Description
Palo santo is a small tree of the dry forests along the Pacific coast of Ecuador and Peru, related to frankincense and myrrh. Its aroma only develops after a branch or trunk has died naturally and lain on the forest floor for several years. Living trees may not be cut, so rural families walk the forest under forestry permits looking for wood that fell years before, cut it into chips and bring it to local distilleries. The oil is pale yellow with a sweet, woody scent and a clear citrus top note, often compared to lemon, mint and resin.
Details
| Botanical name | Bursera graveolens (palo santo) |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ecuador and Peru |
| Part used | Fallen, naturally dead wood |
| Extraction | Steam-distilled |
| Aroma | Woody, citrus, sweet |
| Ingredients | 100% Bursera graveolens wood oil |
Why supply is limited: only wood that has fallen naturally and aged for years may be gathered, so supply depends on natural tree fall.
How to use
- Diffuser: add 3 to 4 drops to water in your diffuser.
- Perfume: use as a woody, citrus middle note.
- Candles and soap: add for a sweet, woody scent.
Essential oils are concentrated. Always dilute before use on skin, patch test first, keep away from eyes and out of reach of children, and do not take internally. If you are pregnant or nursing, check with your doctor before use.
FAQs
Is palo santo cut from living trees?
No. Only fallen, naturally dead wood may be gathered in Ecuador and Peru.
What does it smell like?
Sweet and woody with a bright citrus note, often compared to lemon, mint and resin.
What does it blend with?
Frankincense, myrrh, cedarwood and citrus oils.
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