All about palo santo, the indigenous wood of South America against negative energies

As recent studies show, our relationship with smartphones has turned into a real addiction. Just think about how it’s the first thing we grab in the morning when we wake up, how we use it at work, at home, on public transport, and even to relax. Yet, while scrolling through TikTok's "For You" pages and our Instagram feeds, it's easy to come across content that references the magical world and evokes an esoteric atmosphere. From angel numbers to tarot readings, crystal healing to the matrix of destiny, Gen Z and millennials seem to coexist in two opposite realities: the world of technology and that of ancient practices. The latest obsession for web users who love these practices? Palo santo, a natural incense that has become the star of memes and viral videos for its purifying properties, said to cleanse negative energy and protect against bad luck and the evil eye.

Origins and History of Palo Santo

The evil eye is certainly not a new belief. Its origins go back to ancient times and appear in various cultures and mythologies. For instance, in Ancient Egypt, it was believed to be caused by the Eye of Horus. In Italy, especially in the South, many rituals are performed, and amulets are made to protect against its power. One of these protections is palo santo, the common name for Bursera graveolens, a tropical tree native to Central and South America, particularly Peru and Ecuador. The word "santo" reflects the significance this wood holds in indigenous cultures. It was the Inca people who attributed various properties to it. On average, the tropical tree lives between 70 and 80 years. Once its life cycle ends, it is left to dry for about four years. The tree’s wood is used to produce incense, oils, aromas, and sticks, which, according to tradition, help to dispel negative energies. Let’s take a closer look at the different properties of palo santo:

• Antibacterial properties: The essential oil in the wood has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities, making it useful for purifying the air and creating a healthier environment.
• Spiritual rituals: It is used during spiritual and meditative practices to restore a connection with oneself or with nature.
• Aromatherapy: Its sweet, woody scent, with citrus and spicy notes, helps to relax and reduce stress.
• Purifying and charging crystals: Once used, your crystals need to be recharged, and palo santo is considered an excellent source of positive energy.

How to Use Palo Santo

There is no single guide to practicing palo santo purification rituals, but there are certainly standard steps that might be useful to you:

• Lighting: Light one end of the stick and gently blow to ignite the wood.
• Purification: Let the smoke spread throughout the environment or move it gently in circular motions around your body to cleanse your aura.
• Intention: While burning palo santo, focus on a positive intention, such as purification, healing, or gratitude.

The Cultural Appropriation Debate

However, experts in the field, esotericism enthusiasts, or simply those who share this tradition from the South American indigenous culture, disagree on who can truly use palo santo. According to some of them, as reported by a Canadian magazine focused on spirituality: "Trends like this deny the real significance behind the practice, giving non-indigenous people the idea that they can use other cultures for their own personal benefit. This is harmful, not only because it means something sacred has been turned into a commercial commodity, but also because there’s a disconnect between what the tree truly represents and its sale (many people don’t realize it’s also a sacred indigenous ritual, assuming it’s just the latest wellness trend). Buying palo santo or sage is like putting a price on prayer. You can’t buy holy water from a Catholic church. The wellness industry has stripped the deeply religious aspects of these plants and repackaged them for profit." Others, however, believe that as long as it’s burned with respectful and peaceful intent, it causes no harm and is therefore not an act of cultural appropriation. Either way, these are sacred trees that should not be used or exploited excessively. The best way to honor this culture? Plant a palo santo tree for the benefit of future generations.