Palo Santo essential oil is derived from the wood of the tree Bursera graveolens, a species native to the dry tropical forests of South America. The name “Palo Santo” translates from Spanish as “holy wood,” reflecting its long history of traditional use in indigenous cultures. For centuries, the wood of this tree has been used in spiritual rituals and shamanic ceremonies for purification, energetic cleansing, and to promote emotional grounding. Modern use focuses on the steam-distilled oil, which carries a distinctive, complex aroma that is woodsy, sweet, and slightly citrusy.
Methods for Aromatic Use
Aromatic use is the most common and generally safest method for experiencing the benefits of Palo Santo essential oil, leveraging its primary components like limonene and alpha-terpineol. Diffusing the oil is an effective way to fill a space with its calming and clarifying scent, which can aid in meditation or relaxation. For an electric or ultrasonic diffuser, begin with two to three drops per 100 milliliters of water and diffuse intermittently, such as for thirty to sixty minutes at a time. This pulsed approach saturates a medium-sized room without overwhelming the senses.
Direct inhalation provides a more immediate and focused experience of the aroma, which is often sought for mental clarity or to ease feelings of tension. You can place one drop of the oil onto a cotton ball or a tissue and hold it a few inches from your nose, inhaling gently for several deep breaths. Another simple method involves removing the bottle cap and taking a quick, careful sniff directly from the opening, making sure the oil does not touch the skin of the nose.
For respiratory support, steam inhalation can be employed, though it requires a higher degree of caution to prevent irritation of the eyes and mucous membranes. Add one or two drops of Palo Santo oil to a bowl of steaming, not boiling, water, then drape a towel over your head and the bowl to create a tent. Keep your eyes closed and inhale the vapor for only a minute or two, ensuring you stop immediately if any discomfort occurs.
Guidelines for Topical Application
Applying Palo Santo essential oil to the skin requires careful dilution to prevent irritation and sensitization, especially since its composition includes limonene, a known potential skin irritant when oxidized. The oil must always be mixed with a neutral carrier oil, such as fractionated coconut, jojoba, or sweet almond oil, before it touches the skin. For general use, a safe dilution rate is between one and two percent, which translates to about six to twelve drops of essential oil per one ounce (30 ml) of carrier oil.
Higher concentrations, up to a maximum of three to four percent, may be used for localized, temporary application to address specific concerns like soothing tired muscles or joints. To minimize the risk of an adverse reaction, always perform a patch test before applying the diluted blend to a larger area of skin. Apply a small, dime-sized amount of the diluted mixture to a discreet, sensitive area, such as the inner forearm, and wait 24 to 48 hours to observe for any signs of redness, itching, or swelling.
Once safely diluted, the oil can be massaged into areas of muscle soreness or tension, or applied gently to pulse points like the wrists or behind the ears for a lasting aromatic effect. This method allows the oil’s components to be absorbed slowly while providing a continuous, grounding scent.
Safety Precautions and Responsible Sourcing
One of the most important rules for using Palo Santo, and all essential oils, is the absolute prohibition of internal ingestion. Swallowing even small amounts can cause severe irritation of the digestive tract and potentially lead to aspiration hazard. Essential oils are only intended for aromatic or diluted topical use.
Exercise caution when using Palo Santo oil around sensitive populations, including young children and pets. Pregnant or nursing individuals should consult with a qualified health professional before incorporating this oil into their routine, as certain chemical components may be contraindicated. Always store the bottle securely, out of the reach of both children and animals.
Ethical consumption is a serious consideration when purchasing Palo Santo essential oil, due to the environmental concerns surrounding the tree species. The oil is traditionally steam-distilled only from the aged heartwood of Bursera graveolens trees that have died naturally and been left to rest for several years. Consumers should only purchase from suppliers who can verify that their oil is sustainably and ethically sourced from naturally fallen or sustainably harvested wood, ensuring no live trees were cut down for production.