Palo Santo Essential Oil: How to Use It and Benefits

What is Palo Santo Essential Oil made of?

Palo Santo Essential Oil emanates a warm and woody aroma that invokes a sense of peace and spiritual connection. It is extracted through steam distillation from the heartwood of the Bursera graveolens tree, also known as "holy wood." Originating from regions such as Peru and Ecuador, this sacred tree yields an oil rich in potent compounds such as limonene, α-terpineol, and carvone. These components contribute to Palo Santo Essential Oil's distinctive woody aroma and therapeutic properties.

  • Latin Name: Bursera graveolens
  • Main Country of Origin: Peru
  • Scent Note Type: Base note with a warm, woody, and resinous aroma
  • Most Popular Usage: Aromatherapy, Spiritual Cleansing, and Meditation

 

What are the benefits of using Palo Santo Essential Oil?

Palo Santo Essential Oil offers several potential benefits:

  • Spiritual Connection: Its ability to purify and cleanse energy makes it a popular choice for spiritual rituals and meditation practices thanks to its grounding aroma.
  • Emotional Support: It possesses calming and soothing properties that can help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and emotional turmoil. Its warm and resinous scent can promote relaxation and emotional balance, fostering a sense of inner peace and tranquility.
  • Respiratory Relief: Can provide respiratory support when diffused or inhaled. Its cleansing properties can help clear the airways and promote easier breathing, making it a valuable ally during times of congestion or respiratory discomfort.

 

How to use Palo Santo Essential Oil?

  • Aromatherapy: Add a few drops to a diffuser to create a tranquil and sacred atmosphere. Breathe deeply and allow the warm, woody aroma of Palo Santo to envelop you, promoting a sense of peace and connection.
  • Topical Application: Dilute it with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or coconut oil, and apply it to the skin to experience its grounding and soothing effects. Massage the oil into pulse points, such as the wrists, temples, and heart center, to promote a sense of calm and centeredness.
  • Sacred Rituals: Incorporate it into your spiritual practices and ceremonies to cleanse and purify energy. You can anoint sacred objects, such as crystals or altar tools, with Palo Santo oil or add a few drops to a ritual bath to cleanse the body and spirit.

 

How to combine Palo Santo Essential Oil with Carrier Oils

Palo Santo Essential Oil blends harmoniously with carrier oils like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or fractionated coconut oil. For topical application, mix 2-3 drops with a tablespoon of your chosen carrier oil.

To make a diffuser blend, combine 4-5 drops of Neroli Essential Oil with the recommended amount of water in your diffuser.

 

Research based on Palo Santo Essential Oil

"Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Palo Santo Essential Oil" (2020): Research demonstrates the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Palo Santo Essential Oil, suggesting its potential applications in promoting overall health and well-being.


"Effects of inhalation of Palo Santo Essential Oil on mood and emotional well-being" (2021): This study explores the effects of inhaling Palo Santo Essential Oil on mood and emotional well-being, suggesting its potential as a natural mood enhancer and stress reliever.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Palo Santo Essential Oil safe for all skin types?

A: Yes, but it should always be diluted with a carrier oil. It's recommended to perform a patch test before using it widely on your skin.

 

Q: Can I ingest Palo Santo Essential Oil?

A: It depends upon whether the manufacturer has produced the oil to be ingested or purely for topical and aromatic purposes.  For example, Avivni's Palo Santo Essential Oil has organic and purity certifications, however, we still don't recommend ingesting essential oils without consulting a physician (or holistic physician) simply because every person's body reacts differently. No essential oil should ever be ingested in its pure, undiluted form.

 

Q: Is Palo Santo Essential Oil safe for pets?

A: Cats and dogs are very sensitive to essential oils and many are even harmful or poisonous to them. Diffusers for aromatherapy should be placed high up and not near food and water bowls. There are products especially formulated for pets that have been vetted for safety and diluted to the appropriate strength and we suggest you stick with these. We recommend always checking with a holistic veterinarian before using an essential oil product on your pet.

 

Q: Can Palo Santo Essential Oil be used during pregnancy?

A: Pregnant or nursing women should always consult with a healthcare provider before using any essential oils.

 

Q: Does Palo Santo Essential Oil have a shelf life?

A: Yes, it's best to use it within 2-3 years of opening.

 

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