5 PorkchopFunny 2 yr. ago Owning palo santo/burning it/sticking it up your butt/doing whatever with it is not a closed practice. If you work with herbs or oils at all, chances are you have come across Palo Santo in some form. Palo santo oil was used during the time of the Incas for its reputed spiritual purifying properties. A closed practice is one where the mysteries and practices are off limits to people who are not initiated to it. The two halves of the capsule fall off when the fruit is ripe, leaving behind the fruit thats rich in lipids (fats), which are then concentrated and used therapeutically. Use a match or lighter to ignite the end of your palo santo stick, and let it burn for about 30 seconds or so before blowing it out. Here at Sacred Wood Essence, we practice deep respect for Palo Santo ( Bursera Graveolens ). Our team aims to be not only thorough with its research, but also objective and unbiased. Connecting with your lineage and your ancestry isnt just some woke way to side-step cultural appropriation, but it deeply aligns you with the medicine and healing power of the plants that your ancestors used and thrived on. compassion? We never want to disrespect the . Is the company invested in its relationship with the farmers and committed to supporting their livelihood. By depleting the land of these precious plants for trendy usage, we have to ask: who is wellness really for? Smudging is cultural appropriation and disrespectful to Native and Indigenous communities. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. In Canada, there are Indigenous Friendship Centres in many cities across the country. Long story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. Triterpene lupeolcompounds found in palo santo especially showed strong activity against lung, breast and colon cancer cells. The benefits of growing your own herbs are many, and have huge therapeutic elements. 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. .css-1iyvfzb .brand{text-transform:capitalize;}We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Like every platform that uses social networking buttons and analytics, we use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Palo Santo translates as "holy/sacred wood". For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means "holy wood," has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. 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. 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. Look to your ancestral lands to learn more about the plant medicine that your grandmothers used, and pay attention to the plants that are trying to get your attention right now. This tug is usually your ancestors guiding you exactly where you need to go. Its wood is very aromatic -- it accumulates fragrant oil and resin in the wood fiber, which produces its distinctive scent. Not all medicine works for everyone, so customize your uniqueness by leaning into the herbs that were revered by your ancestors, or those that are deeply speaking to you. Springtime is the ideal season for rituals to cleanse and uplift yourself, and set your intentions and goals for the rest of the year. Why Trust Us? Theyve already planted 4000 trees in 2019. Having become quite the sensation in recent years in the Western world, Palo Santo (alongside white sage), has erupted when it comes to self-care. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. dry tropical forests have been decimated. Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to "smudge" their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and prayer simply, its cultural appropriation. For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! Thinking About Trying Keen? The best thing to do is source herbs that are grown locally, or grow your own! When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). The sweet, smoky fragrance is an intoxicating go-to for cleansing and clearing spaces. 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. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality, says Keene. Has the company physically traveled to the area in which the trees grow, and do they make regular visits? It is so powerful that it has been a part of sacred rituals in its native region for centuries. (One quick note: Whenever you light palo santo sticks, avoid directly inhaling the smoke and prop open a door or window.). 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. It's also not solely a sacred plant. 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. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! Treat this wood with respect and it will reward you. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}How To Avoid Unexpected Health Bills. I thought I was in the clear with this one because I was using ethically sourced Palo Santo where the trees were literally dying of natural causes and then waiting years before they were sourced. By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. It also brings livelihood to our partner communities who gather and steward it in their homelands. Were starting to turn to these more ancient practices from cultures that live closer to the land, she explains. We can create all the altars we want, but if the belief isnt there, well be hard-pressed to feel that sacred shift. Does the companys site say anything about their work with South American suppliers and how they comply with Palo Santo importation regulations? Shave off thin pieces of wood from your Palo Santo stick. Palo Santo, also known as holy wood, has been used by Shamans of the Amazon and the Andes for centuries to achieve spiritual purification, awareness, and energy cleansing. It's important that in the process of any cleansing you're respecting Indigenous cultures and the ecosystem. These still carry the sacred wood's fragrance, and can be powerful additions to sachets. From hair trends to relationship advice, our daily newsletter has everything you need to sound like a person whos on TikTok, even if you arent. Waft The Smoke. The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. Researchers observed biological activities including antineoplastic, antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions against cell mutations and tumor growth. Palo Santo looks like a small wooden stick and it's scent is known to raise the vibration in preparation for meditation, creative endeavors and ceremony. Quite simply, these rituals are not open for the taking. Because theyre related and have similar emotionally stabilizing benefits, you can use palo santo as a substitute for more-popular frankincense oil ormyrrh oil. Now a journalist who practices Palo and Santera, Montoya has traded in her playful childhood potions for direct, intentional mixtures. If you find yourself wanting to burn herbs, ask yourself first if there are alternatives that you can use that dont encroach on Indigenous rituals or that harm the earth. 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. Smudging is distinctly Indigenous. Lastly, upon hearing from those within the community, and Indigenous folk in North America, Palo Santo, along with white sage shouldnt be sold as a commodity (especially by retail chains), but rather be given to you by a shaman to ensure it actually has the sacred benefit that it is being used for. You can burn the wood or incense in a sick room -- in addition to clearing out negative energies produced by pain and illness, it is said to have antibacterial, antiviral, and relaxing properties. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Advertisement. White sage grows naturally in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico and is particularly found along the coast of Southern California and in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? That may include educating yourself and others about white sage, appropriation, and smoke cleansing; harvesting your own sage or other herbs sustainably; contacting brands to ask them to stop selling white sage without giving due to Native cultures; or using other plants entirely. 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. What Is Palo SantoAnd What Does It Do Exactly. 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,. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. In 2004, researchers from the University of Shizuoka School of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Japan discovered several other key phytochemicals in palo santo oil that are capable of fighting cancerous cell mutation. Instead, advocates say non-Native people can learn to cleanse their spaces in ways that are culturally and ecologically sensitive. Similar toclary sageandcedarwood essential oils, palo santo has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural cleansing agent. This light allows good things to enter, but no negativity or evil intentions can pass through. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your spiritual practice. Palo santo as a magical or metaphysical practice does not belong to a single tradition. The practice of using the palo santo smoke to clear energy and call in good vibes is an Indigenous tradition called smudging. 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. Theres a rise and a growth of consciousness around energy and spirituality. Is palo santo better than sage? Palo santo (Bursera graveolens), also known as holy wood or wood of the saints,describes a group of trees that produce a powerful essential oil known for stimulating the immune system and fighting inflammation. In other words, its important to leave the root, because thats how the plant grows back. Sage, however, is not historically part of European witchcraft, from which many modern day witch practices stem. In addition to jewelry and cologne, you can also keep pieces of the raw sticks with you as talismans. Here's What To Know First, Based On My Experience. Palo Santo is used in rituals to cleanse and ward off negative energies (Palo Santo is related to frankincense, myrrh, and copal trees, three other powerful energy cleansers and protectors). 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. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. . 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. good vibes only?) 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 aroma, which traditionally symbolizes a cleansing of negative energy, is bound to bring you serenity. Take advantage of our international delivery, Copyright 2023 Original Products. 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. Once lit, it produces a thick smoke that carries energetic and spiritual importance. If you can find wood chips, sticks or cones, burn one or twoin an incense burner for about 20 or 25 minutes. 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. When smoked as incense, this is called smudging. By lighting shavings of palo santo wood, the smell keeps not only bugs but also spiritual bad energy away, according to mystics. To suddenly mark it as trendy and attempt to engage in the rituals that were once illegal for the very communities that created them, means Native culture is open for cherry picking, where cool aspects can be taken, while the history and atrocities these communities had no choice but to endure can be ignored. We must acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts on current systems. The end will continue to smolder, releasing dense, white, fragrant smoke. 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. It helps reduce odors, microbes and and viruses within your home. The big takeaway is, again, to be very responsible about where you get your palo santo. Once this was brought to my attention, I removed sage bundles from the kits in my shop. Okay, I was on witchtok which can be EXTREMELY miss-leading, not enough information, toxic, or just straight up lies. When shes not stuck to her laptop, Jessica loves hanging out with her husband and four active kids, drinking really great lattes, and lifting weights. For starters, it's your answer to ~good~ vibes. 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? Palo santo ( Bursera graveolens) is a tree that's native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. Plus most businesses jumping on the bandwagon are not getting the palo santo ethically. Its primarily used in essential oil form or burned similarly to other types of incense. Known to combat migraines and even stress-related headaches or bad moods, palo santo helps to lower inflammation and increase blood flow that can help turn off perceived pain. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. 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. With practice and a willingness to see, you can use incense smoke or ashes to answer any question you can think of. Its great for calming the nervous system and torecover faster from illness, chronic fatigue syndrome or emotional pain. Light the stick as above and move around the room, waving the wood to spread the smoke. 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. 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. White sage is quickly becoming endangered. For white sage, try contacting a. The demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. P501 - Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant. Briefly put, Palo Santo is the wood of the Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). One is not necessarily better, as they have similar uses including enhancingspiritual purifying and energy cleansing.. This is where the resin forms, the scent associated with Palo Santo. In preclinical studies of mammary carcinogenesis and inflammation-related diseases, supplementing with limonene helps to fight inflammation, lower cytokines and protects the epithelial barrier of cells. 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. Its hard to let go of something I grew up with, sure, but its harder to think that I am hurting a group of people. When you have this pictured clearly in your mind, dab a little Palo Santo cologne on your neck, wrists, and over your heart. Over 40 different types of palo santo trees are grown worldwide, mostly throughout Central and South America. 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. We understand how this can be a lucrative source of income for many small communities in South America, so ensuring youre actually supporting them, not the middlemen or distributors, is important. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. 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. So, while the trees are not directly in danger, their sought-after habitats might cause them to become casualties in the process, a devastating result for both the trees and the Indigenous folk who rely on them. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. Due to the trees rich supply of antioxidants and phytochemicals, benefits of the oil include: fighting cancer, protecting against infections, relieving inflammation and muscular pains, and reducing anxiety by supporting a healthy nervous system. I thought I was in the clear with this one because I was using ethically sourced Palo Santo where the trees were literally dying of natural causes and then waiting years before they were sourced. We like the brand Anima Mundi Herbals, as the founder, Adriana Ayales, is a rainforest herbalist who grew up in Costa Rica. Different Native communities use different medicines for smudging depending on where they are from, and not every culture uses white sage or smudges. 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. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) Palo santo is also related to the citrus family and has a somewhat similar sweet note of clean smelling pine, mint and lemon. Palo Santo in Spanish is holy stick. This has caused some serious problems for those burning the sticks without knowing, as many have immediately caught rapid fire. As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development endangers Indigenous peoples ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years. My Boyfriend & I Don't Agree On Religion. The species is native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador, Mexico and the Yucatn Peninsula in Peru. Sage and palo santo are spiritual healing tools traditionally used to cleanse out negative energy, whereas incense is typically use to alter mood, and is used in sacred ceremonies, meditation and as an air freshener. The Chumash people, for instance, who are native to central and southern coastal regions of California, use white sage in healing sessions to purify the central nervous system. Palo Santo has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list, because though the tree is not yet nearing extinction, its recent overharvesting can put it on that path. That gives the oils in the wood enough time to fully mature before it is harvested and processed into sticks or essential oils. If this sounds a lot like smudging with sage, you wouldnt be too off base, Matluck explains. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. 2. Palo Santo, or Bursera Graveolens is a sacred tree prevalent in South America, with the biggest growth happening in Ecuador and Peru. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. 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. Learn how to regulate your nervous system, Participate in a vibrational sound healing bath. What plant medicines and herbs did your ancestors use? 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. Palo santo oil has been found to contains cancer-fighting compounds that lower oxidative stress and protect cells. Issues with participating in Palo Santo usage stem from: For years, the over-harvesting of Palo Santo to keep up with Western demand has led to deep concerns of its ability to regenerate robustly. Long story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. Cultural Appropriation and Disregard for the Sacred: While cultural appropriation is a term that can get thrown around for almost anything these days (we are huge fans of celebrating different cultures and encourage you to embrace and learn about as many things as possible, respectfully and in the right way), we do have to be cautious and considerate when it comes to specific realms. The herbs that grew in your ancestral lands, the plants that your grandmothers used, and the herbal remedies that were revered all hold potent healing medicines that will connect you far deeper and more meaningfully than any trend or suggested product. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) says that white sage has important medical benefits it is used to cure colds and aid postpartum healing and its a crucial part of the surrounding ecosystem. 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. Palo santo is a sacred tree native to South America. 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. Today, Native people are still fighting to be able to perform these ceremonies in hospitals. Organic, 100 percent pure oils offer the most benefits and are the only kinds recommended for internal use to reduce inflammation. The lengthy history of palo santo makes contemporary use tricky. The significance of this practice carries the deep dignity that is associated with the solemnity of religious rites, so a flippant high vibe IG post is disrespectful and discourteous. Its protective phytochemicals seem capable of helping to stop disease formation within the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular and nervous systems. The wood has also long been used therapeutically to soothe cold and flu symptoms, depression, emotional pain, and other ailments. This ones a biggie, Hammond warns. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently removed it from its endangered list, stating that the tree is of least concern. Or try rubbing some palo santo mixed withcoconut oilonto your temples and neck. Ensure that your ritual is at least benefiting the farmers and harvesters who make it possible for you to have it, and that the actual benefit (therapeutic oils) are present in the wood. But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. 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. Camila Cabello And Shawn Mendes' Full Relationship, Everything To Know About Rihannas 2nd Pregnancy, Stars Who Got Their Start on Reality TV Shows, These Pregnant Celebrities Have Due Dates In 2023, See Blake Shelton's Throwback Pic With Reba, Meghan Trainor Says She 'Can't Walk' After Sex, Five Dead Giveaways Tell Burglars You're Not Home, 40 Things You Can Buy On Amazon For Under $10. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. Palo Santo is used in South America in much the same way white sage is used in North America- to combat negative energy and to cleanse the space. The delicate, sweet smelling smoke evokes hints of mint, citrus, and light pine. Being so far removed here in the West, these bundles are still being snatched up faster than ever due to the trend, rather than the understanding of its importance. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. And it doesnt specifically refer to the burning of white sage, either. The ritualistic burning (or smudging) of Palo Santo wood comes from the Incan belief that the smoke produced by Palo Santo has medicinal properties. However, while I was scrolling I came across a closed practice video, obviously I knew that white sage is a closed practice, but she said that Palo Santo was also a closed practice and could be dangerous, it cleanses "bad and good" energy she said. Ayales works directly with the farmers, actually knows their names, and regularly visits the areas where her products come from.
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