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. There are some brands that are very stringent when it comes to the sourcing of their Palo Santo. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. 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. 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. 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. compassion? These compounds showed remarkableinhibitory activity against human cancer and brosarcoma cells. Challenging the notion that we need things smudge bundles, incense, crystals, feathers in order to invite in spirituality is a great starting point in beginning to understand ourselves better. Calling all natural-healing skeptics: Palo Santo might just make a believer out of you. Test the oil on your skin somewhere that is less sensitive, such as your forearm or foot, to make sure you dont have any allergic reaction or other side effects. Is using White Sage Incense a Closed Practice? : r/IndianCountry - Reddit 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. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Try using some in various homemade soap, lotion, incense and cleansing products, especially in any recipe that calls for frankincense, cedarwood, myrrh orlemon essential oil. The significance of this practice carries the deep dignity that is associated with the solemnity of religious rites, so a flippant high vibe IG post is disrespectful and discourteous. Spirit of Palo Santo, clear away the bad things so that only good may come in. Smudging, also known as saging, has become a trendy wellness practice that folks use to cleanse their spaces be it a bedroom, an entire home, or even a car. chemicals are combined to mimic the trees natural aroma. This way youll end up with Palo Santo that has the spiritual properties you want to bring into your life and honors the rich history and the region it comes from. 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. This is one reasonpalo santo essential oil is considered a powerful supporter of mental and emotional clarity. 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. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently removed it from its endangered list, stating that the tree is of least concern. I know burning palo santo is a closed practice, but what about - Reddit Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. What is Palo Santo and Where Can I Find It in Singapore? That's not entirely true. 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. Sacred Wood Essence - Sustainable Palo Santo 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. 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. It's also not solely a sacred plant. Once inhaled, palo santo travels directly through the olfactory system (which controls our sense of smell) of the brain, where it helps turn on the bodys relaxation responses and reduces panic, anxiety and insomnia. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. If this sounds a lot like smudging with sage, you wouldnt be too off base, Matluck explains. It's scent is like the actor you've never noticed before, but then you watch him in one movie and you realize he's starring in everything. 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 demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. The ritualistic burning (or smudging) of Palo Santo wood comes from the Incan belief that the smoke produced by Palo Santo has medicinal properties. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. 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. What herbs or plants are trying to get your attention right now? 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. 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. This way, youll be better prepared to establish harmonious office relationships and start spending comforting QT with your partner. Over 40 different types of palo santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. You dont need to burn the wood for very long to create a decent amount of smoke. 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. dazedxbat 1 yr. ago. Palo Santo: Uses, Benefits & How To Buy It Responsibly Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. Though not the only sage native to North America, white sage is by far the one most frequently used and sold by the wellness industry. 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. 2. 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. As with the Native American practice of smudging with sage, South American shamans believed burning Palo Santo had similar properties capable of resetting energy that was tainted by negativity or . 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, thyme, and cloves, each of which has its own unique properties and is not environmentally endangered. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. Palo Santo is a medicinal tree that grows in exotic areas. Archived post. Its wood is very aromatic -- it accumulates fragrant oil and resin in the wood fiber, which produces its distinctive scent. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. When burning Palo Santo in your home, follow fire safety practices: Light the wood stick and hold it downward at a 45-degree angle. But just because it's not on the watch list doesn't mean it isn't threatened. The valuable fruit of theB. graveolenstree is a small black seed covered by a red pulp thats contained in a green capsule. For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. The grounding aroma can help you prepare your mind and energy for meditation. You can also use the essential oil in the same way or combine it with water and spray it directly onto your skin or clothes. It is so powerful that it has been a part of sacred rituals in its native region for centuries. Step out into the world knowing you attract good things and are connected to the divine. 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. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. It grows in dry, tropical forest areas, and the majority of it is found in Ecuador. 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 . Long story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. 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. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. 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. He typically smudges every corner of his office before circling the entryways and windows. The high resin content of palo santo wood is believed to have purifying properties when it's burned, hence why it was traditionally used to clear negative energy and purify spaces, people, and objects. Being intentional about how you implement this practice in your life and being mindful about its origins and significance is helpful for everyone. A Note On Sage Smudging & Palo Santo Empath Essentials It may even be personally fulfilling to find out if and what your ancestors burned for cleansing. When you have this pictured clearly in your mind, dab a little Palo Santo cologne on your neck, wrists, and over your heart. And exposure to the particles released by burning wood can be irritating to the lungs. In reality though, not all medicine works for everyone. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! 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. An analysis of steam-distilled palo santo essential oil showed that the major active constituents include: limonene (89.33 percent), -terpineol (11 percent), menthofuran (6.6 percent) and carvone (2 percent). In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. Palo Alto, city, Santa Clara county, northern California, U.S. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation - Sacred Wood Essence Once lit, it produces a thick smoke that carries energetic and spiritual importance. 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. Detoxifier and Immune Enhancer. 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. Thinking About Trying Keen? Other beneficial compounds in smaller quantities include germacrene D, muurolene and pulegone. Aryelle Siclait is the editor at Women's Health where she writes and edits articles about relationships, sexual health, pop culture, and fashion for verticals across. P264 -Wash hands thoroughly after handling. We have to ask ourselves, what benefit are we really looking for here? Palo Santo, also known as holy wood, has been used by Shamans of the Amazon and the Andes for centuries to achieve spiritual purification, awareness, and energy cleansing. What Is Palo SantoAnd What Does It Do Exactly. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. Once this was brought to my attention, I removed sage bundles from the kits in my shop. Treat this wood with respect and it will reward you. The species is native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador, Mexico and the Yucatn Peninsula in Peru. Opened vs Closed Practices | Wiki | Baby Witches 101 Amino But its so important to know the difference!. The fruit from the palo santo tree emits an odor similar to fennel (anise) thats slightly sweet, which is one reason why people like to diffuse the smell throughout their homes or use it in natural cleansing products. And when it comes to how often you should smudge, Matluck says to burn your Palo Santo or use its oils as often as you feel you need towhatever it takes to surround yourself with the pure energy you want. 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. Your FREE Astrology Sex, Love and Attraction Guide. Its wood is very aromatic -- it accumulates fragrant oil and resin in the wood fiber, which produces its distinctive scent. 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. 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. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isn't on the Red Listyet. It grows in dry tropical forests and produces very fragrant resin. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. 2023 BDG Media, Inc. All rights reserved. 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. Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? All rights reserved. Ecuadorian Hands is another organization that not only sustainably sources Palo Santo, but they are also actively reforesting the province of Manabi in Ecuador. 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. Palo santo (which translates into English as 'holy wood') is wood from the bursera graveolens tree, native to South America. 4. You can also leave pieces of the wood in your home, especially on your altar. 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 Crystal Industry and Why Its Nowhere as Luminous as the Materials it Produces. Is Your Palo Santo Habit Hurting the Environment? - Yoga Journal It has been used (through the practice of smudging) to clear energy for thousands of years within indigenous cultures. All Rights Reserved. We can create all the altars we want, but if the belief isnt there, well be hard-pressed to feel that sacred shift. 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). But you need to be sure to be mindful of the sanctity of its traditional use and responsible about where you buy it. Were starting to turn to these more ancient practices from cultures that live closer to the land, she explains. At Lots of Zen, our palo santo incense is made from fine palo santo wood shavings bound together with a chemical-free glue. Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. Issues with participating in Palo Santo usage stem from: For years, the over-harvesting of Palo Santo to keep up with Western demand has led to deep concerns of its ability to regenerate robustly. This aroma, which traditionally symbolizes a cleansing of negative energy, is bound to bring you serenity. 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. Magic and Spiritual Uses & Benefits of Palo Santo - Original Botanica 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. If you do find yourself starved for ritual or spirituality, explore other means by which you can do this, such as the ideas listed above meditation, tree hugging, If you do want to buy Palo Santo, buy it from sustainable and ethical brands like the few we highlighted above. 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. Your words can be simple, like,"With this smoke, I cleanse this space of negativity. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. Palo Santo is a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with mouthwatering hints of citrus. 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. Its hard to let go of something I grew up with, sure, but its harder to think that I am hurting a group of people. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (ICUCN) ranks the conservation status of palo santo, scientifically known as bursera graveoleon, as "of least concern." While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way.
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