How Do You Use Palo Santo Oil?
What is Palo Santo?
Palo santo, also known as “holy wood,” is a tree native to South America that has been used for centuries for its therapeutic and energetic cleansing properties. The palo santo tree, whose scientific name is Bursera graveolens, is found in the tropical forests of Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and other countries in Latin America (1).
The use of palo santo dates back to the ancient Incas, who referred to the tree as “sacred wood” and would burn the wood as incense. The shamans and healers of the Inca civilization used palo santo for clearing negative energy, purifying spaces, and promoting good fortune (2). There are records of indigenous tribes in Peru using palo santo for ritualistic purposes well before the rise of the Inca empire in the 12th century (3).
Today, palo santo is still widely used in South America and has grown in popularity around the world as part of spiritual cleansing and meditation practices. The wood is burned as incense, with practitioners waving the smoke throughout a space with the intention to purify a home or room of negative energies, misfortunes, and anxiety. Palo santo is also used to cleanse crystals, sage smudging supplies, and even one’s own aura or energy field (4).
References:
(1) https://www.ecuador.com/blog/palo-santo-myths-and-reality/
(2) https://sacredwoodessence.com/blogs/news/3-ancient-truths-about-palo-santo
Benefits of Palo Santo Oil
Palo santo oil has many beneficial properties that have made it popular in aromatherapy and natural health. Some of the main benefits of palo santo oil include:
Promotes relaxation
The natural compounds in palo santo oil, including limonene and linalool, have relaxing and stress-reducing effects when inhaled (Healthline). The woody, spicy aroma of palo santo can help calm the nervous system and mind.
Purifying properties
In South American traditional practices, palo santo has been used to cleanse and purify spaces and objects. The smoke from burning palo santo wood or the scent of the essential oil is believed to clear away negative energy. Some also use palo santo for spiritual cleansing and meditation.
Natural insect repellent
The limonene in palo santo oil makes it an effective insect repellent. It’s commonly used to keep mosquitos and other bugs away in a natural, fragrant manner.
How to Make Palo Santo Oil
Making your own Palo Santo oil at home is a simple process that requires just a few ingredients and steps. Here is what you’ll need:
- Palo Santo sticks or wood chips
- Carrier oil like olive, jojoba, or coconut oil
- Glass jar with lid
- Cheesecloth
The process involves infusing the oils from the Palo Santo wood into the carrier oil. Follow these steps:
- Break up the Palo Santo sticks into smaller pieces or use the wood chips. This increases the surface area for better oil extraction.
- Place the Palo Santo pieces into the glass jar, filling it about halfway.
- Pour the carrier oil over the wood until all the pieces are submerged. Olive oil works well for retaining the wood’s fragrance.
- Seal the jar tightly and place it in a cool, dark place. Allow the oil to infuse for 2-6 weeks, shaking the jar occasionally.
- After infusion, strain the oil through cheesecloth to remove the wood pieces. Squeeze the cheesecloth to get all the oil out.
- Transfer the finished Palo Santo oil into containers. Store in a cool place away from light.
The resulting oil will carry the energizing fragrance of Palo Santo. Always label homemade oils for safety. Enjoy your DIY Palo Santo oil in aromatherapy, skin care, and more!
Using Palo Santo Oil for Aromatherapy
One of the most popular uses for Palo Santo essential oil is in aromatherapy. The woody, refreshing scent of Palo Santo makes it an uplifting and purifying oil to use.
There are a few different ways to use Palo Santo oil for aromatherapy benefits:
Diffusing the Oil
Diffusing Palo Santo oil is a great way to purify and freshen indoor air. The aroma can help promote feelings of calmness and clarity. To diffuse, add 2-4 drops of Palo Santo oil to your diffuser with water and run according to diffuser instructions. Diffuse for 30-60 minutes at a time. You can also blend Palo Santo with complementary oils like frankincense, cedarwood or lavender.
Direct Inhalation
For an instant aromatherapy boost, place 1-2 drops of Palo Santo oil in your palms, rub together, and inhale deeply. Breathe in slowly and deeply to maximize the benefits. You can also place a drop or two on a tissue or cotton ball and inhale repeatedly.
Adding to Bath
Add 5-10 drops of Palo Santo oil to warm bath water for a relaxing and renewing bath experience. The aroma will fill the air to breathe in while soaking. Palo Santo can also be blended with epsom salts or bath salts.
Using Palo Santo Oil Topically
Palo santo oil can provide many benefits when applied topically to the skin. However, it’s important to dilute palo santo oil properly before applying it. Pure essential oils can cause skin irritation if applied directly to the skin.
It’s generally recommended to dilute palo santo oil with a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive oil before applying it to the skin. A dilution ratio of 2-3% is ideal, which equates to about 12 drops of palo santo oil per 1 ounce of carrier oil.[1]
Once diluted, palo santo oil can be gently applied to the face, neck, shoulders, back, and other areas of the body. When applied topically, palo santo oil provides soothing and rejuvenating benefits to the skin in the following ways:
- Has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or acne-prone skin
- Helps balance oil production and minimize the appearance of pores
- Promotes a more even skin tone and glow
- Deeply moisturizes the skin to improve hydration and suppleness
Be sure to do a patch test before applying palo santo oil to the skin to check for any allergic reactions. Overall, diluting and using palo santo oil topically can impart soothing, clarifying, and rejuvenating benefits for the skin.
Using for Purification
Palo santo oil is commonly used for spiritual cleansing and purification due to its calming and cleansing aromatic properties. Some ways to use palo santo oil for purification include:
Cleansing spaces – You can diffuse a few drops of palo santo oil in a room to cleanse the energy. The woodsy, soothing scent of palo santo is believed to purify spaces and promote positive vibes. Some people like to combine palo santo oil with sage or frankincense for an extra purification boost when diffusing. You can also add a few drops to a spray bottle with water to mist around your space.
Cleansing objects – Dab a drop of palo santo oil on crystals, gemstones, altars, or other objects to energetically cleanse them. The oil is thought to clear any stagnant or negative energy. You can also add a few drops to a bowl of salt or water to make a purifying wash for stones or other items. Just don’t use on porous materials like wood or cloth.
Smudging – While palo santo essential oil itself isn’t used for smudging, you can use the sticks or wood chips to make your own smudge bundles along with herbs like sage. The smoke from burning palo santo wood has a cleansing effect and can clear energy according to traditional practices. Be sure to take proper fire safety precautions if smudging.[1]
Safety Precautions
When using Palo Santo essential oil, it’s important to follow safety precautions. Palo Santo oil should always be diluted before use as it can irritate skin when used undiluted [1]. For adults, it’s recommended to dilute at a 3% ratio with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. For children, dilute at a 1% ratio. Test diluted oil on a small area of skin first to check for sensitivities.
Palo Santo oil should be avoided during pregnancy as it contains high levels of methofuran and β-pulegone which can be toxic [2]. Always consult your doctor before using any essential oils while pregnant.
Those with sensitivities should do a patch test before use. Apply diluted Palo Santo oil to inner arm and wait 24 hours to ensure no reaction before wider use. Discontinue use if any irritation develops.
Storing Palo Santo Oil
Proper storage is important for maintaining the shelf life and potency of palo santo essential oil. Here are some tips for proper storage:
Store in tightly sealed, dark glass bottles. Dark glass helps protect the oil from light exposure which can cause it to oxidize and degrade more quickly. Amber or cobalt blue glass bottles are ideal. According to New Directions Aromatics, metals can react with essential oils so avoid storing in metal containers long-term.
Keep bottles away from heat, light, and airflow. Store in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. Direct sunlight and excess heat can accelerate oxidation. Make sure bottles are sealed tightly.
Shelf life can vary but generally falls between 1-3 years. Certain factors like method of extraction can affect shelf life. Monitor your oil for changes in aroma, texture, or appearance which may indicate it is past its prime. According to SoapGoods, if stored properly, palo santo oil may last 2-3 years.
Consider refrigeration after opening. Some sources recommend storing opened bottles in the refrigerator to preserve potency for up to 10 years. Allow to come to room temperature before use.
Other Uses
Palo santo oil has some additional handy uses beyond aromatherapy and skincare:
Natural Cleaner
The cleansing and purifying properties of palo santo make it a great natural cleaning agent. Add a few drops of palo santo oil to water in a spray bottle to create a fragrant all-purpose cleaner. Palo santo’s woody, fresh scent helps eliminate odors while cleaning. For more heavy duty cleaning jobs like soap scum removal, mix palo santo oil with baking soda and a touch of water to make a scrub.
Scented Candle Making
Add a few drops of palo santo oil to melted wax to infuse homemade candles with palo santo’s distinctive scent. Its warm, woody aroma creates a calming ambiance. For best results, use soy or coconut wax rather than paraffin wax.1
Potpourri
Mix a few drops of palo santo essential oil into your potpourri blend to lend its exotic fragrance. Combining it with complementary oils like cedarwood, pine, and citrus oils makes for a dynamic potpourri mixture. Display in bowls around your home to gently fragrance the air.2
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about using Palo Santo oil:
Is Palo Santo oil safe to use on my skin?
Yes, Palo Santo essential oil can be safely applied topically when diluted with a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil. It should be diluted at a ratio of 1 drop of essential oil to 3 drops of carrier oil. Perform a patch test before wider use to check for skin sensitivity. Avoid contact with eyes and other sensitive areas. Those with very sensitive skin may still experience irritation.
Can I ingest Palo Santo oil?
No, Palo Santo oil should never be ingested internally. It is for topical and aromatic use only.1
Will Palo Santo oil cure my ailments?
While Palo Santo oil has many benefits, it is unlikely to cure serious medical conditions on its own. It should not replace medical treatment. However, when used in aromatherapy, it may help promote relaxation, calm nerves, boost mood, and relieve minor aches and pains.1
Is it sustainable to use Palo Santo oil?
When sourced ethically and sustainably from tree branches that have naturally fallen, Palo Santo oil can be an eco-friendly product. Look for oils sustainably wild-harvested by indigenous communities. Mass production or harvesting living trees can be unsustainable.
