Incense: Palo Santo

This new year I received a lovely gift package from the lovely Justina Blakeney. Some Palo Santo incense and some ‘Jungalow’ Matches. Not only was I thrilled with this awesome gift but a tad embarrassed as I also realized that Ivy from IvyIvyivy had also sent me some Palo Santo with my Universe bowl and Hand Incense holder a few weeks before, but I had thought it was just a bit of wood she had put in the package to stop the ceramics getting bashed (cringe), luckily something compelled me to keep it :)

With two lovely ladies gifting me Palo Santo, it must have been a sign that Palo Santo was meant to be in my life……

Palo Santo Incense

So what is Palo Santo?

Palo Santo is from the Bursera graveolens tree that grows on the coast of South America and its name translates as ‘Holy Tree’. It is part of the citrus family and is related to Frankincense, Myrrh and Copal.

Palo Santo has been used by many generations for a wide range of rituals and ailments. In Ecuador, it is used against the "mala energía" (bad energy). Palo Santo is also enjoyed ceremonially for its cleansing and healing properties. It is said to be a strong medicine used for its heavenly presence in keeping energies grounded and clear. It has a beautiful earthy citrusy almost licorice smell which is perfect for meditation or just relaxation at home…. It is also an excellent mosquito repellent...

Palo Santo is also used to treat common colds, flu, stress, asthma , depression and anxiety…..perfect for those winter blues

If you are not a fan of burning incense it can also be simmered in hot water and drunk as a tea!!

So how do you use Palo Santo?

• Using a match ignite the stick of Palo Santo and hold at a 45 degree angle. 
•  Let it burn for 45 seconds and then blow out the flame 
•  Enjoy.....
•  The Palo Santo will go out on its own … to keep it going blow on the stick.
•  Then place on a fireproof bowl . I used a Ceramic from IVYIVYIVY 

Palo Santo From Justina and Ceramic 'Universe Bowl' from IVYIVYIVY

 The lighting of the Palo Santo did seem more special and ceremonial than my nag champa. Maybe it is because I have been using Nag Champa for so long I have got used to the ritual of burning a stick, but I really loved this new method and I will definitely be buying more….. and it has opened me up to the idea of trying other types of incense….


…although Nag Champa will always be my true love :)

Ceramic Insence holders from IvyIvyIvy

Open palm incense holders from Brooklyn based Ceramic Artist Ivy

How unbelievably cool are these little hands from Ceramic artist IvyIvyIvy?

 An open right hand has around the world been a symbol of protection and for many a symbol of friendship and peace. These beautiful hands come in either a little bowl form  or incense holder. The bowls (below) are perfect for palo santo incense and sage holders, or for your special jewelry. They would also look great grouped together on a wall. The incense holders are a slightly larger version as they have room for the falling incense.

I have one of the beautiful incense holders on delivery and cant wait to use it in my daily incense ritual. I have been looking for a special holder for ages!

Ivy also makes a range of other ceramic pieces, textiles and is a stylist. To view more from Ivy visit her webpage here

Mad Mugs and Vessles from Ivy Ivy Ivy

Incense: Satya's Nag Champa...

My love affair with Nag Champa began when I was an Design student back in 2000 (eek... that is so long ago). Someone told me that Bob Dylan burnt Nag Champa at his concerts and thought I would give it ago.... I was drawn in by the strong sweet smells of sandalwood and frangipani.....It kind of went with the whole dreadlocks down to my bum, indie art student, stoner vibe.... well the dreads are gone (left in a bin in Thailand.... yes i cried) and I am now obviously a responsible mother and Nurse ;)  ..... but the nag champa is a total necessity... no other brand will do!

Incense

 In fact a few years ago I surprised my sister by getting all panicky because the lady in my regular Nag Champa shop told me there was a shortage at the stockists..... Nightmare!!

One of the first things I do when i get a rare moment alone is Light my incense, stick on a bit of Jimi/Jefferson Airplane, Love, Dylan, etc...... and relax... Bliss!

Although Satya produce many other smells.. i am a die hard Champa fan.

My Satya Nag Champa Stash

Visit here for more Incense posts

Bohemian and Eclcetic Style Sitting Rooms

Comfy Chair in Bohemian Cafe 'Dr Bombays underwater tea party'

Bohemian Sitting room with Lilac couch

Arty eclectic sitting area: love that Vintage ceramic lamp

Daryl Hannah's Beautiful Bohemian sitting room

Bohemian Sitting room (with wrong way flag)

Sunday Chillin with Janice

Magazines sprawled across the floor. Mismatched furniture.Coffee and Incense. Vintage Lamps sat on battered hand-me-down tables. Bob Dylan played on your mums old Record player. Tea stains on the rug. A slight headache from too much Rioja at lasts nights dinner party. Sat on the floor in your PJ's at 1pm. This is what Sundays are made of....

Details: Incense, crystals and velvet ...

Details: Incense, Crystals and Velvet

Amethyst Candle Holders

Details: Incense

Details: beautiful bottles and Quartz crystals

Incense, crystals, candles, velvet and other pretty things. It is these little details that make a house a home... what details or objects could you not live without?

Rituals: Incense....

Incense holder

Incense holder

Incense in a shell

Incense and the Dark Side of the Moon :)

Like a good cup of tea, I swear a stick of Nag Champra Incense can make everything okay. Even after a really stressful day 12 hour shift in A&E, the ritual of lighting an incense stick is enough to mark the end of work and the beginning of home life. Bliss!!

Hope everyone has had a magical valentines day xx

Rituals.. Part 1. Tea...

Rituals: Lavender Tea and marmalade, Via Charmaine Olivia

Ritual: Herbal Tea Infusion on flickr

Ritual: Cup of Tea and Plants, via Rosy gets Cosy

Rituals: Tea, Honey and Incense

Rituals: Tea heated on coals

Rituals: The art of tea drinking

Rituals: Tea in bed

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. 
 ~Author Unknown

Hope you are all having a marvellous weekend, I am working nights so really muddled...

xx gabi xx