| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Bursera graveolens |
| Pronunciation | PAH-loh SAHN-toh |
| Common Names | Palo Santo, Holy Wood |
| Plant Family | Burseraceae (Frankincense Family) |
| Plant Part Used | Naturally Fallen or Aged Heartwood |
| Extraction Method | Steam Distillation |
| Origin Regions | Ecuador, Peru, and coastal South America |
Description
Palo Santo essential oil is distilled from the aged heartwood of Bursera graveolens, a tree native to the dry tropical forests of Ecuador and Peru. Its aroma is warm, woody, and resinous — blending soft citrus notes with a subtle balsamic sweetness and a lingering smokiness that feels both refreshing and deeply grounding. This rare oil is known for its purifying, calming, and clarifying properties, carrying a legacy of centuries of traditional use in medicine and aromatics.
Historically, Palo Santo has been used throughout South America for cleansing air, promoting wellness, and soothing minor ailments. Indigenous communities harvested only naturally fallen wood, allowing the tree’s resin to mature for years before distillation. This aging process concentrates aromatic compounds such as limonene and α-terpineol, resulting in the wood’s characteristic fragrance — sweet, complex, and serene.
In modern aromatherapy, Palo Santo oil is appreciated for its ability to relax the body and clear the mind. Its unique blend of bright and woody notes makes it suitable for stress relief, respiratory support, and air purification. It is sometimes described as a middle point between Frankincense’s clarity and Sandalwood’s warmth — harmonizing brightness with depth in a way few oils can replicate.
Chemically, Palo Santo essential oil is dominated by monoterpenes such as limonene, α-terpineol, and carvone. These components give the oil both its uplifting aroma and its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Limonene contributes to its clean, citrusy top notes, while the alcohols provide grounding and mild sedative effects. The result is an oil that is simultaneously energizing and soothing.
Palo Santo essential oil represents natural balance — bright yet deep, sweet yet resinous, calming yet invigorating. It is both a sensory and therapeutic bridge between freshness and tranquility, making it a prized addition to wellness and perfumery blends alike.
History & Background
| Era / Region | Traditional Use | Notable Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Columbian South America | Medicine and cleansing | Used to ease headaches, inflammation, and purify air |
| Spanish Colonial Period | Aromatic wood and incense | Incorporated into regional rituals and perfumery |
| 20th Century Ecuador & Peru | Therapeutic oil distillation | Steam distillation developed to preserve natural resin content |
| Modern Aromatherapy | Calming and clarifying | Valued for stress relief and respiratory support |
Only naturally fallen Palo Santo trees are ethically harvested today — ensuring sustainability and resin maturity before distillation.
Aroma Profile
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Aroma Type | Woody, citrusy, resinous, and slightly sweet-smoky |
| Scent Strength | Medium to Strong (Middle to Base Note) |
| Blends Well With | Frankincense, Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Bergamot, Vetiver, and Patchouli |
Palo Santo unites the freshness of citrus with the grounded warmth of resinous woods — a versatile note that enhances both meditative and refreshing blends.
Chemical Composition
| Compound | Approx. % | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 50–70% | Cleansing, uplifting, antioxidant |
| α-Terpineol | 5–10% | Calming, immune-supportive |
| Carvone | 2–6% | Antifungal, mood-balancing |
| Germacrene D | 2–5% | Anti-inflammatory, grounding |
| Pulegone | 0.5–2% | Cooling, clarifying |
| Caryophyllene | 0.5–1% | Soothing, anti-inflammatory |
The high limonene concentration gives Palo Santo its bright, clean energy, while terpineols and sesquiterpenes add smooth, woody depth.
Cautions & Safety
| Type | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Internal Use | Not for internal use. |
| Topical Use | Dilute to 1–3%. Generally well-tolerated on skin. |
| Pregnancy / Children | Safe when diluted; avoid high doses. |
| Photosensitivity | Non-phototoxic. |
| Storage | Store in dark glass, away from light and heat. Improves with gentle aging. Shelf life: ~5–6 years. |
Use only ethically sourced Palo Santo oil from certified sustainable programs that harvest naturally fallen wood.
Uses & Application Steps
Palo Santo essential oil is valued for calming, cleansing, and respiratory balance.
Aromatic Use
- Diffuse 3–4 drops to purify and relax the environment.
- Inhale gently for stress relief and clear breathing.
- Blend with Frankincense and Lemon for mental clarity.
Topical Use
- Add to massage oil for soothing muscle and joint tension.
- Apply diluted oil to the chest for respiratory support.
- Blend with Sandalwood or Cedarwood for warm, balanced skincare blends.
Perfumery Use
- Adds a refined, woody base to fresh and resinous accords.
- Harmonizes citrus, amber, and incense notes.
- Extends longevity in natural perfumery blends.
Further Reading & External Links
| Source | URL |
|---|---|
| AromaWeb — Palo Santo Essential Oil Profile | https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/palo-santo-essential-oil.php |
| Eden Botanicals — Palo Santo | https://www.edenbotanicals.com/palo-santo.html |
| Plant Therapy — Palo Santo Essential Oil | https://www.planttherapy.com/products/palo-santo-essential-oil |
| Florihana — Palo Santo Organic | https://www.florihana.com/us/essential-oils/179-palo-santo-organic-3700343011898.html |
| PubChem — Limonene Compound Summary | https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/22311 |
Citations & References
- Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
- PubChem Database — Limonene (CID: 22311).
- Eden Botanicals — Palo Santo Data Sheet.
- IFRA Standards, 2024 Update.
- AromaWeb — Palo Santo Essential Oil Profile.
Conclusion
Palo Santo essential oil embodies natural equilibrium — a fusion of bright citrus clarity and deep resinous warmth. Its aroma invites calm focus and renewal, lending balance to both the environment and the body.
Physically, it supports clear breathing, eases tension, and helps maintain relaxed alertness. Its high limonene content provides a purifying and revitalizing influence, making it useful in wellness and ambient applications.
As a botanical, Palo Santo reflects harmony between age-old tradition and modern aromatherapy. Each drop carries the quiet wisdom of aged wood — fragrant, restorative, and naturally serene.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any essential oil. Conduct your own research by reviewing all citations and references listed above.