Palo Santo (Holy Wood) Essential Oil (Bursera graveolens)

Overview

Palo Santo may also be referred to as Holy Wood, crispin. It is typically processed using steam or hydro distillation as a method for extracting oil from the wood.

Summary

Palo Santo is a revered tree native to South America. It is considered a cousin to Frankincense Oil because both share similar constituents (primarily Limonene), slightly similar aromas and because both have similar applications. Aged heartwood is rich in terpenes such as limonene and α-terpineol.

Essential Facts

  • Aroma Description:

    Earthy Resinous Slightly citrus Slightly sweet Woody

  • Common Name(s): Holy Wood, crispin
  • Botanical Family: Burseraceae
  • Botanical Genus: Bursera
  • Chemical Family: Ethers, Monoterpenes
  • Major Compounds: (+)-Limonene, (+)-Menthofuran, a-Terpineol, Carvone, Germacrene D
  • Perfumery Note: Middle
  • Consistency: Thin
  • Strength of Initial Aroma: Medium
  • Color: Clear - Pale Yellow
  • Indigenous Country: Ecuador
  • Cultivation: Distiller is Certified Organic
  • Processing Methods: Steam or Hydro Distillation
  • Part Typically Used: Wood
  • Shelf Life: 3-4 years
  • Conservation Status:  [LC] Least Concern
    IUCN Red List category abbreviations (version 3.1, 2001)
  • Ethically and sustainably sourced Ethically and sustainably sourced
  • Organic Organic
  • Vegan Vegan

Essential Details

Cautions & Safety

Cautions when using Palo Santo:

Tisserand and Young recommend a dermal maximum of 3.4%. They also indicate a risk of hepatotoxicity and precaution to avoid use of the oil if it has oxidized. Reading Tisserand and Young's full profile is recommended. [Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young, Essential Oil Safety (Second Edition. United Kingdom: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2014), 379.]

Safety Precautions for Palo Santo:

Do not take any oils internally and do not apply undiluted essential oils, absolutes, CO2s or other concentrated essences onto the skin without advanced essential oil knowledge or consultation from a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. If you are pregnant, epileptic, have liver damage, have cancer, or have any other medical problem, use oils only under the proper guidance of a qualified aromatherapy practitioner. Use extreme caution when using oils with children and be sure to first read the recommended dilution ratios for children. Consult a qualified aromatherapy practitioner before using oils with children, the elderly, if you have medical issues or are taking medications. For in-depth information on oil safety issues, read Essential Oil Safety by Robert Tisserand and Rodney Young.