Last Updated on May 23, 2024 by Marc Seward

Palo Santo Essential Oil Benefits

Palo santo essential oil, derived from the aromatic wood of the Bursera graveolens tree native to South America, has gained recent popularity for its healing properties. This powerful oil offers a range of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the uses, benefits, and therapeutic applications of Palo Santo so you can harness its calming effects in your daily life.

What is Palo Santo and Where Does it Come From?

Palo santo, which means “holy wood” in Spanish, comes from the Bursera graveolens tree found in the tropical dry forests of Ecuador and other parts of South America. The wood has been used for centuries by indigenous communities in spiritual rituals and as a natural cleansing agent.

The aromatic wood is cut and ground into sawdust, then steam distilled to extract the pure essential wood oil. It contains compounds like limonene and α-terpinene, giving it a distinctive aroma and beneficial properties.

Palo santo is related to frankincense and myrrh, as all three are in the Burseraceae family of woody flowering plants.

What are some of the Science-Backed Benefits of Palo Santo?

A small amount of research has investigated some potential benefits and uses of Palo Santo.

A 2017 study examined the oil and determined the major chemical components; the main components are shown in the table below:

Limonene: The Dominant Compound

Limonene is the main compound in palo santo oil. It gives the oil its citrus smell. It also might help with pain and stress and uplift your mood.

Other Key Phytochemicals in Palo Santo

Yet, palo santo oil has more. It has other helpful phytochemicals, too. Together, they make the oil’s scent and benefits complex. These include:

• α-terpineol: Known for its pleasant, lilac-like scent, this compound adds a subtle floral note to the oil’s overall aroma.
• β-caryophyllene: This sesquiterpene contributes to the oil’s woody and spicy undertones while offering potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
• Germacrene-D: Another sesquiterpene, germacrene-D is known for its earthy and slightly sweet aroma, adding depth to the oil’s scent profile.

This study also tested Palo Santo against seven different microorganisms and found strong antimicrobial activity but weak antioxidant activity (1).

Its anti-inflammatory effects help with various health issues. Limonene reduces inflammation, easing pain. By using palo santo oil, you might feel less pain and better overall health.

How Does Palo Santo Essential Oil Benefit the Mind and Body?

Palo Santo offers a range of benefits for mental and physical well-being:

Reduces stress and anxiety: The grounding aroma of palo santo can help soothe the mind and ease feelings of stress and anxiety. Diffuse the oil or apply a few drops mixed with a carrier oil like jojoba to the temples and back of the neck.

Boosts mood and mental clarity: Palo Santo’s uplifting scent can help elevate your mood, enhance focus, and promote mental clarity. Use it in a diffuser while working or studying, or add a few drops to your morning shower.

Supports the immune system: Palo santo oil has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help support the immune system and protect against harmful pathogens.

Relieves pain and inflammation: The anti-inflammatory compounds in palo santo can help alleviate muscle and joint pain, headaches, and other types of inflammation. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil and massage into sore areas.

Enhances spiritual practice: Palo santo has long been used in spiritual rituals to purify spaces, clear negative energy, and promote peace and calm. Burn palo santo wood chips or use the oil in a diffuser during meditation or yoga.

Palo Santo’s true value lies in how it connects nature and culture.

What are Some Ways to Use Palo Santo Essential Oil?

There are many ways to incorporate palo santo into your daily routine:

Aromatherapy: Add a few drops of palo santo oil to a diffuser to fill your space with its warm and calming aroma. You can also inhale the oil directly from the bottle or mix it with water in a spray bottle to mist around your home or workspace.

Topical application: Mix a few drops of palo santo oil with a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil and apply to the skin. Use it as a massage oil, add it to your favorite body lotion, or dab it on your pulse points for an uplifting boost throughout the day. Always do a patch test first and avoid applying undiluted essential oils directly to the skin.

Smudging: Burn palo santo wood chips or sticks to cleanse and purify your space. The smoke from the wood is believed to clear negative energy and create a peaceful atmosphere. Add a few drops of the essential oil to a candle or incense burner.

Meditation and yoga: Use palo santo oil in your spiritual practice to enhance focus, clarity, and inner peace. Diffuse the oil during meditation or yoga, or apply a drop to your third eye or heart chakra before your practice.

What are Some Other Essential Oils that Pair Well with Palo Santo?

Palo santo blends well with other woody oils like frankincense, myrrh, cedarwood, and vetiver. You can pair it with uplifting citrus oils like bergamot, orange, or lemon to create a balanced, mood-boosting blend.  It also pairs well with botanical oils such as Tea Tree or Lavender.

Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect blend for your needs. For example, mix two drops of palo santo, two drops of frankincense, and two drops of bergamot in a diffuser for an uplifting aroma.

How Do I Choose a High-Quality Palo Santo Essential Oil?

When shopping for Palo Santo essential oil, look for a pure, undiluted oil sustainably sourced from Ecuador or Peru. Choose an oil that is steam distilled from the wood of the Bursera graveolens tree.

Avoid oils mixed with synthetic fragrances or other additives, as these can diminish the oil’s benefits. A high-quality Palo Santo should have a warm, woody aroma with hints of citrus and mint.

Are There Any Precautions to Keep in Mind When Using Palo Santo Essential Oil?

Using palo santo oil safely and responsibly is crucial, as with any essential oil. Always dilute the oil before applying it to the skin, and do a patch test first to check for sensitivity or allergic reactions. Avoid using the oil on broken or irritated skin.

Pregnant women and children should consult with a healthcare provider before using palo santo essential oil. The oil should not be ingested and should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Can Palo Santo Essential Oil be Used for Natural Cleaning?

Yes, palo santo can be used as a natural cleansing agent in homemade cleaning products. Its antimicrobial properties make it effective at killing germs and bacteria, while its pleasant aroma leaves your space smelling fresh and clean.

To make a simple all-purpose cleaner, mix 1 cup of water, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 20-30 drops of Palo Santo essential oil in a spray bottle. Use it to clean surfaces like countertops, sinks, and tables. You can add a few drops of the oil to your laundry or diffuse it while cleaning.

How Does Palo Santo Compare to Other Sacred Woods Like Sage?

Palo santo is often compared to other sacred woods like sage, commonly used for smudging and cleansing rituals. While both have purifying properties, palo santo has a more uplifting and grounding energy than sage’s heavy, clearing energy.

Palo santo is more sustainably harvested than sage, often over-harvested in the wild. The Bursera graveolens tree is not cut down to harvest the wood; instead, it is collected from fallen branches and cured for several years before use.

What is the Spiritual Significance of Palo Santo?

Palo santo has been used in spiritual rituals by indigenous communities in South America for centuries. The Incas used it to purify and cleanse the spirit, and it is still used today in shamanic healing practices.

Burning palo santo wood or essential oil is believed to clear negative energy, promote feelings of peace, and enhance spiritual connection. Many people find the aroma of palo santo particularly grounding and centering, making it a helpful tool for meditation and mindfulness practices.

The post Proven Palo Santo Essential Oil Benefits by Marc Seward appeared first on Healthy Focus.