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PALO SANTO
DISPELLING MISINFORMATION
There are two trees in South America that go by the name 'Palo Santo' and they are commonly confused with one another. Plectrocarpa sarmientoi (previously classified as Gonopterodendron sarmientoi & Bulnesia sarmientoi) is native to the Gran Chaco region of South America, primarily found along the Argentina/Bolivia/Paraguay border. This species was listed as endangered in 2017 through the ICUN Red List as global demand for wood, oils, and extracts lead to severe and rapid overharvesting. This tree is illegal to harvest and cannot be ethically consumed or sourced for use. But.....​
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Bursera graveolens is found in the seasonally dry tropical forests of Peru, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Galápagos Islands. In 2006 this species was listed as endangered, but through reforestation programs and government conservation efforts, Bursera is now stable and thriving. The ICUN Red List has deemed this tree of least concern as of the latest analysis done in 2019.
LEAST CONCERN
Palo Santo is a wood native to several countries in South America, often used within the spiritual community for smoke cleansing, dispelling negativity and meditation. Sticks and incense can be commonly found in many spiritual shops as well as mainstream stores and online channels.
For a long time, we were under the impression that Palo Santo was endangered and that access was being stolen from indigenous peoples. Social media claims and one-off articles would rave about appropriation, closed practice, and overharvesting. We have done a long and intricate deep dive into this topic and will admit that we were misinformed about some things.
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ENDANGERED
Bursera graveolens is a sustainable source for Palo Santo when harvested ethically and legally through governmentally enforced SERFOR Certified companies and wholesalers. While illegal harvesting can never be fully stopped, these types of certifications and permits allow for safe and ethical consumption. Harvesting practices, population rates, and re-planting efforts have made this tree an important product for the region and cemented its economic importance within local communities.
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Ethical companies will harvest from fallen branches and trees only, ensuring that healthy live trees are maintained and cared for. Cutting down young and immature trees is illegal in most regions and may contribute to its sustainability rate in the near future.
But is Palo Santo closed practice? Is using this wood in your practice considered appropriation? While a complicated topic, the short answer is not really....
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Palo Santo is not tied to one tribe, people, or distinct culture, nor is the use of this wood solely tied to specific rituals or rites. Instead, this sacred tree is shared among many countries and peoples within South America, with uses spanning from mosquito repellents, teas, cultural dishes, shamanic practices, smoke cleansing rituals and more.
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For many shamanic uses, these woods will be harvested with intention and done so in a culturally significant way with steps and rites involved in the process. So, unless you have found a shaman to collect this wood for you in the forests of South America, you are getting a mass-produced product from a harvesting company. And while mass consumption cannot be avoided in our age, we can do so with respect by being informed and educated.
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Burning Palo Santo in your practice should come from a place of respect and admiration, for both the tree and those who make it their mission to preserve this great resource. Understanding the cultural history, significance and importance of the products we use in our everyday life aids with informed and ethical consumption.
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The best way to buy ethical and sustainable Palo Santo is to ask questions of the seller.
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"Who supplies your Palo Santo?"
"What country is this sourced from?"
"Is this Palo Santo SERFOR Certified?"
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If you cannot find answers to any of these questions be wary, many mass produced suppliers do not offer sources from their products nor do they come verified.
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Staying informed and educated is the best way to show environmental support for sustainable products and financial support for those companies that uphold and maintain ethical and sustainable business practices.