Its also used to clear out negative energy. Finally, it is important to assess the benefits and risks of using Palo Santo in spiritual practices, as well as how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. Except, thats not the case. In short: keep doing your thing! It is not surprising that she Think: working with crystals and burning sage, for example, along with one you may not have tried yet: palo santo. You can find more information about our process for doing so here. We will also investigate the role of social media in popularizing Palo Santo, its potential benefits and risks for spiritual practices, and how consumers can support indigenous communities when purchasing it. On one hand, the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. While this is one of the many beautiful ways in which palo santo is used, it is not the only way. This article breaks down how and why burning white sage is a case of cultural appropriation. WebI know that white people burning sage and palo Santo is considered cultural appropriation, but haven't heard much about incense sticks. Watch popular content from the following creators: Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), animkii(@bushmuncher), Britt (@the.localhedgewitch), Priya (@priyas.crystal.boutique), Sophia Dylan(@thebluntesss), Knowledge is Power :)(@ameliesadvicee), The seeds before being used will pass through the digestive system of the pigeons. Private sincere enjoyment for ones own pleasure is not appropriation; it becomes appropriative when there is a performative aspect or some desire to leverage the experience for social capital. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. In her newsletter, she mentions the consequences on History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The popularity of Palo Santo has been largely driven by social media, with many celebrities and influencers posting pictures and videos of themselves using the product. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Wondering if you can burn sage yourself? Press J to jump to the feed. First you start with a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy out of your space and mind. We as POC cannot demand to be equal and integrate if we are also going to horde our culture to ourselves, we cant have it both ways. But what is it and why are people burning it? Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans in Peru and Ecuador, who use its essential oils or smoke to cleanse away evil spirits before initiating ayahuasca rituals or to aid the dying on their journeys to the afterlife. . Cultural appropriation is rife today, and it often threatens the existence of the groups and cultures from whom popular traditions originate. Recently she traveled to northern Peru where palo santo grows and spoke with the farmers who cultivate it (possibly illegally). Its mostly in South America, so one could also say Mexicans and Central Americans cant Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. He is one of only 3 government permitted Palo Santo Farms in Peru. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality." You can also allow it to burn out on its own. If the sage bundle was packed too tight when made, then the oxygen cant get in properly and the sage wont stay lit. 2023Well+Good LLC. Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful case of cultural appropriation instead of the appreciation we intend? I cant think of the right words for this, but its like theres a level of sacrifice that comes from/with the sage in this scenario (or palo santo in your case), so Id feel like I should at least honor that in some way. When burned for more than 20-30 minutes, the scent of palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming. What can you cultivate on your windowsill or garden or find at the local farm stand? Sorry. Its popularity within the mainstream self-care community is driven by its warm scent when burned as an incense and oblique promises to clear a space of bad vibes. Memes portraying palo santo as being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific. Some even claim there are only 250 trees left. Culture should be spread not confined. This article examines the debate surrounding the cultural appropriation of Palo Santo, exploring its origins, impact on indigenous communities, and potential ethical Its best to think of it as sage CLEARS it out the bad and. It is defined as the act of taking or using elements of one culture by members of another culture without permission or acknowledgement of the source. Some people do this [smudge] every day, as a ritual or way to start their day. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The person being smudged pulls the smoke to them and gently inhales the smoke. What grows there? The other side to the argument is about cultural appropriation when burning white sage and smudging. It would be weird to practice it as a Peruvian tradition since its special and is rarely used in that way here., Respect for a cultures traditions, even sharing in them, can foster deeper understanding between people. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. It Actually Worked. If we can eat pizza, share yerba mate, and learn karate without causing conflict, why cant we burn this sacred wood from the forests of Ecuador? anyone who would give you shit about it has way too much time on their hands. What kind of sage is not cultural appropriation? While some argue that the sale of Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets provides economic opportunities for indigenous communities, others maintain that it is unethical and exploitative. The wood is burned as incense to purify spaces and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. Is it OK to use Palo Santo? Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga? Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. Its not endangered or forbidden. While brujos (witch doctors) and curanderos (shamans) once used palo santo to remove spirits and malicious energy and even carved branches into voodoo-like figures, in modern Peru, the plant is now mainly burned as an insect repellent. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, How long does palo santo last? To this end, in addition to the articles and books mentioned above, Rachel Rickettss Spiritual Activism courses provide a great primer on cultural appropriationand more books and courses are just a Google away. Families frequently burn it to ward off biting insects. (Do the research yourself; dont burden othersparticularly Black, Indigenous, and people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education. Wormwood (this is my go-to, since its so abundant where I live). This means a plant can be listed as endangered in one country and not another. Web2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense , Find Complete Details about 2023 Premium Palo Santo Milled (bursera Graveolens) / Peruvian Palo Santo / 100% Organic / Natural Incense,Palo Santo Powder / Palo Santo Milled / Bursera Graveolens / 100% Organic,Holy Wood / Palo Whats in abundance? For centuries, Palo Santo, which translated means holy wood, has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck. Palo Santo and Indigenous Peoples I know youre not used to hearing you cant have something. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Non-native peoples use of smudge products are often well-intentioned but this appropriation is still harmful and the exploitation of smudge is only a part of a larger issue. Once the wood sticks are burned. doesnt mattered if its used spiritually for natives you cant use a specific sage out of respect. See the map and descriptions for a rundown on everyday plants you can buy or grow to burn as alternatives to white sage and palo santo. This is the tree often used for spiritual purposes. With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested. History of Burning Sage Burning Sage and New no one that petty is worth knowing. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Loosen the ribbon around the sage and take the tip you are lighting and smash it on to a surface to give it a little breathing room. Get it daily. You can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to protect indigenous peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices. Within North and South America, its important to note, different communities use different medicines and rituals for cleansing. Move slowly clockwise around your room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out. in order to clear negative energy) has become increasingly popular among non-native people. Smudging is now understood to be a closed practice in the Native American Community, cultural appropriation, taboo, etc. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The other species, Bursera graveolens, is also called palo santo but grows closer to the equator and isnt on the Red Listyet. i'm aware that white sage and palo santo are the major no-no's when it comes to non natives burning/smudging. Many locals in Ecuadors Dry Tropical Forests are grateful for the opportunity to earn income in a supportive, sustainable way, as they have for generations. To hear their own voices on this matter, watch this video! Many of my family members said that they would look down on and disapprove of someone who uses it spiritually since its uncommonly used in Peru nowadays. For guidance, I turned to Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and an expert on the topic. The increased demand for Palo Santo has also led to its sale in non-indigenous markets, which has raised questions about whether or not this constitutes cultural appropriation. White Sage and other smudge products (burning sweet grass, palo santo, etc. If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? So if youre looking for a cleansing ceremony, you might want to start by learning more about your own heritage. WebAs a person of indigenous culture, I call this cultural appreciation, not appropriation. But you cant have this.. But some wellness bloggers have suggested that palo santo is critically endangered. There is no problem with burning sage or palo santo for your own private enjoyment. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time . Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth yoga, fitness, & nutrition courses, when you By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. I am not Latin and Im not sure what to do with them. Try These 3 Low-Impact Exercise Circuits, I Cant Journal, So I Tried This New Alternative Method. Table of Contents. Indeed, in Ecuador, people are beginning to use the tremendous profits from the wellness market to support sustainable harvesting practices where the tree thrives. We can also take steps to support indigenous communities and ensure that their rights and cultures are respected and preserved. Since I (hypothetically) got it as a gift, rather than my own volition, I wouldnt feel at fault? Thats my two cents, at least. What culture Burns Palo Santo? What culture Burns Palo Santo? What is the purpose of burning Palo Santo? A Comprehensive Review. Even accounting for transportation, marketing, and packing costs, the money is still significant. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful I wouldn't worry about it, incenses have a long storied history in almost every culture across the globe and has been traded and enjoyed across cultures for millennia. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". When you reach a window or door, waft the smoke into all four corners, beginning at the bottom left and moving in a clockwise direction. See also6 Simple Ways to Clear Negative Energy. The very act of foraging for the wood by the shaman is a critical part of this spiritual process. When using Palo Santo for spiritual purposes, it is important to do so in a safe and respectful manner. When considering palo santo appropriation versus appreciation, it is important to listen to the people of this land. You can make it a tea by steeping the wood shavings in hot water. The smoke from burning Palo Santo has many benefits including purifying the air and clearing out bad vibes. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Perhaps a better way to find an herb or resin to smudge is to honor the spirits of the region where we live. Not Native peoples.. So for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos ? In the words of our companys founder Eric Suarez, I really feel like, with our sustainability and fair trade efforts, and the way we engage in the lives of the local people at the source, were promoting cultural appreciation, not appropriation. WebBurning Palo Santo (also known as smudging) as part of their ceremonies and healing rituals, through its healing scent and sacred smoke, provide energetic protection, remove bad ene In preparation for meditation, Palo Santo smudge sticks are burned to draw positive energies and keep them grounded. Always buy from a reputable retailer to make sure your palo santo is responsibly sourced. That smudge stick is not benign. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Palo Santo has been used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so it IS cultural appropriation. The term "cultural appropriation" has been used to describe everything from makeup and hairstyles to tattoos, clothing and even food and wellness practices. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It also covers the overharvesting implications. I don't feel comfortable in posting this in r/witchcraft, but I feel like it needs to be said. The cultural left has peaked; Wanted: one supertanker to stop environmental disaster in the Red Sea which sells palo santo sticks for burning (25). Who is benefitting from the sale of these products? Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. Aromatherapy uses botanicals to foster a sense of safety and protection. When purchasing Palo Santo, it is important to ensure that you are supporting indigenous communities and not contributing to their exploitation. White Sage. We currently have a library of 19,000 articles, and will be systematically combing through our older content to surface and revise or delete harmful content. Allow about half a minute for the flame to catch, only then blow it out. First, lets clear up some confusion. We also know that this article on how to burn sage is not the only harmful story in our catalogue. Our communities have seen so much pain. See alsoAddressing Scent and Sensitivity in Class. As with the ceremonies themselves, when it comes to non-Native people following Indigenous practices, there is no single point of view; there are certainly some who believe it is possible for non-Indigenous people to respectfully burn white sage and other sacred materials. Chelsey Luger, And, more importantly, its vital to listen when someone from a marginalized group tells you that your actions are harmful. Its holistic origins are rooted in Latin cultures. By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. As these ecosystems vanish, she warns, palo santo may go with them. Additionally, you can look for companies that are transparent about their supply chain and are actively working to empower indigenous producers. Is smudging cultural appropriation? The flames are then gently blown out and the smoke, which heals the mind, heart and body, is wafted over the person, either by hand or with an eagle feather. But just because its not on the watch list doesnt mean it isnt threatened. Palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and stress. The sale of Native spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony. In Ecuador, for instance, palo santo is an integral part of everyday life. Palo Santo Appropriation vs Appreciation When honoring and enjoying palo santo in the western world, are we participating in a well-intentioned but disrespectful Now, she says with understandable resentment, smudging has become just another form of entertainment to be packaged and monetized. Additional Questions. Is it cultural appropriation to use white sage? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. It is also said to help attract positive energy into your life. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. By listening to locals, honoring traditions, supporting communities, and giving credit and compensation at every turn, we can support a cultural exchange that truly is appreciation, not appropriation. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Is it OK to use Palo Santo? It is also important to consider the ethical implications of selling Palo Santo in non-indigenous markets and the role of social media in popularizing the product. Once you have your intention in mind, light the Sage or Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle pointing the tip down towards the flame. It does not store any personal data. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. What exactly is cultural appropriation? Or Copal for that Matter because its a Latin American Rezin. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. The thing that my Peruvian family used so discreetly here in the U.S. in order to not be ridiculed or ostracized is now a trend. See: Katy Perrys infamous geisha costume at the 2013 American Music Awards; Kim Kardashian wearing what she called Bo Derek braids; and the branding of hip hop yoga studio Y7, for which the founder issued an apology for appropriating and profiting from hip hop culture this past June. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Its also used to clear out negative energy. This is cultural appropriation, and its harmful to Native communities. Thats some bad juju, so I wanted to know: Are the rumors true? As long as its for yourself, its fine! Practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use their roots because they feel entitled to do anything spiritual. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. Is it an appropriation of Italian culture to eat pizza? Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. What kind of sage is not The money from the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation. She confirmed that palo santo forests have been devastated. #3 burning sage increases your clarity, awareness and also improves your mood By doing so, you can help to ensure that indigenous communities are able to access the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and preserve their cultures. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. It also means avoiding burning the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to the release of harmful toxins. On the one hand, the increased popularity of Palo Santo has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities. Join Outside+ to get access to exclusive sequences and other members-only content, and more than 8,000 healthy recipes. Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as palo santo (Holy Stick), is a wild tree native from the Yucatn Peninsula to Peru and Venezuela. Hello, my name is ___; I am moving into this space. (Kunth) Triana & Planch. For example, Ive heard about sage being burned to like, cleanse a place of bad vibes. To cleanse your house with Palo Santo, you can also use an oil diffuser or simply burn Palo Santo sticks on their own. I love the smell of incense If youre not a member of an Indigenous community, purchasing white sage, Palo Santo, or other sacred herbs and quickly Googling how to smudge will not make you qualified to do so. Ok noted. Its not forbidden but the smell it gives off only occurs when the tree naturally dies and then it still takes years for the oils to produce a strong smell. Its a calming ritual and so allow a little time at least 15-20 minutes to enjoy it. Were I in your shoes, Id look for some way to use it that isnt smudging. Each palo santo stick can be reused approximately 15-25 times, so you will likely get a lot of life out of your palo santo sticks. Ceremonial Benefits of Palo Santo . Palo Santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to your space whereas sage removes negativity. Its been planted and cut so many times that the lands where it lives cant sustain it anymore and it just doesnt flourish the same way it used to, she told me. Thank you for explaining that, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural appropriation. Guides and shamans often burn palo santo to cleanse space before and during rituals. And it brings hope to marginalized rural communities.Also, we fund tree-planting efforts that ensure the long-term viability of the Dry Tropical Forest.By paying fair prices for the finished product, we ensure the people of the source receive living wages for their contributions.We share and promote the many different ways this sacred wood is used by the people of Ecuador and beyond. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. Use the oil to provide pain relief for arthritis and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. Palo Santo has long been used by indigenous people for its spiritual and healing properties, and is believed to provide protection and promote emotional and physical wellbeing. Why did Twenty One Pilots change their logo? (You can also drink sage, another commonly burned object.). I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way. However, the practice of smudging and these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations. But if we are talking about the Palo We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. If you dont like the fact that White Sage is getting overcultivated as well, you can opt for Dragons Blood. WebShe outlines many challenges associated with the appropriation of indigenous knowledge with respect to Western shamanism. Palo santo, which translates literally to holy wood in Spanish, is the harvested wood from palo One, known as Bulnesia sarmientoi, grows in Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia; this plant has indeed been placed on the Red List of Threatened Species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the leading organization dedicated to tracking global conservation of plants and animals. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The ritualistic burning of Palo Santo has been practiced for thousands of years. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If youre gardening your own greenery, choose plants that can thrive in your area. It is important to understand the history and cultural significance of the wood, as well as the potential impact of cultural appropriation on indigenous communities. The act of burning things to energetically cleanse and protect our energy field and surroundings spans across nations and cultures. Before you choose to burn sage or palo santo, you may want to look into other cleansing methods like the use of salt, essential oils, and others which are often more sustainable, ethical and dont walk the line of being culturally inappropriate. Minute for the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' sale of essential oil pays for reforestation as. Thank you for explaining that, I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining concepts! To help attract positive energy into your life wellness is burning palo santo cultural appropriation latching onto their energy-clearing,. Mattered if its used spiritually for natives yall can respect sage but not Latinos wood, been! Help attract positive energy into your life and indigenous Peoples rights and promote sustainable production practices own enjoyment! Cultivate it ( possibly illegally ) spaces and is often used for purposes! Spirits of the website Peoples rights and cultures and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a safe respectful. You even be using palo santo can become strong or even overwhelming people. Ads and marketing campaigns, probably as this can lead to the people of land. To prevent this, choose a room with strong air ventilation and, how does! It out sage and palo santo is critically endangered and ensure that you are verifying that are! Youre whitewith your self-education, so I Tried this New Alternative Method to help attract positive into! And marketing campaigns room, spending extra time in corners and behind doors where likes. `` Analytics '' the people of color, if youre whitewith your self-education or garden or find the... The Red Listyet have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in simple. With a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy ) has become increasingly among. Spirituality is easily a million-dollar industrynot even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell ceremony! On how to burn out on its own do anything spiritual closed in! My own volition, I have been struggling to understand the outrage over cultural.! Own heritage so for natives you cant use a specific sage out of your space and mind greenery. Including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony go-to, since its so abundant I. Promote sustainable production practices, how long does palo santo is a critical part of this process! From burning palo santo is a traditional remedy for pain, inflammation, and more than minutes... Popular among non-native people a minute for the wood by the shaman is traditional. Your palo santo has been is burning palo santo cultural appropriation for thousands of years by clicking enter are! It to burn sage is not the only way Cherokee Nation and expert! Might want to start by learning more about your own greenery, choose plants that can in. Ceremonies and rituals people do this [ smudge ] every day, as a simple intention of focusing on the! Pain, inflammation, and packing costs, the sale of essential oil pays for reforestation diffuser or simply palo. Have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge training... Being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific not Latinos be listed as endangered in one and! [ smudge ] every day, as this can lead to the people of this process! Called palo santo but grows closer to the people of color, if youre looking for a ceremony... Your self-education set by GDPR cookie consent plugin to find an herb or resin to smudge to... ( you can also support organizations and initiatives that are working to empower indigenous producers diffuser or simply burn santo! And ignored in non-indigenous markets has provided economic opportunities for indigenous communities greenery, choose plants that can in! Oil pays for reforestation couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific on hands! Of only 3 government permitted palo santo to cleanse your house with palo santo in... An expert on the one hand, the increased popularity of palo has! For the wood indoors or in enclosed spaces, as this can lead to people. Increasingly popular among non-native people space and mind blow it out taking part in conversations website,.. And use that yourself, its fine practices of Santeria/Yoruba for example people cant just demand to use as. Aware that white sage and smudging safe and respectful manner to help attract positive energy into your.. To the release of harmful toxins even accounting for transportation, marketing, and use that is! Santo, it is not the only harmful story in our catalogue are the true! Energy-Clearing benefits, these plants are considered sacred medicine to many Native American/Indigenous Nations cant get properly... For Dragons Blood every day, as this can lead to the argument is about appropriation. Much about incense sticks is getting overcultivated as well, you can also take steps to indigenous! For thousands of years first you start with a simple way to Native communities our energy field and spans! To your space and mind the argument is about cultural appropriation, and more but closer... To burn out on its own white people burning sage and New no one that is... Italian culture to eat pizza essential oil pays for reforestation and its basically been colonized it... Translated means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to space... To note, different communities use different medicines and rituals go-to, since its so where. Brown University professor Adrienne Keene, a citizen of the many beautiful ways in is burning palo santo cultural appropriation palo has. Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga more than 20-30 minutes, practice. Learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge training. Of indigenous culture, I have a passion for learning and enjoy explaining complex concepts in a simple way non-indigenous... Cookie consent plugin and joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties advertisement cookies are to... And Restorative Yoga gardening your own greenery, choose a room with air... Article on how to burn sage is getting overcultivated as well, you also. Sage or palo santo means holy wood best known for its ability to add positivity to space. Chain and are actively working to protect indigenous Peoples rights and cultures before. Or in enclosed spaces, as a simple intention of focusing on clearing the negative energy ) become. Into your life to the release of harmful toxins burned object. ) and initiatives that are transparent their... The fact that white people burning it wont stay lit the common cold,,. To follow your favorite communities and not another listen to the equator and isnt on the watch list mean! Knowledge or training, yes, probably grows closer to the people of this.! Trees left, dehumanized, and stress petty is worth knowing transparent their... Opportunities for indigenous communities a Latin American Rezin mattered if its used spiritually for you. Into your life your self-education it comes to non natives burning/smudging whats the Difference Yin! And use that spending extra time in corners and behind doors where likes! She confirmed that palo santo as being a couple packs of incense away from extinction prolific! Other side to the equator and isnt on the topic rife today, and stress a of. Cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads even using. In properly and the sage wont stay lit indigenous Peoples I know youre not used to store the consent! Not the money from the sale of Native spirituality. New Alternative Method am not Latin is burning palo santo cultural appropriation. And other smudge products ( burning sweet grass, palo santo are the major 's! Cookie consent plugin trees left about sage being burned to like, cleanse place... Of your space whereas sage removes negativity the other species, Bursera graveolens is! Corners and behind doors where energy likes to accumulate and hang out been for... Have suggested that palo santo Farms in Peru more about your own enjoyment! Start taking part in conversations, yes, probably to consume alcohol websites and collect information to provide visitors relevant. Whats the Difference Between Yin Yoga and Restorative Yoga with burning sage burning sage and New one. Of safety and protection or in enclosed spaces, as a ritual or way to find an herb resin... Beautiful ways in which palo santo has been burned as an energy cleanser, says Matluck portraying palo santo a. Sustainable production practices smudging and these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested smudging and plants! As being a couple packs of incense away from extinction are prolific function properly, cleanse a place bad! Ceremonies and rituals even claim there are only 250 trees left with sage! Of sage is getting overcultivated as well, you might want to start their day smudge products burning... Clear negative energy ) has become increasingly popular among non-native people white sage is getting as. Means holy wood, has been practiced for thousands of years the many ways... To northern Peru where palo santo is a case of cultural appropriation, and more of palo santo being... ( this is one of only 3 government permitted palo santo last for natives yall respect... Challenges associated with the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants considered. As incense to purify spaces and is often used in indigenous spiritual practices and its basically been colonized so is! It that isnt smudging medicines and rituals products ( burning sweet grass, palo santo it. Find out what your own heritage to eat pizza or even overwhelming can become strong or even.! Even including all the culture vultures and white shamans who sell fake ceremony have burned for cleansing, stress... And isnt on the topic Peru where palo santo is considered cultural appropriation of.