Palo Santo and its Benefits

Palo Santo and its Benefits

What is Palo Santo and its benefits?

 

Palo Santo is a tree native to South America and produces a very specific, fragrant resin when burnt. Palo Santo can come as sticks, chips or powder which you can burn, or as resin or oil that is extracted from the wood. Generations of indigenous people have burnt Palo Santo for its spiritual benefits and medicinal advantages. Palo Santo has been over-harvested in recent years so ensure you are buying ethically sourced palo santo only collected from fallen tree branches. 
 
 
One of the most popular ways to use Palo Santo is by smudging. Smudging is the act of burning herbal material, often for practical or ceremonial reasons, and has been used by different cultures around the world. It is especially popular for meditation and can be used at the beginning of your mediation practice to help calm the mind and prep the environment for concentration. 

Combating negative energy by smudging can be very effective, and can help free you from stagnant energy and its effects on your mental and physical health. It has been said to clear any negative energy, as well as treating pain and stress. It also comprises of limonene, which is a natural substance that repels mosquitos, has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, and combats anxiety when inhaled.  
Whether you want to reduce pain or cleanse your spiritual environment, Palo Santo is extremely helpful in improving the energy surrounding you. 
You can smudge with Palo Santo anywhere and should be done thoroughly multiple times a year to best cleanse your environment. You can rid negative energy that have occurred from an argument, or if you’ve had guests that have affected the energy in your space, or when you move into a new environment.
 
How To Smudge with Palo Santo or Sage:
 
Smudging will take approximately 10-15 minutes for each session, and this must be an undisturbed process. 
 
Light your smudge sticks, chips, or powder from a candle and let it burn for a minute so you can ensure the flame catches. Once the wood starts smoking you’ll be able to start the smudging process. Gently start waving the stick around and say your prayer, mantra or affirmation. Ask any negative energy to leave the environment, and invite any good energy to stay, making sure you connect your breathing and move clockwise through the area. You must smudge every corner of the area to fully cleanse your space.
While you are smudging it is best to use a smudging bowlabalone shell or incense holder. to place the stick in. You may need to relight several times as this wood is not meant to burn long at each sitting.  

Once you are back where you started, extinguish the smudge stick, but let the ember die out naturally within a fireproof container. Make sure you keep any ashes from the Palo Santo, so you can spread them outside the area that you have just smudged in. If you have not burned the entire stick, don’t throw it out, as it can be reused later on.
 
Palo Santo is very beneficial, and you will feel the negative energy leave your spiritual environment as soon as you begin the process. If you smudge with Palo Santo regularly then you can invite peace and intention into your life, healing you and your space.
 
 
* Always use caution when lighting objects and never leave burning objects unattended.
 
 
Resources:
What Is Palo Santo, and How Is It Used Medicinally? (https://www.healthline.com/health/palo-santo-benefits)
Smudging (https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Smudging)
How To Get Rid of Negative Energy With Palo Santo (https://www.thewanderingowl.com/single-post/2017/07/07/how-to-get-rid-of-negative-energy-with-palo-santo)
The Mystical Palo Santo and How to Use It (https://astralcollective.com/blogs/news/the-mystical-palo-santo-and-how-to-use-it)
Experts Reveal When To Smudge Sage Versus Palo Santo (https://www.lonny.com/See+It+Now/articles/9xBLBIGGRsS/Experts+Reveal+Smudge+Sage+Versus+Palo+Santo)
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