Bursera graveolens
- Origin
- North America
- Part used
- See detailed notebook
- Tradition
- Traditional ethnobotany
Palo Santo, the "holy wood" of tropical America's dry coasts, has for centuries been burned, infused, or carried as resin by the healers and communities of Ecuador and Peru. Its fragrant wood, rich in aromatic oils, held a place both ritual and domestic in Andean and Amazonian traditions.
Traditional uses
Traditional support for digestion
Palo Santo wood was traditionally infused or taken in small amounts to ease digestive discomfort and heaviness after meals.
Purifying fumigation
Burning sticks of the wood was used in Andean and Amazonian rituals to purify the air of a place and encourage a settled state of mind.
Inhaling the aromatic smoke
Some traditions report the wood's smoke being lightly inhaled to clear the airways during seasonal colds.
A soothing external use
The resin or oil extracted from the wood was sometimes applied locally, diluted, to soothe certain minor skin irritation.
Before you use it
The essential oil and resin are concentrated and must never be ingested undiluted; internal use should remain very moderate and supervised by a professional. Avoid internal use and prolonged fumigation for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as young children. The smoke can irritate sensitive airways; air out the room and limit exposure time. If undergoing medical treatment or prone to allergies, seek the advice of a health professional before any use.
The detailed notebook
- Prepared as a paste or decoction
- Traditional duration of use
- Known contraindications
- Related species and their uses
Where to find it
Partner herbalists — available with the detailed notebook.
Sources
PFAF, Wikipedia