Botanical Name: Bursera graveolens
Country of Origin: Ecuador
Cultivation: Wildcrafted
Extraction Method: Steam Distilled
Distillation Date: Apr 2024
Minimum Shelf Life: 5 years
Plant Part: Wood
Perfume Note: Middle
Aroma: Sweet, woody, balsamic, citrusy, nuance of spiceBlends well with: Ambrette, Amyris, Balsam of Peru, Buddha Wood, Cedarwood Himalayan, Frankincense carteri, Frankincense serrata, Guaiacwood, Myrrh, Orange Sweet, Sandalwood, Siam Wood, Spikenard Co2, Tangerine, Vetiver
Palo Santo, a fascinating tree with a unique and rich history, is known by many names, such as Holy Wood, Saint Wood, and Bursera graveolens. It is a member of the Burseraceae plant family, which also includes Frankincense, Myrrh, Elemi, and other incense aroma-producing trees. However, unlike other members of the family, the essential oil of Palo Santo comes from the wood rather than the resin.
Palo Santo trees are found primarily in South America, particularly in Ecuador, where the trees grow wild in the dry tropical forests of the region. With a lifespan of about 40 years, the Palo Santo tree is a slow-growing species that can reach up to 25 meters in height. After its life cycle, the tree dies off, leaving behind its fallen wood.
The fallen wood of the Palo Santo tree is highly prized for its aroma-therapeutic properties, particularly its calming and grounding effects. To obtain premium quality essential oil, the naturally fallen wood is left to cure for an additional ten years before being steam distilled. Only wild harvested trees that have fallen naturally are used for making this essential oil. The artisan distiller takes an active role in replanting Palo Santo trees and is a member of the Ecuadorian Palo Santo Reforestation Program.
Despite its popularity, there is some confusion and misinformation on the internet regarding Guaiacwood being Palo Santo. However, it should be noted that Guaiacwood comes from a completely different botanical family, genus Bulnesia, species B. sarmientoi, and has a different aromatic profile. While Guaiacwood and Palo Santo blend well together, they do not smell the same. Therefore, when shopping for Palo Santo or Guaiacwood, it is essential to check the botanical nomenclature to ensure that you are not misled.
The artisan distiller of Palo Santo essential oil states that Ecuadorians use it for emotional well-being, particularly for anxiety, depression, fatigue, fear, grief, happiness, self-doubt, loneliness, and panic attacks. This oil is also highly regarded for its ability to facilitate spiritual connections.
In conclusion, the calming and grounding effects of Palo Santo essential oil make it an ideal tool for enhancing meditation, chanting, or making spiritual connections, especially when blended with Frankincense, Myrrh, or Sandalwood. Its unique and rich history, combined with its remarkable aroma-therapeutic properties, make Palo Santo a truly fascinating and valuable addition to anyone's collection of essential oils.
Of major therapeutic interest are published studies of Bursera graveolens (Palo Santo) that suggest evidence of cancer inhibitory activities;
“Bursera oil inhibited the growth of MCF-7 breast tumor cells as well as amastigotes of L. amazonensis. These results demonstrate that the essential oil from B. graveolens is a promissory antiproliferative product.” See full article
here. This is clearly an essential oil to watch as more studies are concluded and we are able to learn more about specific therapeutic anti-cancer conduct.
Batch specific GC/MS analysis for this essential oil is available by clicking on the green tab above.
Aromatherapy use: acne, allergies, anti-anxiety, antibacterial, anti-depressant, anti-viral, arthritis, asthma, colds, coughs, decongestant, flu, headache, insect repellent, meditation and spiritual enhancement, migraine, muscular strains, panic attacks, rheumatism, sedative, stress, wounds
General use: Oil diffusers, potpourri, massage oil, natural perfume, bath oil, bath salt, bath and shower gels, spa treatment oils, wraps, masks and creams, aromatherapy soap and candle premium quality scenting
Contraindications: None known.
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