She has a Master's degree in psychology. The phenolic compounds in sage may have an antioxidant effect and reduce free radicals. A systematic review of the botanical, phytochemical and pharmacological profile of Dracaena cochinchinensis, a plant source of the ethnomedicine dragons blood. DOI: Gupta D, et al. Palo Santo, or the "holy wood", is used to enhance spiritual practices, dissolve negative energy, and combat unwanted entities. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Therefore, it is a great way to cleanse the air while naturally dispelling the space of lousy energy. Keep in mind that there havent been a lot of studies done on this topic, but its possible that drinking a tea with Palo Santo thats been boiled for a while can help decrease pain and inflammation throughout the body. Numerous people are now becoming conscious of their immune system and general health and are looking for ways to strengthen and boost them. The benefits of smudging are due to the fragrant smoke produced by burning sage or palo santo. Premium is the ad-free experience reserved for paying members. J Tradit Complement Med. Our medical experts review content periodically. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Make sure to buy high-quality oils only and search for the FDA approved marker on the bottle. Prayer and burning sacred medicines such as sweet grass, cedar, sage, palo santo, and tobacco are standard components of the practice. When to Say "I Love You" for the First Time, According to the Experts, Mental Health Effects of Racism on Indigenous Communities, How Spirituality Can Benefit Your Health and Well-Being, Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox, Salvia (sage): a review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects, Chemistry, pharmacology, and medicinal property of sage (salvia) to prevent and cure illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, depression, dementia, lupus, autism, heart disease, and cancer, Antioxidant capacity and polyphenolic composition as quality indicators for aqueous infusions of salvia officinalis L. (sage tea), The acute and chronic cognitive effects of a sage extract: a randomized, placebo controlled study in healthy humans, Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli, Medicinal plants for the treatment of nervios, anxiety, and depression in Mexican Traditional Medicine, Poachers are wiping out SoCal's wild white sage to make smudge sticks. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. In a study called Medicinal Smokes, many advantages were found as a result of smoke-based remedies, including: Rapid delivery to the brain More efficient absorption by the body For the latest new videos, discounts, and more! If you're not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling "how to smudge" will not make you qualified to do so. Light your Palo Santo stick. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. This ensures plenty for years to come. Scientists have examined it for its anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant qualities. Ansari MJ, et al. Palo Santos background, benefits and uses. Burning Palo Santo wood in the room can help ward off negative energy. The wood can be obtained from fallen branches, while the oil can be extracted from fruit. Journal of Food Science. Other medication interactions are unknown, but still possible. And smudging these sticks creates a positive feeling in your mind. Published 2011 Dec 19. doi:10.3389/fphar.2011.00079, Wightman EL, Jackson PA, Spittlehouse B, Heffernan T, Guillemet D, Kennedy DO. Palo Santo Uses and Benefits Knowing how to smudge with sage and palo santo is one of the things you can do for yourself. That means holy herbs and medicines are burned as part of a ceremony for purification or health reasons. Therefore, the different sages have varying uses, which is essential to remember. For centuries the indigenous people of the Andes have been using palo santo for spiritual purification and energy cleansing. Give it a good blow and a shake. Light your palo santo for 30 seconds, then extinguish it. Sage and Palo Santos properties are, predominantly, cleansing and dissolving of unfavourable energies. Palo Santo benefits not just our bodies but can also be used as natural household cleaners. To begin, you will need something in which to burn the sage. Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Palo Santo has been used to clear negative energy and barriers in the shamanic past of South America. Their designs cleanse the energy in your space and encourage a positive environment. The Palo Santo has a relatively woody and citrusy scent with traces of pine and mint. To cleanse any spaces energy, simply light a stick and then extinguish the flame, gently waving the stick in the air or waving your hand over the stick. Palo Santo essential oil is great for aromatherapy. Called "smudging" burning botanicals in their natural state can be done any time to give your home a fresh and clean scent. When a Palo Santo tree falls, thats only when its journey has started. 1. This article explains everything you need to know about essential oils and their health. It is important to consult your doctor in addition to engaging in a complementary health practice such as burning or consuming sage. Smudging is a cultural ceremony practiced by many Indigenous peoples around the world. Magic and Spiritual Uses & Benefits of Palo Santo - Original Botanica According to Dr. Amy Chadwick, it has antibacterial characteristics, relaxes the nervous system, help lessen anxiety, and may brighten your mood. Walk through your house blowing the smoke in all directions. Health Benefits of Palo Santo. This sustainably harvested tree has been used in shamanic ceremonies for its cleansing and healing benefits. It is thought that burning the wood would cleanse the space of any bad energy and restore tranquillity and calmness. Make sure to follow label directions closely. The botanical term for common sage is Salvia officinalis. Its dark red in color, which is part of what gives dragons blood its name. Its only pieced together through studies of different dragons blood sources, Daemonorops draco and Dracaena draco. Then accept positive energy in its place. In the eyes of some non-Natives, burning Palo Santo sticks and white sage (which is currently endangered) constitutes cultural appropriation. What Exactly Is Palo Santo, and How Should You Use It? Although, common sage and lavender sage are also used by people of different cultures. Make sure to always follow dosage directions on products closely. Here's all you need to know. That is why burning sage's ritualistic nature helps people achieve a sense of clear mind. Do not allow any space to fill with too much smoke. As the weather warms and we begin our spring cleaning marathons, it's natural to turn to incense sticks to clear out old energy and make the place smell nice. Fill it with earth or sand. Light the palo santo stick for 30 seconds and then blow it out. Last medically reviewed on October 19, 2018. Sage. It is one of the oldest ways to cleanse the energy in both spaces and people. That means it can help with releasing negative experiences and past traumas. Required fields are marked *. Palo Santo benefits are retrieved not just by the religious and spiritual crowds but also by many other people in their day-to-day life. Modabbernia A, Akhondzadeh S. Saffron, passionflower, valerian and sage for mental health. It has strong, somewhat sweet fragrance not unlike vanilla and spices. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. People who have joint pains and arthiritis can use Palo Santo essential oils. The more positive energy you invite, the better you will feel comfortable. As mentioned earlier, the tree itself is no longer considered endangered; however, the tropical dry forest wherein Palo Santo lives is still under threat. You can purchase sage for burning online, in a health store, or from a traditional healer or shaman. In this way, burning sage is seen as a cost-effective way to help purify the air. Planting a Palo Santo seedling next to a deceased elder is common practice. The benefit of burning palo santo wood in a smudging ritual / practice is it's lingering scent. How Do Other Countries Deal With MentalHealth? While not currently considered endangered, experts are concerned about the future of white sage due to overharvesting. Published 2021 Jan 14. doi:10.3390/nu13010218, Castillo SL, Heredia N, Contreras JF, Garca S. Extracts of edible and medicinal plants in inhibition of growth, adherence, and cytotoxin production of campylobacter jejuni and campylobacter coli. Allow the smoke to circulate for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the negative energy from your space. These can sometimes be found at health food stores, farmers markets or online. (made by simmering the wood in hot water), alo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma. One of the most commonly discovered terpenes in medicinal plants is limonene. Here are ten of the incredible benefits palo santo offers: 1. Why Do You Smudge a House? (2011). For that reason, it meditates on spiritual rituals. 2014;4(2):8288. Our blog is moderated, so our fairies will approve your comment shortly . evolving daily habits into self care ritual. Front Pharmacol. But commercial incense can be loaded with unnatural fragrances and may even be harmful to your health. Still, more research is needed. Because of the lack of rain in the dry tropical woods, they are much easier for humans to log in than in the rain forests. By smudging daily, you are inviting mindfulness and positivity into your space. Comparison of the chemical profiles and anti-platelet aggregation effects of two Dragons Blood drugs used in traditional Chinese medicine. Plants and trees have special healing powers that, when burned, will release energy. For our kitchens and bedrooms, vehicles and workspaces, the brightness of citrus, marked with the ancient notes of its natural heritage, bring a uniquely clarifying scent to every space that reminds us of the healing practice each time our noses lift to it's aroma. If you're concerned about a new or unfamiliar thing's negative past or energy, smudging might help you relax. Want to introduce smudging into your routine? It's best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and palo santo BRINGS back the good. White smoke will be emitted from the smouldering woodwhich can disperse around you or your space. Indigenous smudging ceremonies avoid butane lighters because they feel it destroys the medicinal properties, so they recommend using a match instead. The following methods are some considerations to keep in mind: It is important to remember that when burning either sage or palo santo, people or pets should be outside the place. Among the other amazing Palo Santo benefits, it is said to be a treatment for colds and flu cases. Note that most of these ulcers are topical, not internal. There is no research showing it does not cause harm during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Palo Santo's background, benefits and uses First used approximately 500 years ago by the Indigenous Peoples of South America, Palo Santo wood means "holy wood" in Spanish. Sage can also be taken internally as a liquid, spray, lozenge, capsule, or tablet. Subscribe to our mailing list for insider news, product launches, and more. Even though the tree isnt endangered, its natural environment, the tropical dry forest, is. That is why there are many ancient rituals and ceremonies. Ozone therapy refers to the process of administering ozone gas into your body to treat a disease or wound. The word Palo Santo literally means "holy wood" because it has the remarkable ability to remove the bad and bring out the positive in the surrounding. The native inhabitants of the Andes have used Palo Santo for ages to achieve spiritual enlightenment and clear negative energy. Though palo santo isn't endangered, its habitat, tropical dry forest is threatened. DOI: Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, What to consider while taking dragons blood, ajol.info/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/130712, ingentaconnect.com/content/doaj/23095288/2013/00000001/00000002/art00009. Read This Before Doing An Energy Cleanse With Sage Or Palo Santo Los Angeles Times. Sage (Salvia) is an evergreen perennial shrub that is often used for culinary, medicinal, and ornamental purposes. Anti-diabetic activity of. Palo Santos benefits include being a concentrated source of many phytochemicals like terpenes. Would you like to hear more about caring for your crystals? Deforestation has negative environmental effects. In addition to burning sage, some people use sage cleansing sprays in their homes. It would be best if you also left a window open to allow all negativity to exit the house; otherwise, the negativity will be trapped inside. Palo Santo vs Sage: The Correct Time to Use Each One - Subconscious Servant However, Sage is great to use on objects (including crystals), allowing for new inventions to be cast; while Palo Santo is great for spaces and your own immediate environment: your aura. This will help support the preservation of the palo santo species and the livelihood of the native peoples. Palo Santo smoke drives away mosquitoes and other flying insects. The essential oil of palo santo can be derived from the wood and fruit. And smudging these sticks creates a positive feeling in your mind. Practitioners of complementary and alternative medication suggest that burning sage is believed to: Sage may have certain benefits and has long been used in traditional medicine and spiritual practices. Spiritual purifying and energy cleansing. Consider using it in your spiritual area. When to Use Sage vs. Palo Santo - Organic Bunny Always make sure to source your products from reputable and trustworthy companies. This is. One 2015 case study showed dragons blood helped pressure ulcers or bed sores. Youre more able to connect with the Divine during meditation. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. It can be found all across the U.S. in wet meadows, low prairies, lakeshores and canyons. Palo santo(Bursera Graveolens)which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo santo trees which are found primarily in South America and in some regions of Central America. You can combine Palo Santo with a carrier oil and then apply a tiny bit of the combination into the temples of your head to provide yourself with some comfort for headaches. A 2021 randomized, placebo-controlled trial had participants who consume Cogniva, a proprietary sage extract, for a 29-day period. As the weather warms and we begin our spring cleaning marathons, it's natural to turn to incense sticks to clear out old energy and make the place smell nice. Poachers are wiping out SoCal's wild white sage to make smudge sticks. Palo Santo sticks and chips, when burned, emit aroma resins that are volatile and keep bugs and mosquitos at bay. Alleviates Physical Ailments In addition, smudging can help to make the space around and your mind more conducive. While the smoke is still present, you can wander around the space from corner to corner, allowing the smoke to hit all the walls and corners. A 2011 study on animals showed certain types of dragons blood may have blood-thinning effects. In diluted form, it is also excellent for massage work. Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of "Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder" and "7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety." There are no reports of overdose or adverse effects from taking too much, but its still best to use dragons blood cautiously. Rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid are two compounds in sage that are particularly associated with an antioxidant effect. 10 Palo Santo Benefits and Uses - Oprah Daily You can also grow your own sage and dry it for burning. Afterward, allow it to burn for approximately 30 45 seconds and then blow out. Also find out what sources of the supplement your doctor recommends. (2013). Salvia (sage): a review of its potential cognitive-enhancing and protective effects. And the best part is, it is a natural ingredient, so you wont have to worry about chemicals and other toxic substances. According to some reports, its use goes back to the time of the Inca. All these benefits should combine to be a healthier and happier person. Though research isnt complete, there are signs dragons blood could support diabetes treatment or prevention. It used smudging for hundreds of years by Native American populations. Taking a dragons blood supplement may possibly confer some antioxidant benefits just like other antioxidant-rich foods. That is why it cleanses and purifies within some Native cultures. The benefits of Palo Santo can be experienced in various forms such as wood, essential oil, and incense sticks. . Smudging your home with sage, sweetgrass and palo santo is an outstanding alternative to burning incense or using those awful chemical air fresheners. Dont rely on dragons blood to replace doctor-recommended treatments for these conditions. 7 Incredible Benefits of Palo Santo and How to Use it for Health and Healing share Share verified Premium Quality Share your guarantees with your customers. The lingering sent has lasting effects. Be it to experience, heal or protect Palo Santo Benefits include them all. Drinking teas brewed with Palo Santo benefits the body greatly by alleviating inflammation. Nutrients. Your email address will not be published. This is one of the prime uses for the people who live in Ecuador and Peru. Still, there are some areas where caution and consideration are required. What are the benefits of Palo Santo and Sage in everyday life? Palo Santo: Uses, Benefits & How To Buy It Responsibly While dragons blood does show some potential, keep in mind that it still hasnt been shown to cure, treat, or prevent any condition. And you can find it now for sale in the U.S. Palo Santo essential oil is great for aromatherapy. Its distinct smell and spiritual properties emerge from the essential oil within, which is most potent in branches laying at the forest floor for years. It takes only 50-70 years to reach maturity, compared to the hundreds of years that other trees in the arboreal world need. Your email address will not be published. Dragons blood has risen from humble folk healing traditions to become a widely used health supplement today. Some research suggests, references, and supports this common use through the past and present. Both of these can be used to help us heal, grow, and cleanse. You can stop them. Palo Santo oil has a history of being used as a bug repellent along with citronella oil. In our neighborhood a local artisan store sells it and so does a crystal shop. Apply dragons blood ointment, cream, or other product to a topical ulcer. The acute and chronic cognitive effects of a sage extract: a randomized, placebo controlled study in healthy humans. And like many other cups of tea do, the ritual of sipping palo santo tea can help calm an anxious mind. By Arlin Cuncic, MA It can also lead to endangerment if left unprotected. Applying Palo Santo essential oil to the forehead or having Palo Santo brewed tea will do the trick. (2011). Spiritual purifying and energy cleansing. Plants in aromatherapy provide a feeling of security and protection. Now is a great time to consider using crystals and sage, as well as palo santo, if you havent already. Some alternative medicine practitioners believe that burning sage, or taking it internally, can help release negative energy. Dry tropical forests throughout the globe are only five to 10 percent intact, according to Susan Leopold, a Ph.D. plant biologist and the executive director of United Plant Savers. This could be an incense tray or a bowl to catch the ashes as the sage burns. 6 likes, 1 comments - . Oftentimes, they plant a Palo Santo sapling beside its fallen elder. The resin continues to be an important feature in certain spiritual practices, too. Form: wood burning 2. Drinking Palo Santo tea may help soothe an anxious mind and work as a natural digestive aid. Then, blow it out and follow the same smudging instructions to freshen your home with its rich and soothing scent. One season is not enough. Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. It is essential to consider the cultural history and understand the effects of such practices on the oppression and erasure of Indigenous people and cultures. Ensure that the stick extinguishes entirely before disposing of it. While it burns out, place it on heat dishes. The Unsustainable Truth Behind Burning White Sage and Palo Santo Release blockages and invite a soothing flow of energy. Few side effects have been reported. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia. It's important to set an intention to clear away any sticky energy that may be holding you back or have you feeling stuck. What Are the Benefits and Side Effects of Ginger Water? 5. You can also spray Palo Santo spritzer on furniture and fabrics with similar effects. Palo Santo is known as an active immunity booster. Moreover, engaging in a daily ritual can help you change your mindset and life. Many also believe in their medicinal properties. 20 Famous Bang Hairstyles, CBT for Insomnia: Treating Sleep Disorders, A Detailed Guide on Easily Digestible Foods, What Anxiety Feels Like: A Detailed Guide, Behind the Scenes: A Look at the Latest Dental Technologies. Palo santo is said to cleanse the negative energy away from your space and bring in good, positive energy.