Palo Santo
Bursera graveolens

Palo Santo (Bursera graveolens) essential oil is steam-distilled from the heartwood of a wild South American tree and is characterised by a high limonene content (~60%), with alpha-terpineol, menthofuran, and carvone as secondary constituents. Phytochemical studies confirm anti-proliferative activity against tumour cell lines attributable to the oil's complex terpenoid profile.[1] The well-established anti-inflammatory pharmacology of limonene provides mechanistic support for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory uses documented in Andean traditional medicine.[2]
- Also Known As
- Holy Wood, Sacred Wood
- Family
- Woody
- Perfumery Note
- Base
- Intensity
- Medium
- Extraction
- Steam Distillation
- Plant Parts
- Berries
- Origins
- Peru, Ecuador, Mexico
- Effect
- Calming & Relaxing, Grounding & Centering
- Aroma
- Woody, Sweet, Citrus
- Applications
- Aromatherapy, Perfumery, Medicinal
- Price
- $$$$Sourced from the berries of the tree; harvesting is seasonally limited compared to the wood
References
- [1]Chemical composition and anti-proliferative properties of Bursera graveolens essential oil — Monzote L et al. Natural Products Communications, 2012
- [2]Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Limonene in the Prevention and Control of Injuries in the Respiratory System: A Systematic Review — Santana HSRR et al. Current Pharmaceutical Design, 2020