And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. Return to the room and pitch open the windows to its wholly purified and renewed space. 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. The sacred acts that indigenous people do with herbs are not what you're going to be doing with them so I wouldn't worry about it. What Does Palo Santo Smell Like? - Harlem Candle Company Briefly put, Palo Santo is the wood of the Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. Is Burning Sage a Biblical Practice or Witchcraft? - Crosswalk.com Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Palo santo essential oil can be diffused for aromatherapy and may reduce tension, boost mood, and calm the nervous system. The need to take ownership of cultural practices is rooted in colonialism and capitalism, with a misguided belief that the possession of sacred tools is enough to bring about inner peace, rather than actually doing the work. You dont need to burn the wood for very long to create a decent amount of smoke. Is Netflix's 'The Nurse' Based On A True Story? 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. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. Its name translates to "holy wood," and this beautiful, aromatic tree lives up to its reputation as a healer and cleanser. Wild plants can't support becoming commercial commodities, which is why you'll see Walmart now selling random bundles of who-knows-what wood sprayed with "sage-scent"- seriously, go check out their incense . But how do we at Sacred Wood Essence put our money where our mouth is? In Spanish,. Over 40 different types of palo santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Everyone has times when they could use a little extra good fortune. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation - Sacred Wood Essence Detoxifier and Immune Enhancer. In fact, its making believers out of a lot of people. Because people might get tempted and inhale the fumes that created from by lit the health beneficial herbs like palo santo nearest distance to get most out of . That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. Do they say which country the wood is from? Because it lowers inflammation and the bodys response to histamines, palo santo has benefits for fighting seasonal allergy symptoms, digestive issues and asthma-related symptoms. Another option is apply several drops mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut orjojoba oil) to your head, neck, chest or spine to help you unwind and fall asleep more easily. P264 -Wash hands thoroughly after handling. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. In the Global North, are other cultures expected to step aside and give space for white well-being, while giving up their own? Being responsible about sourcing your palo santo is another important consideration. Remember to focus your mind, and note that you may need to relight the stick once or twice. 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. When you are through, allow the smoldering end to burn out. palo santo : r/magick - Reddit Where does palo santo grow? 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? Your words can be simple, like,"With this smoke, I cleanse this space of negativity. To try smudging with palo santo, which is intended to improve the energy in your environment, you can burn a small amount of the wood in your home. Instead, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. There are some brands that are very stringent when it comes to the sourcing of their Palo Santo. She works primarily with palos (sticks), herbs, and flowers. You can also leave pieces of the wood in your home, especially on your altar. To successfully market these fast bundles, synthetic Palo Santo scents are being produced, where chemicals are combined to mimic the trees natural aroma. There was always a sage bundle in the middle of our coffee table ready to be lit when the energy felt off or someone with bad mojo left or one of us was feeling crunchy (our nickname for bitchy). For example, in Peru, a shaman will lightBursera graveolens sticks, and the rising smoke is said to enter the energy field surrounding the site. 1 small stick of Palo Santo wood; 2 cups of boiled water; Honey or a natural sweetener (as per taste) Directions. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. The alluring, heady scent of the resin is one of the major contributors to its rise in popularity in the West. 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. It's said that the uplifting aroma of palo santo is conducive to meditation and relaxation and that it both enhances creativity and brings good fortune. 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Smudging is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to Native and Indigenous communities. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. This all sounds great, right? Theres a rise and a growth of consciousness around energy and spirituality. National governments are responsible for regional conservation status, which means a species can be considered endangered in one country and not in another. 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. Some reports show that it might be hard to obtain real palo santo essential oil, so youll want to buy from a reputable brand and do your research first. 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. No, of course not! This has been on our minds here at Sacred Wood Essence a lot lately. Our highest potential is cultivated by our innermost depths and our truest beliefs. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. Is using White Sage Incense a Closed Practice? : r/IndianCountry - Reddit 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. While the tree matures relatively quickly (50-70 years compared to the hundreds of years others in the arboreal world take), the only way to get the full benefit of this tree is by letting it die naturally, and allowing it a four to ten year resting period on the forest floor. The valuable fruit of theB. graveolenstree is a small black seed covered by a red pulp thats contained in a green capsule. 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. When it comes to something like white sage which North American Indigenous communities have been using for centuries, the appropriation of it is hurtful because these very communities were banned from practicing their religious beliefs for decades by white settlers and government bodies, who claimed their plant medicinal practices were evil and rooted in witchcraft. 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 . The wood is also used to communicate with the divine, heal on the physical and spiritual levels, and improve concentration and mental focus during meditation.Palo Santo is considered so holy, it must never be cut down. It's worth noting however, the research about the benefits (or risks) of exposure to smoke from Palo Santo is limited, says Adam O. Goldstein, MD, professor of family medicine and director of tobacco intervention programs at University of North Carolina. Once you are equipped with some context and history, burning palo santo sticks or using palo santo essential oil is pretty straightforward. Instead of seeking fulfillment and spiritual connection through social media trends, try listening to your body (what plants or practices is it guiding you towards? In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. When burning Palo Santo in your home, follow fire safety practices: Light the wood stick and hold it downward at a 45-degree angle. Palo santo helps support the immune system and regulates inflammatory responses, such as those triggered by a poor diet, pollution, stress and illness. This is both a serious hazard, and an indication that this kind of usage is just not right. 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. For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. 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As an essential oil, it's great for aromatherapy and can also be used during therapeutic massages. 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. Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. Learn how to regulate your nervous system, Participate in a vibrational sound healing bath. That may include educating yourself and others about white sage, appropriation, and smoke cleansing; harvesting your own sage or other herbs sustainably; contacting brands to ask them to stop selling white sage without giving due to Native cultures; or using other plants entirely. 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. Or try rubbing some palo santo mixed withcoconut oilonto your temples and neck. The white sage of the American Southwest is a common, fragrant shrub that has been. I am currently working on phasing out Palo Santo from the remaining 2 kits in my shop. If someone is harvesting white sage and doesnt know how to properly do so, theyre preventing more plants from growing and thus endangering the plant species. Blessed be. 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. Palo Santo drives away negativity, destroys obstacles, and attracts luck. When not being used for its smell, Palo Santo oil has become a go-to for its anti-inflammatory and stress-relief properties (one note: these pluses are based on anecdotal evidence, and Dr. Goldstein says there's no data proving they're legit). While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. A Note On Sage Smudging & Palo Santo Empath Essentials Sage vs. Palo Santo - Key Differences You Need to Know Before Using The work of these artisans represents a connection to their ancestry that spans millenniums, with the power to create dialogue between different cultures, breaking cycles of prejudice and discrimination. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. If not, you're better off shopping elsewhere. It reconnects you to the earth and nature, the scents released (forest breathing) affect your mind in a positive way, giving you benefit beyond just the smudging or burning part of it. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. Thinking About Trying Keen? Protecting and Empowering Empaths Across the Universe. Growing your own ensures that you are consuming within a boundary that youve set and that no communities or wildlife gets hurt in the process. The Crystal Industry and Why Its Nowhere as Luminous as the Materials it Produces. The Softer, the Better. We like the brand Anima Mundi Herbals, as the founder, Adriana Ayales, is a rainforest herbalist who grew up in Costa Rica. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. Ancientveda Palo Santo Sticks Premium Grade from Peru | Sacred Wood for Particularly, its been gaining attention for being a natural cancer treatmentfor inflammatory diseases. compassion? Its about power.. 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. (One quick note: Whenever you light palo santo sticks, avoid directly inhaling the smoke and prop open a door or window.). 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. As with all essential oils, never use them undiluted on your skin without a carrier oil, and keep them away from your eyes, inside your nose and mucus membranes, children and pets. Quite simply, these rituals are not open for the taking. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! The herbs that grew in your ancestral lands, the plants that your grandmothers used, and the herbal remedies that were revered all hold potent healing medicines that will connect you far deeper and more meaningfully than any trend or suggested product. Sage and palo santo are spiritual healing tools traditionally used to cleanse out negative energy, whereas incense is typically use to alter mood, and is used in sacred ceremonies, meditation and as an air freshener. Keep the windows closed for a stronger effect, or open if you prefer a less intense smell. 10 Incredible Benefits of Palo Santo Wood - Palo Santo Supply Company Ltd Palo Santo itself is no longer on the endangered list, however its habitat tropical dry forests are being clear cut for cattle ranching, meaning the trees can be affected. Because of an increased demand, some businesses are illegally importing Palo Santo and sourcing it from healthy trees (which, btw, means it isnt even the authentic Palo Santo youre after). Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. How Young Latinx People Are Destigmatizing Brujera as a Form of Long story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. Palo Santo, literally meaning "holy wood" in Spanish, is a tree that is widely distributed throughout Central and South America. If you're not Indigenous and therefore hesitating to strike a match to cleanse the bad vibes out of your apartment, here's what you need to know about burning white sage. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. Triterpene lupeolcompounds found in palo santo especially showed strong activity against lung, breast and colon cancer cells. Advertisement. However, while I was scrolling I came across a closed practice video, obviously I knew that white sage is a closed practice, but she said that Palo Santo was also a closed practice and could be dangerous, it cleanses "bad and good" energy she said. In reality though, not all medicine works for everyone. All rights reserved. Just make sure to spot test the oil on small patch of skin at first to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions, Dr. Goldstein recommends. But its so important to know the difference!. Shave off thin pieces of wood from your Palo Santo stick. To remedy the feeling of disconnection and loss of meaning, connect with your lineage and ancestors for answers. The Benefits Of Palo Santo, Healing Wood, According To Experts Palo santo (Bursera graveolens), also known as holy wood or wood of the saints,describes a group of trees that produce a powerful essential oil known for stimulating the immune system and fighting inflammation. Palo Santo is a mystical tree that grows on the coast of South America and it means "Holy Wood" in Spanish. What Is Palo Santo and Why Do People Burn It? - Martha Stewart When shes not stuck to her laptop, Jessica loves hanging out with her husband and four active kids, drinking really great lattes, and lifting weights. To make sure yours is sourced by a company that abides by regulations and preserves the South American ecosystem, read the sites "about" page, peep its social media accounts, and call them up if you have to. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. The two halves of the capsule fall off when the fruit is ripe, leaving behind the fruit thats rich in lipids (fats), which are then concentrated and used therapeutically. If this sounds a lot like smudging with sage, you wouldnt be too off base, Matluck explains. When it burns, the aromatic wood releases lemon, mint, and pine notesan invigorating, grounding fragrance that is believed to have a number of benefits. Wed also like to mention the importance of understanding herbs, herbalism and plant medicine. Another factor at play is the ICUCN's ranking itself, which is based on global populations. With practice and a willingness to see, you can use incense smoke or ashes to answer any question you can think of. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. My Boyfriend & I Don't Agree On Religion. The bags unmarked, and its more than clear that the runes are carved by hand (and cut by hand; they are far from uniform shapes). Since it expands consciousness and bolsters mental clarity and connections to the divine, this wood is ideal for meditation. Once you have your hands on ethically sourced palo santo, these mantras from an Indigenous, third-generation medicine woman can help you infuse it with your intention. ITEM 757: Palo Santo water/shower. As a general rule of thumb, here are some herbs and plants that are sacred to Indigenous communities and that should not be used for smudging, unless practiced with true intention and purchased in a way that supports Indigenous communities: For true reciprocity and cultural appreciation, think about how you can give back to Native peoples, instead of just attempting to take. Its wood is very aromatic -- it accumulates fragrant oil and resin in the wood fiber, which produces its distinctive scent. Once it's burned for 30 seconds, blow out the flame then place the stick in a heatproof container to allow it to continue its burn. You will need roughly 1 tsp of shavings per 1-2 cups of water (add more shavings for a stronger flavor) Place the shavings in the boiled water and let steep for around 10 minutes Even though the oil can be obtained from fallen limbs or even dead trees, even this must permitted through the government in most countries, so therefore manufacturing is limited. I have since learned that Palo Santo is also considered a closed practice in the Latino Community. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? What You Should Know - Bustle The big takeaway is, again, to be very responsible about where you get your palo santo. But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. Once youve successfully lit the stick, waft it around to distribute smoke through the room. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. What herbs or plants are trying to get your attention right now? Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. 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. These days, to take advantage of its unique smell, Palo Santos been distilled into an essential oil, says Matluck. As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development endangers Indigenous peoples ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years. Set it a place of honor, and ask the spirit of the wood to cleanse, protect, and uplift the space.There is nothing quite like Palo Santo. I have palo santo and have been using it for around 5 months, and since it's witchtok, there's a possibility it's misleading. Treat this wood with respect and it will reward you. Smudging is distinctly Indigenous. Reason being: The palo santo tree has long been thought to have special spiritual qualities. This term refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that: To read more on this topic, this website is a great place to start!Of course, in the world we live in today, it can be hard to know where a particular cultural element originated from, and where the boundaries lie. It is so powerful that it has been a part of sacred rituals in its native region for centuries. While the wood and oil are said to have medicinal properties, it is best used to heal on the spiritual or vibrational plane. Get free domestic shipping on all orders over $95. Your FREE Astrology Sex, Love and Attraction Guide. Buying Palo Santo or sage is like putting a price on prayer you cant purchase holy water from a Catholic church or vermillion tikkas from a Hindu temple. The delicate, sweet smelling smoke evokes hints of mint, citrus, and light pine. We also really love Incausa this non-profit collaborates with artisans, villages and associations of eight different native ethnicities in the Amazon. 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. Calling all natural-healing skeptics: Palo Santo might just make a believer out of you. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. 4 [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] [deleted] 2 yr. ago We are all peruvian enough 7 Archived post. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. Other beneficial compounds in smaller quantities include germacrene D, muurolene and pulegone. Does the company work directly with the farmers to ensure the harvesting process is ethical and sustainable? Palo santo as a magical or metaphysical practice does not belong to a single tradition. Remember: we cannot consume our way to our higher selves. One is not necessarily better, as they have similar uses including enhancingspiritual purifying and energy cleansing.. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. All About Palo Santo - The Benefits and How to Use it Smudging Meaning and Ceremony: Spiritual Cleansing | Gaia The practice of using the palo santo smoke to clear energy and call in good vibes is an Indigenous tradition called smudging. Keep it off of the floor, away from toilets and trash cans, and where animals cannot get to it. Pseudo-spiritual use that isn't accompanied by respectful understanding of indigenous practices borders on cultural appropriation, so it's worth learning more about healing and spiritual ceremonies (such as smudging) for some context before diving in. Gaspar de Portol's 1769 expedition is said to have camped near El Palo Alto (referring to "the tall [redwood] tree," now a city landmark) on San Francisquito Creek. What is a Closed Practice? Once this was brought to my attention, I removed sage bundles from the kits in my shop. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood . Incausa has developed a sustainable retail and wholesale marketplace which provides opportunities to the native people of the Amazon basin, helping them to preserve an integral livelihood. This creates local abundance.