Palo Santo essential oil | Bursera graveolens

Traditional use: Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is a tree closely related to the culture of South American countries. It’s been popular for native tribes for ages and used mainly as a medical herb. The slightly unusual Spanish name of Palo Santo means “holy tree”. The trees are burned as incense during spiritual ceremonies. In the past it was a common belief that Palo Santo repels negative energy and bad spirits. Indian tribes worshipped this tree and used it as a natural medicine that has the ability to cleanse the body and the mind. The essential oil extracted from Palo Santo has actually become one of the most popular herbal ingredients. Its strong but simultaneously subtle and relaxing aroma has put many spiritual masters into a state of deep relaxation and meditation. The Palo Santo smell is an interesting composition of different notes. There are clearly some citrous, pine and mint scents.

Among naturotherapy specialists, Palo Santo oil is appreciated mostly because of its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It is an effective support for the immune system because it stimulates the organism in the fight against pathogens. Additionally, the oil facilitates breathing and helps to unblock the respiratory tract. That is why herbalists use it as a natural remedy that helps to ease the symptoms such as cough or stuffy nose. Palo Santo essential oil might also be used in cosmetics. What is more, it rejuvenates and moisturizes the skin which is helpful in everyday skin care. For some people the contact with Palo Santo is a spiritual experience and for others it is a great way to have a little moment without worries. Nevertheless, everyone can certainly benefit from the health-promoting properties of Palo Santo and its essential oil.

Occurrence: The Bursera graveolens trees, commonly known as Palo Santo, belong to the Burseraceae family of plants. They reach up to 10 meters in height but in their natural habitat there are wild trees that exceed 15 meters. The trunk of Palo Santo has a smooth white or light grey bark. There are many small branches coming out of the trunk. They remain leafless for most of the year. Small, light green leaves serrated on the edges occur only during the flowering period which occurs usually in April, the month when Easter is celebrated. This is actually the origin of the Spanish name – “Palo Santo” – “holly tree”. The fruits look similarly to olives, but they have a different color – the ripe fruits are slightly red.

Palo Santo comes from the areas of Central and Northern America. It occurs in the region that extends from Yucatan Peninsula to Peru. It is popular in countries such as: Venezuela, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Salvador and Columbia. The trees that were used to obtain essential oil available in our stock are from Ecuador.

Biochemistry: The one-of-a-kind aroma and unique properties of Palo Santo are caused by many active compounds, including: alpha-terpinene, isocaryophyllene, beta-trans-ocimene, piperitone, durenol, linalool and 1-tetradecene.

The oil available in our shop is produced with a method of steam distillation from the dry wood of Palo Santo. Thanks to that every drop is optimally condensed and has an aroma bouquet unique for this plant.

Fun fact: Palo Santo belongs to the family of Burseraceae – the same group of plants like frankincense and myrrh. All of those plants have been used as incense, usually in religious rituals.