Medicinal benefits with frequent use of essential oils and aromatherapy

Discover the natural power of Palo Santo oil and how it can transform your physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being

Ancestral Aromatherapy: An Ancient Medicine That's Still Relevant

Aromatherapy is not a recent fad. Its use dates back thousands of years, with evidence in civilizations such as Egypt, China, and India. There, natural essences were as valuable as gold, used in both spiritual rituals and medical treatments.

Over time, this ancient wisdom intertwined with European knowledge during the Middle Ages, consolidating what we know today as modern aromatherapy. However, in recent decades, natural medicine has discovered a new treasure in South America: the essential oil of Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens), a sacred wood native to the tropical dry forests of Ecuador and other regions of Central America.

Where is Palo Santo found?

The Palo Santo tree grows in countries such as Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, and, especially, Ecuador, where EcuadorianHands leads a sustainable, ethical, and certified harvest.

In Ecuador, cutting down live Palo Santo trees is prohibited. Only naturally fallen dead wood is used, which rests for 2 to 4 years before processing. This allows the wood to develop its full aromatic and therapeutic potential.

Each bottle of EcuadorianHands essential oil demonstrates respect for the tree's natural life cycle and a direct contribution to reforestation of the dry forest.

Chemical Properties of Palo Santo Oil

Palo Santo essential oil contains unique compounds with proven benefits:

• Limonene (89.3%): a powerful monoterpene with antitumor and antioxidant effects.
• Alpha-pinene: anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
• Sesquiterpenes and menthofuran: soothing and neuroprotective properties.

Limonene, in particular, stimulates liver enzymes responsible for detoxifying carcinogens, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), helping the body eliminate harmful substances.

What are the benefits of regular use of Palo Santo essential oil?

1. Strengthening the immune system

Using essential oils like Palo Santo helps balance the nervous system, reducing stress—the main trigger of many immune-related conditions. You can carry a few drops on a handkerchief or apply them to key points on your body.

2. Relief from stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue

Just a few drops in a diffuser or inhaled from the palm of your hand are enough to induce a state of calm. Its sweet, citrusy, and woody aroma is perfect for meditation or mindfulness sessions.

3. Support for fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is closely linked to stress. Scenting your home or workplace with Palo Santo can help create a more relaxing environment. Additionally, baths with a few drops of the oil can relieve muscle tension.

4. Therapeutic massages and pain management

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it is recommended for cases of arthritis, neck pain, and muscle pain. Apply diluted in carrier oil and massage into the affected area.

5. Room Cleansing

Palo Santo oil cleanses the energy of a space, helping to create a harmonious environment. Ideal for therapy sessions, yoga studios, or meditation studios.

Practical Aromatherapy: Ways to Use Essential Oils

Essential Oil Diffuser: Ideal for large spaces. Add 5-10 drops to water and let the steam do its work.

• Relaxing Baths: Mix 5 drops with sea salt and dissolve in the tub.
• Topical Application: Always dilute in a carrier oil (jojoba, almond, coconut).
• Direct Inhalation: Place a drop in your palm, rub it together, and breathe deeply.
• Hot or Cold Compresses: For muscle spasms or localized pain.

A Warning About Essential Oil Quality

Not all essential oils are created equal. Many contain additives or are obtained through industrial processes that degrade their purity. EcuadorianHands Palo Santo oil, on the other hand, is produced through chemical-free steam distillation from 100% natural dead wood.

What makes Palo Santo oil unique compared to other citrus oils?

• Its ethical and sustainable origin.
• Its richness in limonene and alpha-pinene.
• Its connection with ancestral healing rituals and spiritual meditation.
• Its shelf life: it has a shelf life of up to 9 years if stored properly.
• An oil that cares for your health and the planet

EcuadorianHands doesn't just produce essential oils. Its business model is based on reforestation, environmental education, and community empowerment. With more than 11,700 trees reforested and tons of trash removed from beaches, every drop of Palo Santo you use has a positive impact on the world.

FAQ

How long does it take to notice the therapeutic effect of Palo Santo essential oil?

It depends on the individual's use and sensitivity. When inhaled, its calming effects are usually felt within minutes. For topical use or long-term therapies, such as for anxiety or chronic pain, regular use for at least 7-10 days is recommended to notice significant improvement.

Can Palo Santo oil be mixed with other essential oils?

Yes! It blends well with lavender, frankincense, sweet orange, and eucalyptus. Creating your own synergies is part of the aromatherapy experience. Just make sure you know the properties of each to enhance desired effects such as relaxation, energy, or focus.

What is the difference between burning Palo Santo (incense) and its essential oil?

Both come from the same tree, but their application and concentration are different. Incense purifies the environment through the smoke, while the oil acts on the physical and emotional level through more concentrated aromatic molecules, with more therapeutic applications.

Can I use Palo Santo oil before exercise or physical activity?

Yes. Applied to the chest or neck, it can help focus the mind, improve breathing, and activate your vital energy. It's also useful in post-exercise massages for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Can Palo Santo oil help me meditate if I've never meditated before?

Absolutely. Its soft yet deep aroma helps you enter a state of relaxation more quickly. You don't need previous experience: just a few drops in a diffuser, a clear intention, and a few minutes of silence.

Is it safe to use Palo Santo on pets or around animals?

Animals are more sensitive to aromas. If you use the oil in a diffuser, make sure the area is well ventilated and your pet can go outside if they wish. Do not apply directly to their skin without professional advice.

Can prolonged use of the oil create some kind of emotional dependence?

Not in the medical sense. But it can become part of your wellness rituals. Many people find its aroma a positive emotional anchor to maintain calm and reconnect with themselves.

What impact does my purchase have beyond personal benefit?

Each bottle of EcuadorianHands Palo Santo oil funds reforestation, environmental education, and conservation programs in Ecuador. Using it is a form of conscious wellness that transforms both your inner space and the planet we share.