Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Notebook

Bursera graveolens

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Essential oil and resin are concentrated and should never be ingested pure; internal use must remain very moderate and supervised by a professional. Avoid internal use and prolonged fumigation in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as well as in young children. Smoke may irritate sensitive respiratory tracts; ventilate the room and limit exposure duration. In case of ongoing medication treatment or allergic tendency, seek the advice of a healthcare professional before any use.

Infusion — Wood (chips or shavings)

Light infusion of wood chips

A few wood chips are briefly infused in hot water, similar to a traditional Andean herbal tea. This preparation was reserved for occasional use and in small quantities. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Fumigation — Wood stick

Ritual fumigation

The wood stick is lit for a few moments then the flame is blown out to leave only the smoldering ember, moved around the room or around the person. This traditional practice aims to purify the atmosphere more than a direct therapeutic use. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Infused oil — Wood

Infused oil for topical use

Ground wood is slowly macerated in a neutral vegetable oil, then filtered. The resulting oil, always diluted, was applied locally in very small quantities by traditional practitioners. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Palo Santo is found primarily in the form of wood sticks or essential oil in herbalist shops and specialty stores, often imported from Ecuador or Peru. It is important to prioritize sources from deadwood or sustainable harvesting, as the species is sensitive to overexploitation.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The wood is traditionally harvested from trees that have been dead for several years, left to natural maturation, with no specific harvest season but according to a cycle of several years of rest.

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