is palo santo wood a closed practice

This creates local abundance. The end will continue to smolder, releasing dense, white, fragrant smoke. Our consumer-driven society makes it seem as though as long as we can purchase something, that we should and can engage with it. 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. It is so powerful that it has been a part of sacred rituals in its native region for centuries. Return to the room and pitch open the windows to its wholly purified and renewed space. Remember to focus your mind, and note that you may need to relight the stick once or twice. It also is thought to neutralize issues before they ever start. Sustainably & Ethically Harvested Palo Santo Since 2008, Powered by Shopify The key is in supporting the businesses that recognize and respect both the traditional process and the local farmers and aren't just in it for the bottom line. 2. 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. 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. So much of what were feeling as a collective this disconnect and longing for real meaning can be remedied by leaning on your family, lineage and ancestry for answers. The Softer, the Better. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. Its important to note that while the tree itself is not endangered, its habitat tropical dry forest is threatened. 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. The information in our articles is NOT intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. Well-intentioned but ill-informed memes warn that palo santo is teetering on extinction. 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. Native Americans used both as sacred plants for smudging (burning). However, what most people are referring to when they talk about the popularized practice of smudging is white sage (Salvia apiana). The executive director of United Plant Savers, Susan Leopold, told The New York Times that dry tropical forests have been decimated. 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. 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. 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. 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 oil was used during the time of the Incas for its reputed spiritual purifying properties. Another factor at play is the ICUCN's ranking itself, which is based on global populations. Carry this around the area you wish to cleanse, waving the smoke with your hand or a hand fan to make sure it gets into all of the corners. 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. P370 + P378 - In case of fire: Use dry sand, dry chemical, or alcohol-resistant foam for extinction. Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. Smudging sage was part of those banned religious practices. 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. If it is what she claims, how should I properly give it back to the earth or dispose of it? Calling all natural-healing skeptics: Palo Santo might just make a believer out of you. Advertisement. So, is the wood youve just added to your cart from a tree thats been prematurely chopped down? Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. Here's everything you need to know about it: Its wood from a tree called Bursera graveolens, nicknamed Palo Santo, that grows in South America. Our highest potential is cultivated by our innermost depths and our truest beliefs. Similar toclary sageandcedarwood essential oils, palo santo has antibacterial properties and can be used as a natural cleansing agent. 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. Here at Sacred Wood Essence, we practice deep respect for Palo Santo ( Bursera Graveolens ). At Lots of Zen, our palo santo incense is made from fine palo santo wood shavings bound together with a chemical-free glue. Its an important ceremonial purifying ritual or prayer created and practiced in many North American Indigenous cultures. Were starting to turn to these more ancient practices from cultures that live closer to the land, she explains. Organic, 100 percent pure oils offer the most benefits and are the only kinds recommended for internal use to reduce inflammation. No, of course not! 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. To remedy the feeling of disconnection and loss of meaning, connect with your lineage and ancestors for answers. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. Because it lowers inflammation and the bodys response to histamines, palo santo has benefits for fighting seasonal allergy symptoms, digestive issues and asthma-related symptoms. These tools only serve to amplify what is already present within us, yet consumerism wants us to believe that they are a necessity. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. Does the companys site say anything about their work with South American suppliers and how they comply with Palo Santo importation regulations? This is a respectful and reciprocal way in which we can uplift and amplify Indigenous voices. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. For ritual participants who observe the practice and take in palo santos aroma, its said to clear misfortune, negative thought prints, and evil spirits.. are clickable links to medically peer-reviewed studies. Growing your own ensures that you are consuming within a boundary that youve set and that no communities or wildlife gets hurt in the process. What exactly is cultural appropriation? 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. Please keep in mind I am only 13 so I know far from everything about witchcraft, and please advise me on this topic. This aroma, which traditionally symbolizes a cleansing of negative energy, is bound to bring you serenity. Smudging is an ancient and sacred Indigenous ritual meant to purify and cleanse the soul and the spaces surrounding it (different than smoke cleansing). These days, to take advantage of its unique smell, Palo Santos been distilled into an essential oil, says Matluck. Her work has appeared in Healthline, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee Crumbs. Many cultures have historical and spiritual practices connected to smoke cleansing everything from herbs and woods to incense and roots. 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. 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. This form of cleansing can look a bit like smudging, but its just the simple act of burning herbs, wood, incense, or other safe-to-burn materials that possess cleansing properties. But you need to be sure to be mindful of the sanctity of its traditional use and responsible about where you buy it. Once lit, it produces a thick smoke that carries energetic and spiritual importance. 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. 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. 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. 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. Springtime is the ideal season for rituals to cleanse and uplift yourself, and set your intentions and goals for the rest of the year. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your spiritual practice. While the wood and oil are said to have medicinal properties, it is best used to heal on the spiritual or vibrational plane. Long story short: I have Elder Futhark runes that are carved in palo santo. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. We have to ask ourselves, what benefit are we really looking for here? Palo santo ( Bursera graveolens) is a tree that's native to Peru, Ecuador, and other South American countries. Okay, I was on witchtok which can be EXTREMELY miss-leading, not enough information, toxic, or just straight up lies. 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. You can find it in northern Argentina, the Galapagos Islands, the coast of Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Yukatan Peninsula. Breathe the sacred fragrance, and allow it to enhance your meditation. The "closed practice" language is the emotive layer to make you stop asking questions, but it's not the actual issue; it's conservation. The grounding aroma can help you prepare your mind and energy for meditation. It primarily grows along the coast of South America, and can be found in Peru, Argentinia, Ecuador, Bolivia, and the Galapagos Islands. ), and follow what naturally pulls you. As a great way to naturally lower pain from arthritis, injuries, chronic neck or back pain, and sore muscles, apply several drops with a carrier oil three times a day directly on the point of pain. As a note, if you're browsing your fave place to buy herbs and look at the options for smoke cleansing next to white sage, you might find Palo Santo ("holy wood in Spanish). This Dr. Axe content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure factually accurate information. If you can find wood chips, sticks or cones, burn one or twoin an incense burner for about 20 or 25 minutes. The practice of using the palo santo smoke to clear energy and call in good vibes is an Indigenous tradition called smudging. . The smoldering end will give off a white smoke for a few minutes, and you can prop it in an incense burner in advance of your practice. Learn how to regulate your nervous system, Participate in a vibrational sound healing bath. When it is full, the wood produces more abundant, deeply scented oil.When the wood is burned, it gives off a dense, fragrant smoke. P501 - Dispose of contents/container to an approved waste disposal plant. Note that the numbers in parentheses (1, 2, etc.) In an effort to share and educate others on Native culture and traditions, these centres are open and inviting spaces. Just make sure to spot test the oil on small patch of skin at first to make sure you don't have any allergic reactions, Dr. Goldstein recommends. 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. Growing herbs is also super easy and can be done with limited space, in an apartment, and with limited resources. Gaspar de Portol's 1769 expedition is said to have camped near El Palo Alto (referring to "the tall [redwood] tree," now a city landmark) on San Francisquito Creek. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Many western fans of palo santo first learned about this aromatic wood through their explorations of the indigenous healing modalities of the Amazon basin. But, hey, now that I know - I know I need to do better. 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. Sage has long been used as an herb in Mediterranean cuisine, used for medicinal purposes, or grown ornamentally. 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. The practice has a long and rich history that extends way before white witchy practices brought it onto Instagram feeds near you. Youll want to check the genus species name (Bursera graveolens)so you know youre getting the real thing. Wed also like to mention the importance of understanding herbs, herbalism and plant medicine. 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. 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. Not only is this devastating for the forests, it renders the sticks purposeless, as the sacred resin hasnt had time to form. 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. Suddenly, what was once thought of as evil is now witchy and woke, when practiced by white people? The plant sage, or Salvia, grows all around the world in different colors and variants. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isn't on the Red Listyet. It reconnects you to the earth and nature, the scents released (forest breathing) affect your mind in a positive way, giving you benefit beyond just the smudging or burning part of it. Trends like this negate the actual importance behind the practice, giving non-Native folk the idea that they can commodify cultures for their own personal benefit. found along the coast of Southern California, frankincense and myrrh were burned in ancient Egypt for prayer, rosemary was historically burned in hospitals in France, International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list. 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. The fruit from the palo santo tree emits an odor similar to fennel (anise) thats slightly sweet, which is one reason why people like to diffuse the smell throughout their homes or use it in natural cleansing products. There are some brands that are very stringent when it comes to the sourcing of their Palo Santo. 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. 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,. Palo Santo, literally meaning "holy wood" in Spanish, is a tree that is widely distributed throughout Central and South America. 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. You can either allow some of the wood to smolder in an incense bowl, or, if your meditation area is small or you find the dense smoke too heavy, try a Palo Santo incense or a Palo Santo & Rue incense. Its a group of trees with the species name. It also brings livelihood to our partner communities who gather and steward it in their homelands. For non-Native people, the burning of Palo Santo and white sage (which is now endangered) is nothing short of cultural appropriation. 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. And yet its also important to avoid flattening the lives and experiences of local peoples into a single static image. Theres a rise and a growth of consciousness around energy and spirituality. 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. 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. The thing is, most people ARENT using it correctly and/or do it for the aesthetic. That gives the oils in the wood enough time to fully mature before it is harvested and processed into sticks or essential oils. Colonialism and capitalism place importance on extraction and commodities, whereas Indigenous cultures uphold the gift economy, a true spiritual exchange between all living beings. What is a Closed Practice? Read up on the company selling the Palo Santo youre interested in, and check on their sourcing processes. If you can smell the scent within the wood, then you likely have real palo santo. Though not the only sage native to North America, white sage is by far the one most frequently used and sold by the wellness industry. Briefly put, Palo Santo is the wood of the Palo Santo tree (Bursera graveolens). The lengthy history of palo santo makes contemporary use tricky. 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. The Crystal Industry and Why Its Nowhere as Luminous as the Materials it Produces. Be suspicious of companies selling oil (sometimes just called holy wood oil) for low prices over the internet today. Im going to miss traditional Sage Smudging and Palo Santo but you know my Energy Cleansing Sprays and Salves have evolved into beautiful alternatives! (One quick note: Whenever you light palo santo sticks, avoid directly inhaling the smoke and prop open a door or window.). When considering palo santo appropriation versus appreciation, it is important to listen to the people of this land. When using medicinal plants, its important that the plant is used sustainably. Particularly, its been gaining attention for being a natural cancer treatmentfor inflammatory diseases. When you have this pictured clearly in your mind, dab a little Palo Santo cologne on your neck, wrists, and over your heart. Im just worried now that my having them at all is cultural appropriation somehow?? 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 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. Researchers observed biological activities including antineoplastic, antitumor, antiviral and anti-inflammatory actions against cell mutations and tumor growth. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by our trained editorial staff. White sage has become particularly popular with those who practice witchcraft or witchcraft-inspired wellness rituals. But unless you are a descendant of Indigenous North American people, it likely wasn't white sage that they were burning, according to Keene. dry tropical forests have been decimated. This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. The palo santotree is currentlyendangeredand is on a watch-list, according to the United Plant Savers Medicinal Plant Conservation. National governments are responsible for regional conservation status, which means a species can be considered endangered in one country and not in another. Because [Palo Santo] is rather popular, you have to look into whether its been ethically sourced, he says. 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. P403 + P235 - Store in well-ventilated place. Its scientific name is "Bursera Graveolens", and it's related to FrankIncense and Myrrh. But another South American tree species, bulnesia sarmientoi, is also known as palo santo, and that one is threatened. Get free domestic shipping on all orders over $95. Your FREE Astrology Sex, Love and Attraction Guide. This video sums it up really well. A closed practice is one where the mysteries and practices are off limits to people who are not initiated to it. 2023, Sacred Wood Essence. Limonene, the main active ingredient in palo santo, is a . 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. A cousin of both frankincense and myrrh, palo santo literally means "holy wood," and it's a fitting name given its past. 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. Begin with a clear, simple intention to clear the negative energy in your space and mind. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. Once this was brought to my attention, I removed sage bundles from the kits in my shop. If you do find yourself starved for ritual or spirituality, explore other means by which you can do this, such as the ideas listed above meditation, tree hugging, If you do want to buy Palo Santo, buy it from sustainable and ethical brands like the few we highlighted above. But its so important to know the difference!. We must acknowledge historical wrongs and address their impacts on current systems. This term refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that: To read more on this topic, this website is a great place to start!Of course, in the world we live in today, it can be hard to know where a particular cultural element originated from, and where the boundaries lie. 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. It even has the power to attract sacredness and benevolence to a space, says Jonathan Hammond, shamanic practitioner, spiritual counselor, and author of The Shamans Mind. Its great for calming the nervous system and torecover faster from illness, chronic fatigue syndrome or emotional pain. It's said that the uplifting aroma of palo santo is conducive to meditation and relaxation and that it both enhances creativity and brings good fortune. Its important to buy from smaller businesses versus brands like Anthropologie, Sephora, Urban Outfitters or Amazon that are selling it for the trend factor alone. Follow your intuition; once you feel you have enough, extinguish the flame and begin your routine. 4 [deleted] 2 yr. ago [removed] [deleted] 2 yr. ago We are all peruvian enough 7 Are We Doomed To Break Up? 1 small stick of Palo Santo wood; 2 cups of boiled water; Honey or a natural sweetener (as per taste) Directions. 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. 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. 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. Triterpene lupeolcompounds found in palo santo especially showed strong activity against lung, breast and colon cancer cells. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. 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 demand has become so great that many Chumash people (of what is now Southern California) are concerned that the plant is being overharvested. She works primarily with palos (sticks), herbs, and flowers. 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. It grows in dry, tropical forest areas, and the majority of it is found in Ecuador. 4. If this sounds a lot like smudging with sage, you wouldnt be too off base, Matluck explains. 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. 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. With strict editorial sourcing guidelines, we only link to academic research institutions, reputable media sites and, when research is available, medically peer-reviewed studies. To successfully market these fast bundles, synthetic Palo Santo scents are being produced, where chemicals are combined to mimic the trees natural aroma. 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. Your words can be simple, like,"With this smoke, I cleanse this space of negativity. Like smudging with sage, smudging with Palo Santo is all about covering the space in which you need a boost of purified energy and want to attract alllll the good stuff with intention. And exposure to the particles released by burning wood can be irritating to the lungs. 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.

New York Bully Crew Lawsuit, W Melbourne Room Service Menu, Good Vibes Espresso Menu, Articles I