The biggest difference is that palo santo is an aromatic wood and white sage is a fragrant herb. There are other native plants used too but those are ALSO threatened (Palo Santo is one). Imagine a man being interviewed on whether something is sexist or not, or a white person being interviewed on if something is racist or not. You want to buy high-quality, ethically cultivated sage. Is It Cultural Appropriation To Use White Sage? All rights reserved. When white settlers first came to North America, they banned Native Americans from practicing their spiritual traditions, including using ceremonial white sage (Forage and Sustain). Those who cut down the tree prematurely are selling Palo Santo bundles that provide little benefit, yet being so far removed here in the west, they are still being snatched up faster than ever because of the trend aspect, rather than the understanding of its importance. The burning of Palo Santo and White Sage is one of them. Photographed by Genevieve . White sage ( salvia apiana) is a specific species of sage that is only native to southern California and Northern Baja California. You can place the bundle in a fireproof bowl or burner and allow it to smoke for a while. It's an important ceremonial purifying ritual or prayer created and practiced in many North American Indigenous cultures. Just use a plant that isnt appropriative and call it a day. I'm guessing you mean palo santo, sacred wood. This is also problematic because of cultural appropriation. What are the most sustainable essential oils? Its disrespectful to my ancestors and myself, said Jessa Calderon, a hip hop artist who has campaigned extensively online against chain stores that stock sage. See All Kits. This tends to make people think that its a common habit, losing sight of the fact that this tradition is a sacred tool reserved for intentional use, Seagle adds. Ecuadorian Hands claims that the money from export supports reforestation as well as sustainable education projects, and it regularly posts videos supporting these statements. White sage is not easy to grow as a crop for harvest, though some people are trying and finding success which is great and I hope it continues. But wait is using palo santo cultural appropriation? White Sage & Palo Santo Smudge Kit Out of stock. Is Burning Sage Cultural Appropriation? What You Should Know This post was written by Arti Jalan, from Forage and Sustain. Well+Good decodes and demystifies what it means to live a well life, inside and out. We practice alone, or in groups. Explore the ethics of smudging and learn about alternative plants for your cleansing rituals. April 07, 2019 Native shamans used Palo Santo to aid the dying on their spiritual journeys to the afterlife (Yoga Journal). Because of all that complicated history of sage burning, when non-Native people use white sage to "smudge" their homes or other spaces, it infringes upon the cultural importance and authenticity of the ritual and prayer simply, its cultural appropriation. The ceremonial burning of white sage begins when participants ask an elders guidance to properly gather the plant. Ethical Question re: palo santo! : WitchesVsPatriarchy - Reddit Is It Cultural Appropriation To Use White Sage? - Stellina Marfa https://www.ecuadorianhands.com/en/blog/372_is-palo-santo-really-endangered.html. And the use of white sage by non-Native people is cultural appropriation at its worst. Its also a sacred herb to several Indigenous communities, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, and Navajo. Some Indigenous people believe that this wood should be given to you only by a shaman to ensure its being used appropriately (Refinery 29). Arti Jalan, Founder of Forage and Sustain, a sustainable living blog explains that Palo Santo and White Sage have opened the doors for a ritual that can be easily conducted and that conveys a sense of meaning, without being overly religious or needed to be studied.. We are in a battle of keeping the sacred, sacred, says Ahsaki Chacherie, the founder of theAh-Shi Beauty. It's most likely to be harmful when the source community is a minority group that has been oppressed or exploited in other ways or when the object of appropriation is particularly sensitive, e.g. Convention on International Trades Endangered Species List, five ways to incorporate Ayurveda into your life. Smudging Starter Kit, 2 Organic White Sage, 3 Palo Santo sticks, 5"-6" Premium Natural Abalone Shell with Natural Wooden Cobra Tripod Stand for Incense Burning, Home Fragrance, Energy Clearing. Members get 15+ publications right in your pocket. This is as much a part of smudging (or saging) as burning the plant is, Hopkins says. We have read your website, and we are very interested in the subject of palo santo. Also, take care not to inhale too much of the smoke. The past few years have certainly left many folks with the desire to rid their homes of negative energy. Find out what your own ancestors may have burned for cleansing, and use that. Heres Why We Need To Stop Using It, United Plant Savers Medicinal Plant Conservation, International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list, For sustainable options and alternatives, continue reading here, How To Have The Cultural Appropriation Conversation This Halloween. It represents a continuing legacy of marginalizing and punishing Native spirituality. But if you tend to poke around smoke cleansing social media circles, you've probably heard people ask (and might be wondering yourself): Is burning sage and smudging cultural appropriation? Instead of burning these plants whenever a feeling of discomfort arose, native peoples performed the centuries-old practices within community to remove stagnant energies and welcome in the new. in-person shop: 23305 bothell-everett hwy bothell,wa 98021 hours: tues-sat 11am-3pm. And the thing is, if you want to burn things cleanse your space or vibes, you dont specifically need white sage. Indigenous people and their cultures continue to be exploited and ravaged for the sake of capitalism and progression in society while Westerners commodify sacred traditions for self-indulgence (Forage and Sustain). Simply waft sage smoke in and around your home. Palo Santo is used in South America in much the same way as White Sage is used in North America- to combat negative energy and to cleanse the space. Without these, burning the plants not only promotes deforestation and unethical harvesting practices, but it also negates their original intent. Price $18.00. Palo Santo & Sage Set. Its been used since the time of the ancient Egyptians and Romans to treat digestive issues, memory problems, and sore throats. Its been planted and cut so many times that the lands where it lives cant sustain it anymore and it just doesnt flourish the same way it used to, she told me. That smudge stick is not benign. Palo Santo Sticks - Mountain Rose Herbs A certain brand has even jumped on the trend to create a witch kit with bundles of sage and, you guessed it, its not from an indigenous source. Advertisement. Each plant has specific uses and origins. Ethically Sourced Palo Santo. That said, our individual histories often arent neatly packaged. I love to play music and dance while I smudge. 97-144 of 254 results for "palo santo ethical" RESULTS. According to the sacred beliefs and in order to gain the actual benefit of the tree, a Palo Santo tree should never be cut down, and it should not be sold as a commodity. She educates readers on how to shift our focus to have a more positive impact in these areas, and encourages us to become agents of social change. As is always the case, at the end of the day, facts > feelings, even in a post-truth society and world. The Egg Game From 'I Think You Should Leave' is Real, Every Season of Angel Ranked Worst To Best, The 7 Best Contraptions People Have Crafted in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Brendan Hunt Sets Record Straight On Final Ted Lasso Montage, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Shows Us What a Healthy Relationship Looks Like, Bleach Filler List: All Bleach Filler Episodes To Skip, The Eight Greatest Soccer Anime of All Time, According to a Soccer Mom. So being of European descent I feel I have jut as much of a right to practice it using whatever local herbs/plants I find on my property including wild prairie sage and sweet grass that grows quite crazy in the Alberta Prairies. Such excellent information! We have been mocked, brutalized, infantilized, dehumanized, and ignored. Although saging is a great way to clear your apartment or office of stagnant and possibly negative energy, it is best not to inhale it directly, says licensed acupuncturist and certified herbalist Irina Logman, L.Ac., MSTOM. This regulation ensures that Palo Santo wood sourced from Peru has been harvested through sustainable and ethical means. We apologize for perpetuating racism and causing harm to Indigenous Peoples by having made such a post. Pride-Themed Milk Bones: The Absurdity of Rainbow Capitalism at Its Finest, Ice Spices Managers Seem Committed to Positioning Her as Damage Control, Yellowjackets Is Giving Us a Bonus Episode Before Season 3, As Predicted, Anti-Drag Laws Are Being Weaponized to Silence Trans People, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Confirms One Aspect of Spidey Lore, Unite Plant Savers, a non-profit that seeks to protect native medical plants from America, Is Gwen Stacy a Trans Girl in 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse'? Palo Santo is enjoyed by many for its energetically cleansing and healing properties similar to Sage and Cedar and Copal. It was used by Indigenous communities native to those lands to cleanse, purify and ward off negative energy. In fact, before smudging was popularized, it was illegal at least, for Indigenous folks and often violently suppressed. It is used to purify and cleanse energy, cultivate sweetness and spiritual connection. Palo Santo, literally meaning "holy wood" in Spanish, is a tree that is widely distributed throughout Central and South America. To suddenly mark it as trendy and want to use it means we are cherry picking the aspects of Native culture that we want for ourselves, while ignoring the history and atrocities theyve had to experience. But the idea of smudging is distinctly indigenous to the Americas, Dr. Keene writes. Is Palo Santo Sustainable? Here's Why We Need To Stop Using It Incense exists! Given how high the stakes are, how much do you trust an online source to give you the straight scoop on how that First, lets clear up some confusion. With the wellness world latching onto their energy-clearing benefits, these plants are becoming increasingly endangered and over-harvested. It hurts to see our traditions, which our ancestors died and fought for, now become a trend that others are demanding to be a part of, Well for Culture co-founder Chelsey Luger previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. Shamanic uses have decreased; its more profitable than spiritual. Palo santo was traditionally used as a remedy for ailments like the common cold, headaches, and stress. The rush to decode our DNA has awakened many of us to our own complex heritages. Burning Palo Santo and doing some cleaning! The key distinction is in how the two species are used. Your official excuse to add "OOD" (ahem, out of doors) to your cal. As a note, if you're browsing your fave place to buy herbs and look at the options for smoke cleansing next to white sage, you might find Palo Santo ("holy wood in Spanish). Gifted white sage and palo wood: is it ethical for me to use? This may seem holistic, but with zero regulations, it quickly becomes an issue of over-harvesting and unethical practices.. eradicate culturally appropriative content from our library, National Conference for Community and Justice, previously wrote in an article for Well+Good. Faiza Naturals is an ethical natural products company that responsibly and sustainably acquires wholesome products. As Keene explains, overharvesting white sage in addition to the threat of increased wildfires and urban development endangers Indigenous peoples ability to access and use the wild plant in the ways they and their ancestors have done for thousands of years. All of my friends and I approach our smudging rituals slightly differently because like any self-care ritual, its personal. If something is calling to you or feels missing from your experience, feel free to adapt and adjust. Today, we can still maintain the reverence and dignity that both White Sage and Palo Santo ceremonies represent while honoring the greatest source of all Mother Earth. Endangerment The Palo Santo tree is currently endangered and is on a watch-list. The Palo Santo tree is not yet endangered, but profiteers are cutting down trees for immediate economic gain due to the high demand. While the tree is not nearing extinction, it has been added to the International Union for Conservation of Natures (IUCN) list as over-harvesting can lead to extinction. See also5 Good Buys from Brands that Give Back. Whats in abundance? TAKE ACTION Instead of buying sage and Palo Santo from large corporations, buy them from Indigenous-owned wellness companies like Sister Sage and Whispering Winds Shop. Forage and Sustain is an online platform that approaches all things related to sustainable and conscious living with a fresh perspective. Thank you for any insight you can provide. (For more information about the cultural appropriation of Black hairstyles in particular, I highly recommend you watch this video from author Emma Dabiri, and then purchase her book Twisted: The Tangled History of Black Hair Culture. With Instagram making #selfcaresunday and smudging popular, people have flocked to the crystal shops to get their bundle stashes faster than ever. Add to Favorites ONE-Palo Santos Individual Sticks - Ethically Sourced . Well, not only is it using a closed spiritual practice that people are using without knowing its roots, meaning, or power, but the boom in popularity for white sage all over the world has actively harmed Native practitioners and the plant itselfbecause there is not enough white sage to fill the demand. That smudge stick represents the deep pain, sacrifice, resistance, and refusal of Native peoples. Some sources cite the term smudging as being used in the English language to refer to smoldering and smoking as far back as 1829. When to Burn Sage vs. Palo Santo When to Burn Sage. The practice of smudging, therefore, should not be taken lightly, according to Dr. Adrienne Keene, an assistant professor of American Studies and Ethnic Studies at Brown University, author of the blog Native Appropriations, and citizen of the Cherokee Nation. From its natural habit its doing quite well here up north. Since the time of the Incas, the fragrant palo santo tree has been harvested by shamans in Peru and Ecuador, who use its essential oils or smoke to cleanse away evil spirits before initiating ayahuasca rituals or to aid the dying on their journeys to the afterlife. After many long conversations, members of my family (all Peruvian) have agreed that using palo santo as a spiritual cleanser in any place other than Peru is a bit odd, she told me. We believe in magic. Even common sage has been used and burned through history as a means of purification. If youre using it in a quasi-spiritual way without proper knowledge or training, yes, probably. The Cheyenne use the white sage in their Sun Dance and Standing Against Thunder ceremonies (Hart 1976). They only take whats needed, never deplete an area, only take wood from trees that have fallen naturally, and regularly plant new Palo Santo trees. Just because one non-Native woman doesnt think she is appropriating Native culture doesnt mean she is not appropriating it. What is the cultural significance of white sage? With its long, shallow roots, this tree thrives in tropical dry forests from Mexico to Peru, in areas that undergo severe droughts for up to seven months at a time. After the devastation are the fires near Yosemite I still see a lot of sage on hikes. On August 22, we shared a video that included burning sage as an insect deterrent when spending time outdoors. who continue to use their platforms to educate people about different Indigenous cultures and issues. There are actually two trees called palo santo. For wellness enthusiasts, answer this: is your wellness worth the expense of Native practices and traditions? Traditionally, farmers only collect fallen branches and twigs of the trees while local governments regulate this practice to prevent overharvesting and unethical growing procedures. While clinical studies on the wood's medicinal effects are limited, it is rich in both antioxidants and limonene 2, a terpene that has been extensively researched and has anti-inflammatory benefits 3. And the use of the plant, and misappropriation and abuse of Native American culture, is far more controversial and fraught than most people know. Upon hearing from people within the communities and Indigenous folk in North America, Palo Santo, along with White Sage, should not be sold as a commodity, but rather be given to you by a shaman to ensure it actually has the sacred benefit that it is being used for. Thanks to the recent trendiness of smudging, white sage is in high demand. Arti creatively explores a myriad of topics that affect our lives such as self care and wellness, conscious travel, slow living and ethical fashion. My friend gifted me these items as I enjoy burning inscents and using smoke to cleanse. White Sage Palo Santo - Etsy If youre non-indigenous, should you even be using palo santo as a spiritual aid? This tree requires proper harvesting methods, which includes allowing the trees to die naturally then laying them on the forest floor.