Palo Santo is a powerful tree found growing along the coast of South America, in Ecuador and Peru. The tree is prized for its mystical and protective properties, as is suggested by its name, which translates to "Holy Wood" in Spanish. Palo Santo is used for purposes ranging from the holy to the ordinary, including as ceremonial incense, for the cleansing of bad vibes, and to ward away pests such as mosquitos. The smoke has a beautiful aroma of citrus, mint, and pine, which can help raise your vibration in preparation for meditation. It is also said that Palo Santo enhances creativity and brings good fortune to those who are open to its magic.
Much of the Palo Santo available in the market today is not harvested in a sustainable way, which sets SoulSpring's line of Palo Santo Stress-Free products apart. We only use Palo Santo that has been produced in the traditional manner - sustainably harvested from trees that have fallen naturally during the annual strong storms that wash across the coastal forests where they grow. Once a tree has fallen, it must remain on the forest floor for up to a decade, during which time the aromatic resins develop and cure, transforming the tree into the mystical force it is storied to be. After this years-long decomposition process, the essential oil is collected from the trees and branches using a "Vapor Distillation" method, with no dangerous chemicals or solvents used at any time during the collection and manufacturing process. Along with respecting the power and process of the Palo Santo tree, this time-intensive process also supports the important conservation efforts of the Ecuadorian government, which has passed laws making it illegal to harvest a living Palo Santo tree. We are proud to use Palo Santo that is sustainably harvested and fairly sourced, resulting in the highest quality products for our customers while also supporting the economy of the Ecuadorian communities and families who work to produce this magic.