MOONHOLI Palo Santo & Yerba Santa set

In Spanish, Palo Santo (Bursera Graveolens) means Holy Tree, it grows plentifully in South America and has been used by medicine men for centuries during ritual prayers, ceremonies and during treatment, it has metaphysical and cleansing properties to remove negative energy, and the first mentions date back to the Inca tribes. The peoples of South America believe that cleansing with the Palo Santo smoke promotes good life, brings happiness and attracts life opportunities.

A legend has it that when the world was inhabited by just a handful of people, the most righteous of them – Cosakait – fell in love with a girl who, unfortunately, did not reciprocate his feelings. The man broke down and became ill and the illness brought him to his death bed. Before he departed, he promised that he would always be near the girl he loved. Cosakait said that he would decorate her head with flowers, drive away insects, and he would also change water that she touches with her mouth to make it sweet. A tree grew next to his burial site, it had a subtle smell, and when burnt – it exuded a stronger aroma. The legend says that it was the Palo Santo – the symbol of love and longing for an unfulfilled love. The Tobas tribe believed the tree to be holy.

Having discovered this legend, we want to introduce an element of magic into our homes.

Yerba Santa is referred to as the “holy weed” due to its cleansing properties. Its therapeutic powers were discovered by Spanish colonialists and missionaries, who started using it to fight respiratory system disorders, including asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, coughs and allergies. We, in the Western countries, have been cleansing space to get rid of forces of evil, bad feelings and adverse outside influences. When Yerba is burnt, warm, herbal smoke forms, and has soothing influence on us. In old folk tales you can find information about its valuable properties in nurturing self-care, self-belief and belief in your abilities.