What is Palo Santo and how can I use it?

The Magic Mushrooms Shop is not just about Magic Mushrooms. Today we take a look a Palo Santo!  

In Spanish, Palo Santo means ''holy wood'',It is wood from the tree Bursera graveolens. The Holy wood is used for centuries by the Incas and other South American indigenous tribes.  Almost every shamanic ritual in South America incorporates burning it, even in the Ayahuasca rituals. 

 What is Palo Santo

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Palo Santo is a kind of wood that comes from a tree that has the same name and is indigenous to South America, more precisely to the Yucatán Peninsula, Peru and Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil.  You will also find it in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia and Ecuador.

The name literally means ''holy wood''.  The scientific latin name is Bursera Graveolens. 

If you were to come upon a palo santo tree by accident you probably would not think much of it, basically, it's not a visual experience to remember.   But as the saying goes: ''it's what's inside that matters''.  The tree is known for its strong spirit and other benefits, but only after its NATURAL DEATH. 

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This natural death concept is very important to remember.  The essential oils that are responsible for the amazing aroma and healing properties only develop after the tree has fallen on it's own time, there is no hurrying this process. 

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It's traditional uses and history

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For generations, medicine people, Incas, and other tribal people in the Andes have used palo santo wood for healing.

Palo Santo was used during their ritualistic healing ceremonies.   The most common use was to generate positive and uplifting energy, much in the same way as Sage.  The Holy wood was a sacred incense and burning it was believed to cleanse the energy fields around a person as well as heal physical ailments.  It was also used as a fumigator to keep insects at bay.   

Tinctures of Palo Santo were also prepared to help heal digestive problems and to reduce inflammation, common colds and flu, symptoms, stress, asthma, headaches and more.  The essential oils and resins were also used to increase relaxation when applied at the base of the skull or on the spine.

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Palo Santo production today

Many countries such as Peru, regulate the collection of Palo Santo wood.  this allows for not only for the continued life of the tree, but also respects the sacredness of the wood.  Live trees are never to be cut, it would be pointless as it is only when the tree branches fall naturally that the wood can gain its properties. 

Some communities in Ecuador that were contributing to the deforestation of their habitat, now harvest the oil from the fruit of the Palo Santo tree as an alternative income source that leaves the forest intact.  This is the case with the Bolívar Tello Community Association 

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The effects of Palo Santo

Today many people use Palo Santo to prepare for meditation as it allows for a deeper connection to the Source of all creation.  This can be explained by the fact that there seems to be a connection between the senses that are stimulated by the aroma and the body's release of natural endorphins. 

It is also said that Palo Santo enhances creativity and brings good fortune to those who are open to its magic.

One thing seems clear, it calms the mind and it gets rid of negative emotions like anger and fear. When burned, the smoke is said to cleanse an area. Its essence is believed to energetically clear a space of any lingering stagnant energy. 

At home will no doubt contribute to a peaceful atmosphere. 

Palo Santo has recently been popularized for its heavenly presence in Ayahuasca ceremonies helping keep energies grounded and clear for those taking part in the ceremony. 

Today, palo santo trees are also used to produce essential oil. Aside from its mental health applications, palo santo offers promising benefits when it comes to raising immunity and fighting illness.

Palo santo essential oil benefits include:

• Fighting cancer
• Fighting infection
• Relieving inflammation
• Relieving muscular pains
• Stimulating the immune system
• Supporting a healthy nervous system

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How to burn Palo Santo?

You can use a candle, match or lighter.  A candle is easier because you need to let it burn for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute.  Once that time has passed, blow on the stick.  You will see smoke coming out.  Take a second to appreciate the pleasant, fresh smoke with sweet notes of pine, mint and lemon.

You can move around your home or anywhere you feel there is a need to clear negative energy. Once you are done, simply place the stick in a fireproof receptacle. 

Watch this video for more details on how to burn a Palo Santo Stick. 

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Where can I get Palo Santo?

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Easy, The Magic Mushrooms Shop!  One order will get you 3-4 sticks of Palo Santo (approx 24 grams)

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Palo Santo | Holy Wood | Bursera graveolens

Palo Santo is traditionally used by shamans in South America during Ayahuasca rituals. The aromat...