- Region
- South America
- Origin
- Dry forests from Mexico to Peru and the Galápagos Islands
- Traditions
- Curanderismo of northern Peru
South America · Herb · № 882
Bursera graveolens
Herb · South America
Palo santo
Bursera graveolens
A tree of the frankincense and myrrh family, with strongly scented wood that contains essential oil.
Safety notes
Smoke can irritate the airways; ventilate well and avoid with asthma. Do not take the oil internally. Because of high demand there is illegal logging: buy only wood from naturally fallen branches from a controlled source.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Healing traditions of the Americas: Ventilate well; not with asthma. Only wood from fallen branches.
Preparation
Light a piece of wood and let it smoulder as incense.
Use in traditions
The name means 'holy wood'. In Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia the wood is burned to cleanse homes and people of 'bad energy', a custom said to date back to the time of the Incas. Healers in the north use it in baths, in cleansings and as incense. In Ecuador palo santo tea is also drunk, among other things for colds.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Healing traditions of the Americas
Attributed effects
As incense to cleanse home and people, in cleansings and in baths.
Preparation and amount
Light a stick, blow it out and let it smoulder.
Caution: Ventilate well; not with asthma. Only wood from fallen branches.