不知道你有沒有注意，秘魯聖木的風頭開始漸漸燒進居家香氛領域。有人說燃燒秘魯聖木的煙燻香味可以舒緩身心，有人說它的煙可以淨化空間空氣，甚至有人說他能有療效？
秘魯聖木到底是什麼？真的有這神奇嗎？
今天就和 Wave 一起一探究竟，了解近日正夯的 Palo Santo 秘魯聖木！
秘魯聖木的來源歷史
Palo Santo 秘魯聖木原產於南美洲安地斯山脈，遍及秘魯及厄瓜多等地區，為什麼叫做「聖木」呢？
西班牙文 Palo Santo 的原意就是英文的「Holy Wood」，在中文的語境裡，我們直翻為「聖木」。在印加帝國時期，秘魯聖木被作為宗教儀式的工具與藥用材料。秘魯聖木特殊且珍貴，因其獨特的紋理和鮮明的色彩而受到廣泛的歡迎，被用作製作各種工藝品、家具和藝術品。
與其他木材不同，秘魯聖木在生長過程中受到了許多自然因素的影響，例如風吹日曬、水流的影響等，使其產生了獨特的紋理和顏色。因此，每一塊聖木都是獨一無二的，不會有兩塊完全相同的聖木。
直至今日，它仍是許多南美國家的傳統藥草，並作為香料、香薰劑，廣泛被應用於製香產品。
秘魯聖木真的有這麼神奇？
在秘魯的古早時期，秘魯聖木被認為是一個可以治療所有疾病的神秘之樹。每當有人生病時，他們會前往這棵樹，向它祈福並在它周圍散步，以獲得能量。此外，許多人相信，在秘魯聖木的幫助下，可以實現自己的夢想和願望。聖木是當地的生活指引，希望通過它來實現自己的目標。這些故事證明了秘魯聖木在當地文化和傳統中的特殊地位，也反映了人們對其力量和神秘的崇敬。
秘魯聖木生命週期為 40 年至 90 年不等，當地人在樹木死亡倒下後，會將它擱置 4 至 10 年，再取用它充滿油脂的原木木條、磨成木粉或煉成精油應用於生活，薰香的樹脂香氣具有淨化心靈的效果。
秘魯聖木是一種多年生常綠樹，通常高達 30 至 50 英尺。植株有著鮮艷的綠色葉片，具有異構的形狀。春季是秘魯聖木開花的時節，開花時會散發出濃郁的香味。這種植物的獨特外貌和香氣令它成為許多藝術家和設計師的靈感來源。然而，隨著人類對土地的開發和森林的砍伐，秘魯聖木的生長環境正在不斷消失，現今已逐步成為保育類植物。
在歷經 90 年的壽命，古傳南美洲的僧侶與薩滿相信它吸收了近百年的天地能量，在室內燒聖木的儀式可以淨化空間磁場，從物件、場所到個人的負面能量都可以被吸收，同時也能吸引正向能量，避邪去晦氣、保平安，幫助減緩壓力、提高情緒與改善睡眠。
聖木的香氣中含有檸檬烯（Limonene）成分，散發出松樹、薄荷和檸檬的甜味，可以刺激大腦與嗅覺系統，部分人會感到解除精神壓力，身心放鬆。因此，在現代許多人在冥想、專注及尋求放鬆時，都會點燃聖木！讓室內空間香香甜甜，改變氛圍。
但是，目前還沒有科學依據可以佐證秘魯聖木的療效，它是一種心靈放鬆的儀式，也是傳承自古老的民間習俗，讓我們抱持著崇敬的心，感受木條在空氣中燃燒的當下所帶來的能量吧！
秘魯聖木要如何燃燒？
在淨化空間的儀式中，秘魯聖木以木條的形式被燃燒，拿著它環繞空間、物品及人體，用煙絲餘繞空氣之中，以達到淨化心神的效果。
燃燒淨化步驟如下
➊ 用火源（打火機、火柴等）燃燒秘魯聖木條。
➋ 讓聖木條燃燒 30 秒到 1 分鐘，甩動或吹氣讓火熄滅。
➌ 在想要淨化的空間、物品或人周圍移動。
➍ 當氣味充斥於身邊環境，感受當下的平靜狀態。
➎ 在煙絲已環繞想要淨化的物品後，請將木條放在以防火材質所製成的容器之內。
➏ 等待木條的火點自行熄滅。（注意遠離任何易燃物品）
➐ 沒有燃燒的聖木可以存放於密封罐中，保存乾燥並放置於陰涼處。
還有這些要知道！
秘魯聖木正在風頭上，在秘魯聖木木材上的選擇，盡量選擇擁有規模且有保育認證，為了避免木材濫伐，標榜「自然死亡」變得格外重要，同時確認原產地，以確保聖木的質量。在購買時，要先與店家確認相關的證書與保證。
我們都知道，焚燒所造煙絲或許會造成人體肺部及呼吸系統的傷害。因此，在燃燒聖木時，必須保持空間通風良好，並確保附近沒有易燃物品。若在燃燒時，有任何不舒服的感覺，請立即停止燃燒。
若想要尋求秘魯聖木作為治療，請諮詢專業醫學單位，獲得正確的健康資訊。
世界各地都有自己的風俗歷史，古人的智慧總讓人帶著幾分敬畏與尊崇之心。如何正確的找到紓壓與平靜的方法？其實沒有標準答案，心靈上的治癒，就像是一種信仰，尋找到合適自己的方法，才是我們都需要去嘗試的！
Palo Santo: South America's Precious Sacred Wood
Have you noticed that Palo Santo (Peruvian Holy Wood) is gradually making its way into the realm of home fragrances? Some say burning Palo Santo's smoky scent can soothe the mind and body, others claim its smoke can purify the air in a space, and there are even those who say it has therapeutic effects?
What exactly is Palo Santo? Is it really that miraculous?
Today, let's explore with Wave and discover the currently trending Palo Santo!
The Origin and History of Palo Santo
Palo Santo originates from the Andes Mountains in South America, found in regions including Peru and Ecuador. Why is it called "Holy Wood"?
The Spanish term "Palo Santo" literally means "Holy Wood" in English. During the Inca Empire era, Palo Santo was used as a tool in religious ceremonies and as medicinal material. Palo Santo is special and precious, widely appreciated for its unique grain and vibrant colors, used in crafting various artworks, furniture, and artistic pieces.
Unlike other woods, Palo Santo is influenced by many natural factors during its growth, such as wind, sun exposure, and water flow, giving it unique patterns and colors. Therefore, each piece of Palo Santo is one-of-a-kind, with no two pieces exactly alike.
To this day, it remains a traditional herb in many South American countries and is widely used in incense products as a spice and aromatherapy agent.
Is Palo Santo Really That Miraculous?
In ancient Peru, Palo Santo was considered a mysterious tree that could cure all diseases. Whenever someone fell ill, they would go to this tree, pray for blessings, and walk around it to gain energy. Furthermore, many believed that with the help of Palo Santo, they could realize their dreams and wishes. The holy wood served as a life guide for locals, hoping to achieve their goals through it. These stories demonstrate the special status of Palo Santo in local culture and traditions, reflecting people's reverence for its power and mystique.
The life cycle of Palo Santo ranges from 40 to 90 years. After the tree dies and falls, locals will let it rest for 4 to 10 years before using its oil-rich wood strips, grinding it into powder, or refining it into essential oil for daily use. The resin fragrance from burning has a purifying effect on the mind.
Palo Santo is a perennial evergreen tree, usually growing to 30 to 50 feet tall. The plant has bright green leaves with heteromorphic shapes. Spring is the flowering season for Palo Santo, emitting a rich fragrance when in bloom. The unique appearance and aroma of this plant have made it a source of inspiration for many artists and designers. However, with human land development and deforestation, the growing environment of Palo Santo is continuously disappearing, and it has gradually become a protected plant species.
After a lifespan of 90 years, ancient South American monks and shamans believed it had absorbed nearly a century of natural energy. The ritual of burning Palo Santo indoors can purify the spatial magnetic field, absorbing negative energy from objects, places, and individuals, while also attracting positive energy, warding off evil, bringing good fortune, helping to relieve stress, improve mood, and enhance sleep.
The fragrance of Palo Santo contains limonene, which emits a sweet scent of pine, mint, and lemon. It can stimulate the brain and olfactory system, causing some people to feel relief from mental stress and relaxation. Therefore, in modern times, many people light Palo Santo during meditation, concentration, and when seeking relaxation! It makes indoor spaces smell sweet and changes the atmosphere.
However, there is currently no scientific evidence to support the therapeutic effects of Palo Santo. It is a ritual for mental relaxation and an ancient folk custom. Let's approach it with reverence and feel the energy it brings when burning in the air!
How to Burn Palo Santo?
In the ritual of purifying spaces, Palo Santo is burned in the form of wood sticks. Hold it and move around spaces, objects, and human bodies, letting the smoke linger in the air to achieve the effect of purifying the mind and spirit.
Steps for burning and purification:
➊ Light the Palo Santo stick with a fire source (lighter, matches, etc.).
➋ Let the stick burn for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then shake or blow it out.
➌ Move it around the space, objects, or people you want to purify.
➍ As the scent fills the surrounding environment, feel the present state of calmness.
➎ After the smoke has encircled the items you want to purify, place the stick in a fireproof container.
➏ Wait for the ember on the stick to extinguish itself. (Keep away from any flammable items)
➐ Unburned Palo Santo can be stored in a sealed jar, kept dry and in a cool place.
More Things You Should Know!
With Palo Santo gaining popularity, when choosing Palo Santo wood, try to select from suppliers with scale and conservation certification. To avoid excessive logging, emphasizing "natural death" has become particularly important. Also, confirm the place of origin to ensure the quality of the holy wood. When purchasing, first confirm relevant certificates and guarantees with the seller.
We all know that smoke from burning may cause harm to the human lungs and respiratory system. Therefore, when burning Palo Santo, ensure the space is well-ventilated and there are no flammable items nearby. If you feel any discomfort during burning, please stop immediately.
If you want to seek Palo Santo for treatment, please consult professional medical units to obtain correct health information.
Every part of the world has its own customs and history, and the wisdom of the ancients always brings a sense of awe and reverence. How to find the right way to relieve stress and find peace? There's actually no standard answer. Healing of the mind is like a belief – finding the method that suits you is what we all need to try!
