is palo santo wood a closed practice

Palo Santo looks like a small wooden stick and it's scent is known to raise the vibration in preparation for meditation, creative endeavors and ceremony. Look to your ancestral lands to learn more about the plant medicine that your grandmothers used, and pay attention to the plants that are trying to get your attention right now. The Softer, the Better. Keep cool. 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. By depleting the land of these precious plants for trendy usage, we have to ask: who is wellness really for? And exposure to the particles released by burning wood can be irritating to the lungs. Thinking About Trying Keen? 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. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. If you can find wood chips, sticks or cones, burn one or twoin an incense burner for about 20 or 25 minutes. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. This light allows good things to enter, but no negativity or evil intentions can pass through. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. 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. Remember: we cannot consume our way to our higher selves. The highest quality oils form in the aged heartwood, which is used in sacred ceremonies and for healing by specific local cultures. For a natural remedy for muscle, bone and joint pain, try massaging the oil mixture into the skin until the oil is absorbed or sitting in a soaking bath with palo santo and Epsom salts. Theyve already planted 4000 trees in 2019. P370 + P378 - In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical, or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction. Palo Santo is a mystical tree that grows on the coast of South America and it means "Holy Wood" in Spanish. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Lastly, upon hearing from those within the community, and Indigenous folk in North America, Palo Santo, along with white sage shouldnt be sold as a commodity (especially by retail chains), but rather be given to you by a shaman to ensure it actually has the sacred benefit that it is being used for. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. He typically smudges every corner of his office before circling the entryways and windows. 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. By listening to locals, honoring traditions, supporting communities, and giving credit and compensation at every turn, we can support a cultural exchange that truly is appreciation, not appropriation. Connecting with your lineage and your ancestry isnt just some woke way to side-step cultural appropriation, but it deeply aligns you with the medicine and healing power of the plants that your ancestors used and thrived on. Light the stick as above and move around the room, waving the wood to spread the smoke. Ensure that your ritual is at least benefiting the farmers and harvesters who make it possible for you to have it, and that the actual benefit (therapeutic oils) are present in the wood. Native Americans used both as sacred plants for smudging (burning). Not all medicine works for everyone, so customize your uniqueness by leaning into the herbs that were revered by your ancestors, or those that are deeply speaking to you. Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. Today, palo santo oil may be applied to the body (such as at the base of the skull or on the spine) to increase relaxation, [12] similar to aromatherapy . The benefits of growing your own herbs are many, and have huge therapeutic elements. As you do this, state your intention. You may also wear a Palo Santo bead necklace or bracelet to connect to the spirit of the wood and enjoy the fragrance without burning. With practice and a willingness to see, you can use incense smoke or ashes to answer any question you can think of. By improving blood circulation and recharging your energy levels, it can help you feel better faster and stop severity of feelings of dizziness, congestion and nausea. She works primarily with palos (sticks), herbs, and flowers. This form of cleansing can look a bit like smudging, but its just the simple act of burning herbs, wood, incense, or other safe-to-burn materials that possess cleansing properties. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. Cultural Appropriation and Disregard for the Sacred: While cultural appropriation is a term that can get thrown around for almost anything these days (we are huge fans of celebrating different cultures and encourage you to embrace and learn about as many things as possible, respectfully and in the right way), we do have to be cautious and considerate when it comes to specific realms. 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. Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. dry tropical forests have been decimated. But before going out and grabbing a palo santo stick or essential oil, it's important to understand the history of this celebrated holy wood and how to use it in a respectful way. Other beneficial compounds in smaller quantities include germacrene D, muurolene and pulegone. As a note, if you're browsing your fave place to buy herbs and look at the options for smoke cleansing next to white sage, you might find Palo Santo ("holy wood in Spanish). While clinical studies on the wood's medicinal effects are limited, it is rich in both antioxidants and limonene 2, a terpene that has been extensively researched and has anti-inflammatory benefits 3. For example, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, and rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France in order to clear the air of infection. Over 40 different types of palo santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. Be suspicious of companies selling oil (sometimes just called holy wood oil) for low prices over the internet today. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that white sage has important medical benefits it is used to cure colds and aid postpartum healing and its a crucial part of the surrounding ecosystem. If you feel like you engage with Palo Santo in a truly authentic way, we encourage you to support those that are harvesting as sustainably as possible, and who are benefitting the local communities in their endeavours. But another South American tree species, bulnesia sarmientoi, is also known as palo santo, and that one is threatened. Palo santo may be burned, similar to incense, by lighting shavings of palo santo wood. These herbs are revered in many Indigenous cultures for their potent medicinal properties, and many shamans in South America also use Palo Santo to aid the journey of a dying soul into the afterlife. Once lit, it produces a thick smoke that carries energetic and spiritual importance. "You can also recite a prayer to your deity or deities, invoke your guardian angels, or call on your spirit guides to help you drive away negative energy. Briefly put, Palo Santo is the wood of the Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). P501 - Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant. Located 35 miles (55 km) south of San Francisco and 14 miles (23 km) north of San Jose, it lies on the western shore of San Francisco Bay. What is it, and how can you use it today? Palo santo wood chip incense or essential oil can also be used to clean the air and surfaces in your home and prevent illnesses, contamination or even bad energy. Purify your kitchen, bathroom or appliances by diffusing the oil or running it through your household appliances. If you're wondering how much Palo Santo exposure is too much, there's unfortunately no research out there about safety thresholds yet, says Dr. Goldsteinso he advises burning it with caution. 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? Well-intentioned but ill-informed memes warn that palo santo is teetering on extinction. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Palo Santo is a medicinal tree that grows in exotic areas. 2. The Chumash people, for instance, who are native to central and southern coastal regions of California, use white sage in healing sessions to purify the central nervous system. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. I am currently working on phasing out Palo Santo from the remaining 2 kits in my shop. The species is native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador, Mexico and the Yucatn Peninsula in Peru. But if you tend to poke around smoke cleansing social media circles, you've probably heard people ask (and might be wondering yourself): Is burning sage and smudging cultural appropriation? 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. Its exploitative and amounts to silencing Native voices and erasing our cultural heritage, Hopkins says. In addition to jewelry and cologne, you can also keep pieces of the raw sticks with you as talismans. 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. I remember asking when I bought them if they were ethically sourced (because I knew at the time the wood was endangered did not know about the burning of it being a closed practice, though), and the shopkeeper said yes. 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. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. Quite simply, these rituals are not open for the taking. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. Smudging is an ancient and sacred Indigenous ritual meant to purify and cleanse the soul and the spaces surrounding it (different than smoke cleansing). 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. The big takeaway is, again, to be very responsible about where you get your palo santo. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. 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. In fact, its making believers out of a lot of people. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. 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. The therapeutic benefits of Palo Santo are many, with it being highly medicinal and healing. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. 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. 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). To suddenly mark it as trendy and attempt to engage in the rituals that were once illegal for the very communities that created them, means Native culture is open for cherry picking, where cool aspects can be taken, while the history and atrocities these communities had no choice but to endure can be ignored. Where does palo santo grow? 4 [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] [deleted] 2 yr. ago We are all peruvian enough 7 The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. When we pick sage, we always leave the root and say a prayer of thanks for our harvest. Dr. Adrienne Keene, assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation, This article was originally published on July 19, 2019. But just because it's not on the watch list doesn't mean it isn't threatened. A cousin of both frankincense and myrrh, palo santo literally means "holy wood," and it's a fitting name given its past. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. 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). By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. 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. But you need to be sure to be mindful of the sanctity of its traditional use and responsible about where you buy it. Because theyre related and have similar emotionally stabilizing benefits, you can use palo santo as a substitute for more-popular frankincense oil ormyrrh oil. In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. In 2005, Peru had listed Palo Santo as endangered due to overharvesting. The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. 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). 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. 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. But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. Once you are equipped with some context and history, burning palo santo sticks or using palo santo essential oil is pretty straightforward. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Particularly, its been gaining attention for being a natural cancer treatmentfor inflammatory diseases. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! P403 + P235 - Store in well-ventilated place. What are the benefits of palo santo? But unless you are a descendant of Indigenous North American people, it likely wasn't white sage that they were burning, according to Keene. One is not necessarily better, as they have similar uses including enhancingspiritual purifying and energy cleansing.. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage (which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. If burning incense, herbs, or wood is part of your self-love practice and inner wellness work, there are safe-burning alternatives to burning sage for smoke cleansing, including lavender, pine,. But some brands and shops continue to sell white sage, despite Native communities speaking out against it. These compounds showed remarkableinhibitory activity against human cancer and brosarcoma cells. At Lots of Zen, our palo santo incense is made from fine palo santo wood shavings bound together with a chemical-free glue. These days, to take advantage of its unique smell, Palo Santos been distilled into an essential oil, says Matluck. It has been used (through the practice of smudging) to clear energy for thousands of years within indigenous cultures. This is no longer the case. Its name translates to "holy wood," and this beautiful, aromatic tree lives up to its reputation as a healer and cleanser. 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. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. Its important to note that while the tree itself is not endangered, its habitat tropical dry forest is threatened. Burning palo santo as part of a calming ritual can help promote a shift in energy. "All burned wood releases smoke compounds that can cause significant harm when inhaled over a long time or at high exposures," he explains. Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. 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. dazedxbat 1 yr. ago. (Help!). Limonene, the main active ingredient in palo santo, is a bioactive component found in high concentrations in certain plants, including citrus peels, that has well-researchedanticancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Now a journalist who practices Palo and Santera, Montoya has traded in her playful childhood potions for direct, intentional mixtures. Palo santo is not a closed practice. 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The smoke is then waved over the area you want to cleanse. As an essential oil, it's great for aromatherapy and can also be used during therapeutic massages. Using palo santo in your home can be a beautiful, beneficial way to clear your space and calm the mind. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. In 2004, researchers from the University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Japan discovered several other key phytochemicals in palo santo oil that are capable of fighting cancerous cell mutation. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. 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. Once this was brought to my attention, I removed sage bundles from the kits in my shop. Palo Santo is a precious wood, so you may not wish to burn it. Palo santo (which translates into English as 'holy wood') is wood from the bursera graveolens tree, native to South America. Waft The Smoke. 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. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! It grows in dry, tropical forest areas, and the majority of it is found in Ecuador. However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). Palo Santo drives away negativity, destroys obstacles, and attracts luck. Its a group of trees with the species name. A closed practice is one where the mysteries and practices are off limits to people who are not initiated to it. The delicate, sweet smelling smoke evokes hints of mint, citrus, and light pine. 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. Known to combat migraines and even stress-related headaches or bad moods, palo santo helps to lower inflammation and increase blood flow that can help turn off perceived pain. The wellness industry has stripped the deeply religious aspects of these plants and packaged them up for profit. But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. Whether in incense or essential oil form, research suggests that palo santo benefitsinclude: As a rich supply of antioxidants and phytochemicals called terpenes, palo santo oil is effective for combatting free radical damage (also called oxidative stress), relieving stomach aches, fighting stress, reducing pains due to arthritis and healing many other conditions. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently removed it from its endangered list, stating that the tree is of least concern. Smudging is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to Native and Indigenous communities. The valuable fruit of theB. graveolenstree is a small black seed covered by a red pulp thats contained in a green capsule. 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. When the moon is new, the wood produces a smaller quantity of light oil. The "closed practice" language is the emotive layer to make you stop asking questions, but it's not the actual issue; it's conservation. Begin with a clear, simple intention to clear the negative energy in your space and mind. Keep it off of the floor, away from toilets and trash cans, and where animals cannot get to it. This is where the resin forms, the scent associated with Palo Santo. The oil is even affected by the moon. No, of course not! Unfortunately, most of those times seem to happen outside of the home, where burning Palo Santo wood would be difficult and attract a lot of attention! 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. 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. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. We also really love Incausa this non-profit collaborates with artisans, villages and associations of eight different native ethnicities in the Amazon. For ritual participants who observe the practice and take in palo santos aroma, its said to clear misfortune, negative thought prints, and evil spirits.. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. 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. Whether you doing smudging Palo Sando in an open window or closed window condition, you should not inhale the fumes that come from the bowel. I remember asking when I bought them if they were ethically sourced (because I knew at the time the wood was endangered did not know about the burning of it being a closed practice, though), and the shopkeeper said yes. 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. 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 . 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. That gives the oils in the wood enough time to fully mature before it is harvested and processed into sticks or essential oils. TikTok's Viral Strength & Mobility Test Will Humble You, Why TikTok's "Body Doubling" Productivity Trick Really Works, Get Even More From Bustle Sign Up For The Newsletter. 4. Does the companys site say anything about their work with South American suppliers and how they comply with Palo Santo importation regulations? For Hopkins, the appropriation of white sage is made worse because the plant is often not being harvested correctly. It also is thought to neutralize issues before they ever start. Smudging is an easy and effective way to cleanse your home and yourself when done with love and care. 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. 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. 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. If this sounds a lot like smudging with sage, you wouldnt be too off base, Matluck explains. Being so far removed here in the West, these bundles are still being snatched up faster than ever due to the trend, rather than the understanding of its importance. Though thinking about energies and how they impact your overall wellness might not be part of your day-to-day right now, Erica Matluck, holistic coach and co-founder of .css-7qz8rz{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:#f7623b;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:background 0.4s;transition:background 0.4s;background:linear-gradient(#ffffff, #ffffff 50%, #feebe7 50%, #feebe7);-webkit-background-size:100% 200%;background-size:100% 200%;}.css-7qz8rz:hover{color:#000000;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;-webkit-background-position:100% 100%;background-position:100% 100%;}Seven Senses, a practice for integrative medicine, says shes sensing a shift. We appreciate Italian and Japanese cultures by celebrating their contributions to our beautiful, confusing, eclectic, and interwoven global reality.So what about Palo Santo? If not, you're better off shopping elsewhere. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means "holy wood," has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck.

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