Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) is known as “sacred wood,” used for centuries in spiritual rituals like smudging or ceremonial cleansing to clear negative energy. This practice involves burning small pieces of the wood to release fragrant smoke and aromatic compounds. The physiological changes during pregnancy raise concerns about the safety of inhaling any smoke, even from natural sources. Since definitive clinical data on the effects of burning Palo Santo on a developing fetus are absent, medical professionals advocate for caution regarding any combustion-based aromatic practice during gestation.
Understanding Palo Santo’s Chemical Composition
The distinct, citrus-like fragrance of Palo Santo wood comes from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released when the wood is heated or burned. The most abundant VOC is Limonene, a monoterpene that can make up a significant portion of the wood’s essential oil content. When Palo Santo is burned, these compounds become concentrated in the smoke, allowing for rapid absorption into the user’s lungs and bloodstream. Other compounds like menthofuran and \(\alpha\)-terpineol are also present. Concentrated exposure to certain terpenes is often discouraged during gestation due to a theoretical potential for affecting hormone regulation or stimulating uterine activity, and this chemical exposure from inhaling wood smoke is substantially different from controlled diffusion methods.
The Risks of Inhaling Smoke and Particulates During Pregnancy
When any organic material, including Palo Santo wood, is burned, the process generates combustion byproducts that pose health risks. The most significant concern is the release of fine Particulate Matter (PM 2.5), microscopic particles small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses and enter deep into the lungs, eventually making their way into the maternal bloodstream. This fine particulate matter triggers inflammatory responses and can strain the mother’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
The physiological changes of pregnancy mean a pregnant person inhales a greater volume of air and associated toxins per minute. Poor indoor air quality resulting from the burning of incense or wood has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Studies suggest an association with increased risks of complications such as preterm birth, restricted fetal growth, and elevated maternal blood pressure, especially with frequent exposure. Since Palo Santo is not subject to standardized safety testing or regulation by health agencies, there is no established safe concentration level for its smoke during pregnancy.
Medical Consensus and Safer Alternatives
Given the lack of specific safety data and the known risks associated with inhaling combustion byproducts, the general medical consensus leans toward caution. Most obstetricians and certified aromatherapists advise pregnant individuals to avoid all forms of smoke, including that from Palo Santo and other incenses, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor spaces. The potential for exposure to fine particulate matter and concentrated VOCs presents an unnecessary variable risk during a period when minimizing indoor air pollution is strongly recommended.
For those seeking the aromatic benefits of Palo Santo without the risks of combustion, several safer alternatives exist. One method is to use a small amount of high-quality Palo Santo essential oil in a passive diffuser, which releases the scent without generating smoke or particulates. Alternatives like salt lamps or safe, pregnancy-approved room sprays can also be used to create a calming atmosphere without introducing combustion products into the air. Eliminating sources of indoor smoke is the safest course of action to protect both maternal and fetal health throughout gestation.