By Linda Lee Smith
Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is in the Burseracae (frankincense) family and comes from Ecuador. We get the oil through steam distillation of the dried bark, wood and branches. Palo Santo is a relatively new oil that is being distilled from the limbs of the trees which have fallen to the earth. Although the oil is present in young trees and saplings, the highest quality is distilled from the aged heartwood. Palo Santo oil is golden yellow, with a fresh and intense citrus aroma. Under the lemon top notes are subtle resinous wood notes and a slight medicinal pungency, which give the oil an intriguing complexity. The trees are now protected by the government to prevent over harvesting.
Traditionally, Palo Santo was known to the native peoples of Latin America as a spiritual oil. Tradition goes all the way back to the Incas who used it to purify and cleanse the air of negative energies. Its Spanish name even tells us it was considered holy or sacred. Palo Santo is one of the most important trees used in traditional ethno-botanical medicine of South America. It is widely used as an incense for repelling mosquitoes. The wood is cooked into decoction and taken for fevers, infections, and skin diseases. It is still widely used by shamans of the Andes in curing ceremonies.
How Can Palo Santo Help Us Today?
As for modern uses, people are still discovering how beneficial this oil can be. It is in the frankincense family but found on another continent. Its fragrance can lift you to a spiritual place just as frankincense does. Testimonials have included cases where it has been found to be anti-tumoral, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, helpful for sciatic pain, and bone healing. Analysis of Palo Santo oil reveals that it contains high levels of limonene, a monoterpene compound that has been found to have chemo-preventive and chemo-therapeutic effects against several types of cancer. In medical aromatherapy the oil can be used to counteracts panic attacks and anxiety, a respiratory remedy for cough, colds, and asthma, for headaches and migraines, and in massage therapy for pain and inflammation of the muscles and joints. In spiritual aromatherapy it can be beneficial for meditation, concentration, and for enhancing creativity and learning.
You can diffuse or apply Palo Santo topically. Until you know how your skin will react, it is best to dilute Palo Santo 50-50 with a vegetable oil. As for safety, this is a non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing oil. Since this is such a relatively new oil on the market, it is best to consult a physician if pregnant.
Want to learn more about the healing properties of Palo Santo and other essential oils? Consider becoming a certified aromatherapist. Educational courses in healing energy and aromatherapy can help you understand how essential oils heal the body/mind/spirit.
Check this out for more information on learning to heal through the art of aromatherapy as a clinical aromatherapist. http://www.ISHAaromatherapy.com For educational courses on healing energy and the laying-on of hands, you can go to http://www.HTSpiritualMinistry.com You can also read more about aromatherapy and Palo Santo essential oil in Linda Smith's books: Called into Healing, Reclaiming our Judeo-Christian Legacy of Healing Touch, and Healing Oils Healing Hands, Discovering the Power of Prayer, Hands On Healing and Anointing. You will also find a 3-ebook series on "Harnessing the Power of Essential Oils" in which over 100 essential oils are discussed. Find these books and ebooks as well as much more on my web site at http://www.ISHAhealing.com/HealingStore/tabid/348/Default.aspx
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