Palo Santo has long taken over the world of wellness – you will definitely see these mini-logs on the Instagram of every self-respecting lover of a healthy lifestyle.
Healing incense not only complements the interior, but also helps you come to your senses. We tell you what the advantages of a ritual tree are and why you should pay attention to it.
About the tree
Palo santo is a species of tree native to South America. The name translates from Spanish as “holy tree.” Palo santo, also known as ibiokai, is equal in value to sandalwood and frankincense.
It was not by chance that this type of wood was burned: it contains guaiac oil, which is widely used in perfumery and cosmetology.
Beneficial features
Incense has a number of useful properties: from healing and healing diseases to relaxation and cleansing space of negative energy. The aroma of palo santo helps the body relax, cope with panic and get rid of anxiety and insomnia.
He is also able to control the aura of space: it is believed that the smoke of this tree affects energy waves. You can also use a wand to cleanse crystals or jewelry with natural stones from energy accumulation: just make a few circles with a smoking sliver or place your amulets next to a smoldering bar.
If you are not one of those who believe in the movement of energy flows in space, palo santo has another useful property.
It has a complex chemical composition, especially rich in limonene, which is also present in the peel of citrus fruits – and is a protection against insects. So, if you are unlucky and your house is suddenly inhabited by strange flying creatures, a smoldering chip will help you.
Application
The ability of palo santo smoke to relax has been noticed in South America. The Incas also cleansed negative energy and calmed patients with the help of this tree. They drove out evil spirits and protected themselves from them.
Now yogis especially love it for these properties and use it during meditation: the aromatic smoke of palo santo helps to tune in to the right mood. The incense exudes a unique scent – subtle notes of rose, sweet wood, citrus and smoke. This mixture relieves nervous tension and acts as an aphrodisiac.
Good news for those who particularly like the scent of incense – wood notes are actively used in perfumery. Palo Santo can also be included in cosmetics, such as moisturizing lotions, washes or creams. It has healing properties and accelerates recovery processes.
Also, shavings of this tree are sometimes added to tea and herbal drinks. Acting from the inside, the oil can not only soothe the body, but also help cure colds and relieve headaches. This tea is also useful for inflammation.
How to burn palo santo
Holding the stick at the base, light the end. Allow the edge of the bar to burn evenly – this usually takes 20-40 seconds. And then blow out the stick – it will smolder for several more hours. You can move the steaming palo santo around yourself or in the space around you to clear energy or fill the room with a woody aroma.
When the smoke begins to weaken, blow gently so that the stick begins to smolder again. Be sure to place it on a ceramic or iron stand and place it in an area where neither children nor animals can reach it.
When to burn palo santo
Incense can be applied according to your mood, but experts recommend certain moments favorable for the ritual.
For example, it is useful to light a bar after moving to a new place, after purchasing vintage jewelry (especially with stones or crystals), when feeling depressed, or after a quarrel with a loved one. You should also use incense to make wishes – the aroma will help you focus on your thoughts.
In case you don’t like playing with fire or the smell of palo santo seems too intense for you, you can limit yourself to buying guaiac oil – and add it to your care or apply it to your wrists.
It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and calming properties, so this method will also help you relax.
