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Many of us already have an idea of what the Bursera Graveolens tree, better known as Palo Santo, is. We know where it comes from, how to use it, and we know its benefits and properties. But have you ever wondered how palo santo wood is obtained? Join me on this fascinating experience to discover it, and how this process not only respects, but also protects our environment.
We know that aromatherapy products such as essential oils, incense, cones, soap, among others, are derived from this sacred tree. However, the way in which this wood is obtained has generated curiosity and, in some cases, concern about its sustainability. This is why I decided to experience the Palo Santo picking up process firsthand.
I coordinated a collection day and we determined the picturesque town of Sacan as the destination. We got up at 5 am to meet the collectors: Mr. Johnny Rodríguez, the expert on the subject Ing. Adrián Murillo, and my partner Jean Carlos, in charge of documenting every detail on camera. At 7 am, each collector prepared his tools: machetes and bags. We started our trip by car and then we traveled by motorcycle.
When we reached a point on the route where the motorcycles could not move forward, we continued on foot. As we walked through the forest, Johnny explained to us that there are three types of palo santo trees: the black (young tree), the yellow (ideal for incense and cones), and the white (vain, with a dull smell).
According to Adrián, the distinction between female palo santo and male palo santo is made at the time of its natural death, verifying whether the tree has a heart, which determines its usefulness for aromatherapy products.
After an hour of walking, we found a palo santo tree in its natural life cycle. Adrián explained a new theory to determine the age of a tree; Measure the circumference 1.40 m from the trunk. This tree, 95 cm in circumference, was between 30 and 35 years old and promised a high oil content, being a female tree.
"Here we do not distinguish the female and male palo santo tree until the moment of its natural death. When it falls alone, a small cut is made and we verify if the palo santo tree has a heart"
During our exploration, we picked up a rotten branch and observed termite galleries caused by termites. Although typically considered a pest, termites are seen as beneficial by local communities as they feed on dead wood, leaving the useful part of the tree intact. This reaffirms the sustainability of the collection process.
The termite is a type of termite whose main house is located in the central part of the tree and spreads throughout all the branches. This type of termite only feeds on dead wood.
Further along we found a fallen palo santo tree, of which the collectors indicated that the tree had died due to the moth. But when they checked its condition, they realized that it had no heart, therefore it was called a male tree that was not suitable for making any type of aromatherapy product.
Continuing with our search, the path became more complicated, but we managed to find a tree on a hill. The expert in this species, Adrián, with the help of the collectors, checked the tree and determined that it had indeed died naturally. Having been at rest approximately 6 years after his death.
The heart of this tree was located and it was verified that it was a female tree. The collectors began to clean it and divide it into several parts to be able to move it, so being on the hill it was difficult to move the entire tree. A bag was filled with the collected parts of this tree.
I can say based on the experience I lived, that it is a hard, exhausting and complicated situation. It is important to remember that the real threat of palo santo is lack of information and lack of use.
If we do not take advantage of the palo santo tree, it will be cut down in order to convert the land for another activity and generate economic resources that serve the community.
Only branches and palo santo trees that have died naturally should be collected, having at least 2-4 years of rest after their death to take advantage of their properties.
I hope this experience has helped you better understand the process of collecting palo santo and its importance. At EcuadorianHands, we are committed to the sustainability and preservation of this sacred wood.
Discover our range of palo santo products, from essential oils to incense, soaps and more. Every purchase supports our reforestation initiatives and promotes sustainable practices.
Visit our online store and transform your well-being with palo santo products! Together, we can make a difference and preserve this valuable resource for future generations.
At EcuadorianHands, sustainability and social responsibility are at the core of our operations. One of the most common questions we receive about Palo Santo is whether it has a specific season for harvesting.
The answer is no—there isn’t a particular season for Palo Santo harvesting. However, to safeguard the health of the forests, we limit access during the rainy months (January to May). This allows for natural regeneration, maintains soil quality, and protects the flora and fauna that thrive in these ecosystems.
During this period, no new logs are sourced; instead, we rely on previously harvested stock. This approach reflects our dedication to sustainable forestry practices, conservation of water resources, reduction of waste, and support for a circular economy.
Our mission goes beyond protecting the Palo Santo forests—we strive to reduce our carbon footprint, promote animal welfare, and empower local communities. These efforts ensure a balance between meeting today's needs and preserving resources for future generations.
Together, we can make conscious choices to protect our shared home, EARTH, and ensure sustainability for all. With love and responsibility!
Because this is the only way to ensure that the harvest is sustainable, respects the tree's life cycle, and preserves its aromatic properties intact.
You check to see if the tree has a "heart" after it falls naturally; this part concentrates the highest-quality essential oils.
The difference lies in its interior after natural death: the female tree has a heart and is useful for aromatherapy; the male tree does not.
There is no fixed season, but for ecological reasons, access to the forest is limited during the rainy season (January to May).
Each purchase funds reforestation, environmental education, and beach cleanup programs, making it an action with a purpose.
No, on the contrary. Termites consume only the dead part of the tree, leaving the harvestable part intact.
They only collect naturally fallen wood, have active reforestation campaigns, and promote conscious consumption.
Yes, because the entire harvesting process is documented, with traceability and expert supervision.
There is a risk that the trees will be cut down for other, less sustainable uses if they are not harvested responsibly.
By educating yourself, sharing sustainable practices, and supporting brands like EcuadorianHands that work directly with local communities.
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Comments
Aprender su procesimiento de sembrado y cosecha
By: Marcos vargas On 01/04/2022Es interesnate su importancia del.palo santo, aprender como.conservarlo y a la vez aprovecharlo.
Replied by: Jean Carlos Chávez On 03/14/2022
odks oekovok okok
By: Ok On 08/16/2020Once the entire process was completed we were able to fill one more bag. At that time it was already approximately 1:30 pm. Therefore it was time to call it for the day and return to the starting point.It took about 3 hours to return, ending the day at 4 pm.
Replied by: Jean Carlos Chávez On 08/17/2020
Palo santo
By: Hector On 03/27/2020Hola soy de argentina y me interesa comprar varios Kg de palosanto aromático están enviando gracias