The wellness industry has stripped the deeply religious aspects of these plants and packaged them up for profit. The sacred acts that indigenous people do with herbs are not what you're going to be doing with them so I wouldn't worry about it. In Spanish,. You can also combine palo santo withlavender oil,bergamot oilor frankincense oil for additional relaxation benefits. Although its well-tolerated, applying palo santo essential oil to a small patch of your skin to perform a test is a good idea before using it on larger or more sensitive parts of the body. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. White sage has become so gentrified and has lost its true meaning unless its blessed & used in a traditional way which Im 100% sure most non-natives dont have access to @lilnativeboy, How to Sustainably and Respectfully Use Palo Santo. Burning Palo Santo is generally a safe practice however once it has been burned for 20-30 minutes the scent can become overpowering so it is best to have a few windows . 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Long story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. 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. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. 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. We can create all the altars we want, but if the belief isnt there, well be hard-pressed to feel that sacred shift. Palo santo helps support the immune system and regulates inflammatory responses, such as those triggered by a poor diet, pollution, stress and illness. practices that are only passed down through the people that descended from them most of these practices have limited amount of information, due to being protected by their people these religions come from thousands of years of people worshiping, connection, loving, and devoting themselves to 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. (Help!). The grounding aroma can help you prepare your mind and energy for meditation. 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. These tools only serve to amplify what is already present within us, yet consumerism wants us to believe that they are a necessity. 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. 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,. 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. Before we dive into this deeper, what is Palo Santo and what is smudging? 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. When burning Palo Santo in your home, follow fire safety practices: Light the wood stick and hold it downward at a 45-degree angle. Once it's burned for 30 seconds, blow out the flame then place the stick in a heatproof container to allow it to continue its burn. Palo Santo is a subtle, sweet, and woody scent with mouthwatering hints of citrus. Whether its conflict at work or a stressed-out partner bringing you down at home, Palo Santo is said to show agitated and harmful energy the door (literally), bring in positive healing energies, and allow you to approach things with an unburdened mind. Springtime is the ideal season for rituals to cleanse and uplift yourself, and set your intentions and goals for the rest of the year. Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007 and has covered everything from parenting and pregnancy to residential and industrial real estate, cannabis, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, landscaping, home decor, and more. 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. We offer free shipping in the USA on all domestic orders totaling more than $95, Let our in-house spiritualists dress and prepare your candles, and bless your amulets and talisman, Have any candle dressed, and even prayed over, lit, and set on our altar by our in-house spiritualists, Canada, The Caribbean, South America, Europe, Africa, anywhere. The therapeutic benefits of Palo Santo are many, with it being highly medicinal and healing. The ritualistic burning (or smudging) of Palo Santo wood comes from the Incan belief that the smoke produced by Palo Santo has medicinal properties. A Note On Sage Smudging & Palo Santo Empath Essentials 7 Incredible Benefits of Palo Santo and How to Use it for Health 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. Palo santo the aromatic wood that has been used for traditional healing and in spiritual ceremonies in indigenous and mestizo Latin American cultures for centuries has seen a growth in. Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Once this was brought to my attention, I removed sage bundles from the kits in my shop. Palo santo helps support the immune system and regulates inflammatory responses, such as those triggered by a poor diet, pollution, stress and illness. Palo santo oil has been found to contains cancer-fighting compounds that lower oxidative stress and protect cells. First, a primer on the perks: In addition to the historic and spiritual perks of burning it, Palo Santo is also beloved in South America for its scent. Researchers observed biological activities including antineoplastic, antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions against cell mutations and tumor growth. dry tropical forests have been decimated. Aside from its mental health applications, more recently studies have shown that it has promising benefits when it comes to raising immunity and fighting illnesses. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? What You Should Know - Bustle .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Reason being: The palo santo tree has long been thought to have special spiritual qualities. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood, burned during spiritual ceremonies, is medicinal. Return to the room and pitch open the windows to its wholly purified and renewed space. To make sure yours is sourced by a company that abides by regulations and preserves the South American ecosystem, read the sites "about" page, peep its social media accounts, and call them up if you have to. 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. Is palo santo better than sage? It also is thought to neutralize issues before they ever start. 4 [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] [deleted] 2 yr. ago We are all peruvian enough 7 This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. Ancientveda Palo Santo Sticks Premium Grade from Peru | Sacred Wood for Another option is apply several drops mixed with a carrier oil (such as coconut orjojoba oil) to your head, neck, chest or spine to help you unwind and fall asleep more easily. 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. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. In the Global North, are other cultures expected to step aside and give space for white well-being, while giving up their own? Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation - Sacred Wood Essence Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. compassion? Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. 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. 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. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. 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. Learn About Treatments and Diet Changes, How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids (4+ Natural Remedies), Create a natural bug spray by making this, What is palo santo? It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. 4. Here at Sacred Wood Essence, we practice deep respect for Palo Santo ( Bursera Graveolens ). The general act of smoke cleansing, however, is not inherently spiritual or specific to a certain culture in the way that smudging is. How to Tell if Your Palo Santo is Authentic - Jt.Org Protecting and Empowering Empaths Across the Universe. These days, to take advantage of its unique smell, Palo Santos been distilled into an essential oil, says Matluck. If you have used herbs to cleanse your space in the past and enjoy the ritual, you don't have to give it up in order to do so in a culturally conscious way. While many Indigenous folk do sell sage and other plant medicines, its important we know where we are buying from and who we are supporting. 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. In some countries, such as Ecuador, its against the law to remove or cut down these trees because theyre protected due to palo santo deforestation. Breathe the sacred fragrance, and allow it to enhance your meditation. Calling all natural-healing skeptics: Palo Santo might just make a believer out of you. 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. In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. 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. Opened vs Closed Practices | Wiki | Baby Witches 101 Amino Palo santo is not a closed practice. Has the company physically traveled to the area in which the trees grow, and do they make regular visits? Is Netflix's 'The Nurse' Based On A True Story? 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. 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. 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. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. The Benefits Of Palo Santo, Healing Wood, According To Experts Your 3-Step Guide On How To Use Palo Santo Wood Another factor at play is the ICUCN's ranking itself, which is based on global populations. Is it an appropriation of Japanese culture to learn karate? 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. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? 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). Does the company work directly with the farmers to ensure the harvesting process is ethical and sustainable? Its unique fragrance is like a mixture of pine resins, citrus, and frankincense, and it clears away negativity, smooths vibrations, and draws in positive feelings better than almost anything else. Once you have your hands on ethically sourced palo santo, these mantras from an Indigenous, third-generation medicine woman can help you infuse it with your intention. Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. Website created by Lighthaus Design, Original Products Botanica instagram Link, Original Products Botanica pinterest Link. But its so important to know the difference!. This is one reasonpalo santo essential oil is considered a powerful supporter of mental and emotional clarity. What are the benefits of palo santo? When not being used for its smell, Palo Santo oil has become a go-to for its anti-inflammatory and stress-relief properties (one note: these pluses are based on anecdotal evidence, and Dr. Goldstein says there's no data proving they're legit). 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. Everyone has times when they could use a little extra good fortune. Its great for calming the nervous system and torecover faster from illness, chronic fatigue syndrome or emotional pain. With the wellness industry making acts of self-care synonymous with the consumption of products and appendages, people have flocked to the crystal shops to get their bundle stashes faster than ever, attempting to smudge their way to inner peace. Particularly, its been gaining attention for being a natural cancer treatmentfor inflammatory diseases. Considered an oil thats grounding and centering, both palo santo and frankincense oils are used for emotional and spiritual support since they work like natural anxiety remedies. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. Smudging refers to a specific cultural and spiritual practice, but smoke cleansing offers an alternative to smudging for folks who aren't Indigenous. Palo Alto | California, United States | Britannica It keeps families together. As you do this, state your intention. The wood is also used to communicate with the divine, heal on the physical and spiritual levels, and improve concentration and mental focus during meditation.Palo Santo is considered so holy, it must never be cut down. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage (which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. I know burning palo santo is a closed practice, but what about my runes? Why Trust Us? Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your spiritual practice. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. Ecuadorian Hands is another organization that not only sustainably sources Palo Santo, but they are also actively reforesting the province of Manabi in Ecuador. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. Once youve successfully lit the stick, waft it around to distribute smoke through the room. If the usage of sage is important to you, you can call a centre close to you and just ask them for some sage. Estimates are that only five to ten percent of dry tropical forests are still intact around the world. These tropical dry forests are hospitable to human activity (read: exploitation), and are therefore often subject to clear cutting for cattle ranches, which means Palo Santo trees often get caught in the logging process. It is so powerful that it has been a part of sacred rituals in its native region for centuries. Since one of Palo Santo's many spiritual properties is its ability to draw in luck, wearing a little bit of Palo Santo cologne is a discreet way to use it.Take a moment to relax and center yourself, and picture your entire body surrounded by an egg-shaped shield of golden light. When it burns, the aromatic wood releases lemon, mint, and pine notesan invigorating, grounding fragrance that is believed to have a number of benefits. respectful understanding of indigenous practices, these mantras from an Indigenous, third-generation medicine woman, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5198031/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23285824, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16734569. The palo santo tree belongs to the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as frankincenseand myrrh trees, which also produce beneficialantioxidant-rich oilsthat are used around the world. It's done by burning herbs like sage or wood or their resin. You will need roughly 1 tsp of shavings per 1-2 cups of water (add more shavings for a stronger flavor) Place the shavings in the boiled water and let steep for around 10 minutes Keep cool. Distancing ourselves from the true meaning and depth that specific communities have been practicing for hundreds of years robs these sacred cultures of their revered traditions and the plant medicine that is integral to their well-being. It was illegal for Natives to practice their religion until 1978 in the U.S., and many were jailed and killed just for keeping our ways alive, including my great-great grandfather, Ruth Hopkins, a Dakota/Lakota Sioux writer, tells Bustle. good vibes only?) Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. 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. 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 . Sacred Wood Essence has personally shown me their photos where they are working alongside the Palo Santo harvesters in Ecuador, and you can see that the working conditions are ethical, the Palo Santo is sourced sustainably, and that this work is the sole livelihood of this group of people. 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. Remember: we cannot consume our way to our higher selves. National governments are responsible for regional conservation status, which means a species can be considered endangered in one country and not in another. 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. He typically smudges every corner of his office before circling the entryways and windows. However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). Pseudo-spiritual use that isn't accompanied by respectful understanding of indigenous practices borders on cultural appropriation, so it's worth learning more about healing and spiritual ceremonies (such as smudging) for some context before diving in. Smudging is an ancient and sacred Indigenous ritual meant to purify and cleanse the soul and the spaces surrounding it (different than smoke cleansing). Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. 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. The ritual comes from Incan tradition that says the smoke from the wood . People in multiple countries in South America use it to repel insects. 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 . Where does palo santo grow? New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Estimates are that only five to ten percent of dry tropical forests are still intact around the world., like putting a price on prayer you cant purchase holy water from a Catholic church, banned from practicing their religious beliefs, They are more than happy to be asked about their medicines, as it shows an interest in their practices, Connecting with your lineage and your ancestry. So when our religious practices are mocked through these products, or folks are commodifying and making money off our ceremonies, its not about who has the right to buy or sell. This is a respectful and reciprocal way in which we can uplift and amplify Indigenous voices. Apply a few drops on the chest at heart level or add some to your shower or bath to beat a cold or flu. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. All About Palo Santo - The Benefits and How to Use it Theres a rise and a growth of consciousness around energy and spirituality. 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. But just because it's not on the watch list doesn't mean it isn't threatened. Palo Santo sticks have been getting more popular as an alternative to sage, but buying this Central and South American tree bark used by Amazonian tribes can also be harmful, in similar ways to white sage. 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. Working with Indigenous communities, establishing a relationship and supporting their livelihood matters, however the majority of brands are either disconnected to the process or have no idea where or how they get their Palo Santo or sage. 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? Organic, 100 percent pure oils offer the most benefits and are the only kinds recommended for internal use to reduce inflammation. Shamans and healers, often known as Curanderos, traditionally used the energizing and healing properties of palo santo to purify air, dispel evil spirits, and cleanse negative energy. This all sounds great, right? Wild plants can't support becoming commercial commodities, which is why you'll see Walmart now selling random bundles of who-knows-what wood sprayed with "sage-scent"- seriously, go check out their incense . For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means "holy wood," has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. Wed also like to mention the importance of understanding herbs, herbalism and plant medicine. She works primarily with palos (sticks), herbs, and flowers. What herbs or plants are trying to get your attention right now? Other beneficial compounds in smaller quantities include germacrene D, muurolene and pulegone. It took a bit to print new materials, labels, and all of that but I got it done and I am now proud to say that there are no sage bundles available at Empath Essentials and even the term smudging is slowly being phased out. 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.

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