Bursera graveolens, Steam Distilled from the wood wildcrafted from fallen branches and dead trees, in India. This Palo Santo essential oil has a unique woody, fruity/balsamic sweet, penetrating aroma, with citrus, mint and soft spice nuances that is somewhat reminiscent of Frankincense. The smoke of Palo Santo wood is traditionally used in spiritual rituals to clear negativity from a person or space, very similar to the use of White Sage. It comes from the same botanical family (Burseraceae) as Frankincense and Myrrh and is often used to enhance meditative states in the same way as its botanical cousins - encouraging relaxation, calming the nerves and quieting mental chatter.

Although labelled Therapeutic Grade and pure, a distillation of sandalwood that is this inexpensive should be considered for recreational use.

To obtain the essential oils through steam distillation, the tree must die on its own and dry for a minimum of 40 years. Recent studies have shown that cutting down a tree and letting it dry for the same period of time does not obtain therapeutic grade oil.

Aroma: This Palo Santo Essential Oil has a sweet fresh, intense woody balsamic aroma with a slight hint of citrus and mint.

History: The wood resin is used by the shamans of several South American tribes, like the Aymara, Quechua, Jivaro, among others. Manteña, machalilla, valdivia, and Inca cultures use their smoke and oil for therapeutic purposes. The First Nations of Ecuador have used it mainly to protect themselves from insects such as mosquitos, and as an essential oil to perfume their homes. The wood is used in rituals by shamans to clear the body of negative energy.

Main Constituents:
Limonene 30 - 90%
a-Terpeniol <20%
Carvone <10%
b-bisabolene 2.26 - 8.44%
Cymene 3.3 - 8.3%
Menthofuran 1.0 - 6.9 %
Menthone 0.4 - 4.8 %
D-Germacrene 1.7%
γ-Muurolene 1,2%
trans-Carveol 1.1%
1.1% pulegon

Description: Palo Santo is a tree found originally in the tropical forests on the coast of the South Pacific, but Ecuador is now the main country where this tree is harvested. Palo Santo Oil is concentrated and found only in the interior of the tree's trunk. It can take up to 10 years to produce oil. The average life of the tree of Palo Santo is between 80 and 90 years, but because of over-harvesting, only tree branches that have fallen naturally to the ground are used for the distillation of this oil.

Colour: Pale yellow to clear thin liquid

Common Uses: In aromatherapy, Palo Santo Essential Oil is considered to be antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial. It can be used as part of a remedy for bronchial coughs, colds, nasal flues, allergies and asthma. It is said to have excellent absorption properties and can be used in massage therapy to relieve pain and inflammation of the muscles and joints, and regenerates skin conditions, promotes skin nutrition, healing and flexibility.

Palo Santo Essential Oil can generate states of calmness and relaxation and is beneficial for meditation, concentration, and for enhancing creativity and learning. In spiritual aromatherapy, it can be used as perfume to release negative energy and to purify and cleanse the spirit.

Consistency: Thin
Note: Top, Middle, Base! Use as a base in perfumery.
Strength of Aroma: Strong
Blends well with: Cedarwood, Sandalwood and other sacred wood oils, citrus, vanilla.

Cautions: Palo Santo Essential Oil is a dermal irritant - do not apply to the skin except in 10% + dilution. Respect the oil's sacred power - signs of overexposure are dizziness and nausea. Avoid use if pregnant.

Photo thanks to ശീലം - Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc) - 13 ജൂൺ 2021