Palo Santo has a long spiritual history. References to this tree date back to the Incan era, when it was used in rituals and ceremonies throughout Amazonia.
Healers and shamans of South America believe that Palo Santo has a strong spirit that has to be treated with respect. The spirit continues to live in the wood long after the tree has fallen, and when treated properly, will assist in restoring your physical and energetic wellbeing. This is one of the reasons that properly harvested Palo Santo trees are never cut down, and the wood and essential oils can only be extracted no earlier than 3 years after the natural death of the tree.
After years on the forest floor the wood develops rich and fragrant essential oil as well as many amazing properties – the power to purify, attract positive energy, clear negative energy and bring physical and spiritual healing.
Throughout Amazonia, shamans have been using Palo Santo in medicinal practices to help with relieving symptoms of common colds and flu, asthma, headaches, stress, anxiety, emotional pain and various other diseases.
In Ecuador and Peru Palo Santo has been traditionally used as a natural repellent against mosquitoes and other flying insects.