Palo Santo

Product Details

Botanical name

Bursera graveolens

Extraction method / Source

Steam Distilled / Central wood of fallen branches

Aroma

Musky, intense woody, citrus undertone

Note classification

Top, Middle

Odor Intensity

8

Key constituents

Limonene 59 - 62%, alpha-terpineol, menthofuran, carvone

Plant description

Botanical family:Burceraceae

Palo Santo is a deciduous tree native to the dry, tropical South American forests. Its average life span is 80 - 90 years. Palo Santo is on the endangered species list in Peru, and is protected by the Peruvian government. It is also unofficially endangered in Ecuador.

Regions of Production

Ecuador, Peru

Growing Practices

Trees indigenous to the area grow in the wild, away from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Large branches which fall naturally from the trees are collected, and essential oil is distilled from the wood.

History / Fun Facts

Native Ecuadorians have traditionally used Palo Santo as a mosquito repellent and air freshener for their homes. Literally "holy wood", Palo Santo is routinely used by shamans for clearing bad energies in ancestral rituals and indigenous medicine. Palo Santo is in the same family as Myrrh and Frankincense.

Properties

Anti-inflammatory, calming, sudorific

Please refer to the Glossary for terms which may be new to you.

Uses / Benefits

Massaged at the base of the neck and spine, it promotes relaxation. Helpful in the management of rheumatism and arthritis symptoms. Helps release negative energies. Commonly used for incense and natural perfume making. (Battaglia, 2003)

Fragrant influences

Relaxing, purifying.

Modes of Administration

Topical: massage

Inhalation: direct inhalation, diffuser, oil vaporizer, incense

Blends well with

Cedarwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Sandalwood

Safety

Non-toxic, non-sensitizing. May irritate sensitive skin. Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid old or oxidized oil.

Notice

This information is for educational purposes only. It has not been evaluated by the US Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Although we strive to provide information which is accurate and up to date, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

Precautions

Pure essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts. Do not use them undiluted, or in the eyes or mucus membranes. If applying an essential oil to the skin, always dilute it with a proper carrier oil and test on a small patch of skin before applying to a large area. Do not take them internally except under the direction of a qualified professional trained in Aromatherapy. Always familiarize yourself with the safety, contraindications and proper preparation of each essential oil before use. Note that when using essential oils for children and the elderly, very low concentrations should be used. Keep all essential oils away from children and pets.

References

Battaglia, Salvatore, The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy, Second Edition, 2003. The International Centre of Holistic Aromatherapy, Brisbane, Australia

International Fragrance Research Association, http://www.ifraorg.org/en-us/standards (January 5, 2016).

Tisserand, Robert and Young, Rodney, Essential Oil Safety, 2nd edition, 2014. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, New York, NY.

Young, D. Gary; Chao, Sue; et al. (2007). "Essential Oil of Bursera graveolens (Kunth) Triana et Planch from Ecuador". Journal of Essential Oil Research. 19: 525–526.

TIMELESS Essential Oils - Authentic Aromatherapy

TIMELESS Essential Oils guarantees the purity and quality of all our therapeutic oils. The current Certificate of Analysis is available upon request. All essential oils are best stored in an airtight container away from heat and light.