Palo santo, or Bursera graveolens, is a distinctly aromatic tree that grows predominantly in South America, with two of the regions most famous for palo santo being Ecuador and Peru.
Palo santo, which translates to “holy wood”, has become quite popular throughout the world and it is now often burned at meditation centers, yoga studios, and various retail locations.
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Botanical Characteristics
Palo santo is part of the Burseraceae family, which also includes frankincense and myrrh. The tree typically reaches a height of 4 to 10 meters and bears small, yellow flowers. It is the heartwood that is most valued, as this is where the aromatic resins and essential oils are most concentrated.
Aromatic Properties
One of the most notable properties of palo santo wood is its distinct woody, citrus-musk aroma, which emanates when the wood is burned. The scent is often characterized by notes of pine, mint, and lemon.
The high concentration of natural oils, primarily limonene, lends the wood its distinct fragrance.
This has made palo santo a popular choice for spiritual rituals and meditation.
Ecological Considerations
Sustainability
As palo santo gains popularity around the world, it’s important to address sustainability.
It’s vital to source palo santo from suppliers who adhere to sustainable harvesting practices, ensuring the wood is only collected from naturally fallen trees.
Supporting Local Communities
Purchasing sustainably sourced palo santo can also support the indigenous communities that have cultivated, revered, and protected these trees for centuries.
