.png)
At Me & Frank we have been known to prance, ceremoniously, around our safe space, wafting a smoking stick of Palo Santo before our events. The smoky aroma certainly has an impact on the atmosphere, but I’ve always been in two minds about filling a room with smoke, and, after a bit of research, I was still bewildered.
Google to your heart’s content and you will find articles saying how good it is spiritually. Then there are articles (there always are) that there isn’t enough research into it – how would you research this kind of thing?? Some say inhaling the stuff is beneficial to your health, while others say smoke inhalation of any sort is not a good thing – even barbeques and smoked salmon should be limited.
Then I looked at the eco angle – even more confusing! Some say Palo Santo trees are endangered, some say they’re not. So I’ve gone with the thoughts of the Paraguayan Ministry of the Environment, who are concerned about deforestation. I reckon they probably know best.
So, here’s my take on it:
GRAN CHACO FOREST - PARAGUAY
Take the Gran Chaco forest – second largest South American forest behind the Amazon Rain one, and one of the most bio-diverse areas in the world. Deforestation is vast – mainly due to beef and soy crops but also, over-harvesting of Palo Santo. The harvesters live in the forest for weeks at a time, eight hours drive from anywhere and with no clean water or sanitation and get paid very little. (please bear this in mind when you buy cheap stuff)
GUAIACWOOD OIL sourced by doTERRA who partner with sustainable growers is a very similar wood with very similar benefits. To counteract the destruction of the forest, and to secure ongoing supplies, doTERRA and their sourcing partner have secured 13,000 acres for local landowners who have committed to protect the forest, and the trees are coppiced to leave the roots to regenerate. The sawdust is used in the biomass boilers. Each acre is divided into 20 plots and only one plot is harvested per year, meaning the trees get to rest for the rest for 19 years.
The harvesters now have repurposed shipping containers to stay in, complete with temperature controls and refrigeration, clean rainwater collection to drink, and they’re paid a fair wage, plus travel expenses to and from their homes. They have proper work clothes, safety gear and extensive training. Isn’t that good to know?
And so to us – we have the benefit of using oil over smoke (our insurers and our lungs are very happy) and we get added health and spiritual benefits of knowing that it is the best possible product to support our soul journey, while protecting the planet.
It’s also got a gorgeous aroma, and you can use it on your skin and in your meditation.
Whether you use cleansing in your home or in your practice, it’s always worth using the cleanest, most ethical oils grown and produced with love – surely this will enhance the experience??
Find out more, or experience this beautiful oil for yourself here:
or get in touch if you want to chat wholesale prices xx
Comentários