Palo Santo

Bursera graveolens

Palo Santo essential oil

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
Blend

References

  1. [1]Chemical composition and anti-proliferative properties of Bursera graveolens essential oil — Monzote L et al. Natural Products Communications, 2012
  2. [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