Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo, ‘holy stick’ or ‘holy wood’, is a wild tree native to Mexico, the Yucatán Peninsula to South American and on the Galápagos Islands. The tree belongs to the same family (Burseraceae) as frankincense and myrrh. It is widely used in folk medicine for stomach-ache, as sudorific, and as liniment for rheumatism.

The use of palo santo is traditional in South America, especially in Ecuador. According to the local customs, it is used against bad energy, negative thoughts, or ‘evil spirits’ – to clean your house of bad energy – or to bring good luck, and raise your spirits – literally and figuratively. Its use reportedly dates back to the Inca era, used for its reputed spiritual purifying properties.

Palo santo is common today as a type of incense, which gives off a sweet aroma reminiscent of baked apples or burnt sugar.

Production of essential oil, “Palo Santo Oil”, is now becoming more common. It may be applied to the body (such as at the base of the skull or on the spine) to increase relaxation, similar to aromatherapy.

La crème de la crème for your face (or body): We’ve included palo santo in our top of the range moisturiser, Hemp Cream with Kigelia, to add to the intensely superior healing and rejuvenating qualities it offers your skin.