he explains. In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. If you work with herbs or oils at all, chances are you have come across Palo Santo in some form. This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. Website created by Lighthaus Design, Original Products Botanica instagram Link, Original Products Botanica pinterest Link. This video sums it up really well. 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. When the moon is new, the wood produces a smaller quantity of light oil. The demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. To enjoy its energizing effects during yoga, we recommend lighting a piece of palo santo wood before you begin and allowing the smoke to gently fill the room. compassion? In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. Though once thought to be, Palo Santo is no longer on the endangered list. Okay, I was on witchtok which can be EXTREMELY miss-leading, not enough information, toxic, or just straight up lies. 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. Suddenly, what was once thought of as evil is now witchy and woke, when practiced by white people? The white sage of the American Southwest is a common, fragrant shrub that has been. While clinical studies on the wood's medicinal effects are limited, it is rich in both antioxidants and limonene2, a terpene that has been extensively researched and has anti-inflammatory benefits3. By depleting the land of these precious plants for trendy usage, we have to ask: who is wellness really for? 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. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. The "closed practice" language is the emotive layer to make you stop asking questions, but it's not the actual issue; it's conservation. Either way, the tropical dry forest habitat of bursera graveoleon is suffering worldwide, so there is some reason for concern. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Its protective phytochemicals seem capable of helping to stop disease formation within the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular and nervous systems. Note: this post has been updated as of June 9, 2021. Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. What are the benefits of palo santo? 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. Having become quite the sensation in recent years in the Western world, Palo Santo (alongside white sage), has erupted when it comes to self-care. Ayales works directly with the farmers, actually knows their names, and regularly visits the areas where her products come from. With information constantly at our fingertips (s/o to the internet), people are looking into alternative ways to wellness that dont rely on modern medicines quick fixes, says Matluck. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. All rights reserved. Once put in a diffuser, its aroma acts as both an insect repellent and fragranceits even been bottled and sold as perfume. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. We have to ask ourselves, what benefit are we really looking for here? Keep cool. Try taking it as a dietary supplement for natural allergy relief (only recommended when using a therapeutic-grade oil) or inhale it from the bottle several times daily. Is Netflix's 'The Nurse' Based On A True Story? 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. Gluten is an incredibly abundant part of the food supply, but its Menopause is the permanent end of menstruation and fertility, defined as occurring Endometriosis is one of the most common health issues experienced among women Hemorrhoids are a very common anorectal condition that affects millions of people University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Homemade Frankincense and Myrrh Body Lotion, United Plant Savers Medicinal Plant Conservation, Daniel Fast: Benefits for Your Spiritual, Emotional and Physical Health, Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Healing, Oregano Oil Benefits for Infections, Fungus & Even the Common Cold, Secret Detox Drink Recipe (A Natural Detox Drink Recipe), Chia Seeds Benefits: The Omega-3, Protein-Packed Superfood, Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits for Weight Loss, Skin Health, Cholesterol & More, Symptoms of Candida Overgrowth & How to Get Rid of It, Gluten Intolerance Symptoms & Treatment Methods, Best Menopause Supplements & Diet to Relieve Symptoms, Endometriosis Symptoms? It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. Smudging is an ancient and sacred Indigenous ritual meant to purify and cleanse the soul and the spaces surrounding it (different than smoke cleansing). If not, you're better off shopping elsewhere. 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. 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. Palo santo essential oil can be diffused for aromatherapy and may reduce tension, boost mood, and calm the nervous system. Archived post. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. 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. Please see our privacy policy to learn more! dry tropical forests have been decimated. Regardless of what you're cleansing, you'll want to have your windows or doorways open so the old energy has somewhere to go (and you don't stink up the house with smoke . Colonialism and capitalism place importance on extraction and commodities, whereas Indigenous cultures uphold the gift economy, a true spiritual exchange between all living beings. As an essential oil, it's great for aromatherapy and can also be used during therapeutic massages. White sage is quickly becoming endangered. The therapeutic benefits of Palo Santo are many, with it being highly medicinal and healing. Smudging is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to Native and Indigenous communities. This is harmful, not only because it means something sacred has been turned into a commercial commodity, but also because a divide has been created between what the tree actually represents, versus the itemization of it (many have no idea that it is even a sacred Indigenous ritual, assuming its just the wellness trend du jour). Burning palo santo as part of a calming ritual can help promote a shift in energy. . 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. This incense is used in aromatherapy because the wood smells so pleasant to the individual. Spirit of Palo Santo, clear away the bad things so that only good may come in. 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. What exactly is cultural appropriation? It also is thought to neutralize issues before they ever start. 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. Like every platform that uses social networking buttons and analytics, we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. So, while the trees are not directly in danger, their sought-after habitats might cause them to become casualties in the process, a devastating result for both the trees and the Indigenous folk who rely on them. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Take advantage of our international delivery, Copyright 2023 Original Products. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood . It helps reduce odors, microbes and and viruses within your home. 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. 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. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. The oil is even affected by the moon. Palo santo is a sacred tree native to South America. Just rubbing a few drops into the skin is believed to soothe the mind and ward off headaches and anxiety, too. Get free domestic shipping on all orders over $95. Ive already bonded to these runes, but does this mean I should get rid of them? These days, to take advantage of its unique smell, Palo Santos been distilled into an essential oil, says Matluck. This tug is usually your ancestors guiding you exactly where you need to go. It took a bit to print new materials, labels, and all of that but I got it done and I am now proud to say that there are no sage bundles available at Empath Essentials and even the term smudging is slowly being phased out. These compounds showed remarkableinhibitory activity against human cancer and brosarcoma cells. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! This is a respectful and reciprocal way in which we can uplift and amplify Indigenous voices. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. Smudging is an easy and effective way to cleanse your home and yourself when done with love and care. 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. When it is full, the wood produces more abundant, deeply scented oil.When the wood is burned, it gives off a dense, fragrant smoke. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isn't on the Red Listyet.
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