FAQ

Bursera graveolens, known in Spanish as Palo Santo, is a wild tree native to coastal South America. Belonging to the same family as copal, myrrh and frankincense, Palo Santo literally translates to “Holy Wood”. It was once renowned among Incan cultures and is now traditionally used by present-day shamans and healers for its purification attributes. When burned, the smoke is believed to provide medicinal and therapeutic healing energies, giving you a more profound connection to your being.

Learn more about Palo Santo here.

Use a lighter to ignite your Palo Santo stick, allowing it to burn for approximately one minute. Waft the smoke around the desired area or anywhere else you desire clear energy. From there, you may place the stick in an incense burner  and leave to smolder. When burned, the smoke is believed to provide medicinal and therapeutic healing energies, giving you a more profound connection to your being. 

Once finished, deposit the used stick in a bowl of metal, glass or clay, where it will eventually burn out. Please remember to exercise caution when working with fire.

Smudging is a ritual through which we cleanse the energy of a physical space, object or person. 

Begin with a clear and simple intention. Once you have your intention firmly in mind, light the Palo Santo stick as per the instructions above. Walk around the area, fanning the smoke and focusing on clearing away negative energy as the Palo Santo stick burns down. 

At Luna, we carry a variety of high-quality, wildcrafted botanicals, including selections of dragon’s blood (or sangre de grado), Palo Santo, molle and muña essential oils.

Dragon’s Blood: Possessing a high concentration of Taspine - an alkaloid with anti-inflammatory properties - sangre de grado may help to accelerate the healing process of some external wounds. In ancient times, it was commonly used to aid in digestive health, with its plant resin especially used for treatment of diarrhea or dysentery.

Palo Santo: When burned, Palo Santo is thought to possess therapeutic properties, including the potential ability to help uplift mood, strengthen vitality and aid in protection. In traditional medicine, it may be used to help relieve common cold symptoms such as asthma, headaches and inflammation.

Molle: Considered to be the sacred tree of the Incas, molle was traditionally employed by indigenous populations to cure sickness and protect against negative energies. Its leaves and fruits were applied to relieve rheumatic pains and respiratory conditions.

Muña: When consumed in teas, seasonings or medicinal infusions, muña may help soothe and decongest respiratory system ailments, like coughs. Less commonly, Andean mint (as it’s also known), is said to be used externally for other parts of the body. It’s shown to possibly be beneficial in lessening minor ailments, such as rheumatism, bruising and insect bites. Native Peruvians traditionally used it to heal fractures and dislocations.

Due to the potency of essential oils, we typically recommend that they be diluted to 1-2% in a carrier oil for topical use on healthy adults. Some essential oils may be applied directly to the skin; however, please take care to read the specific instructions for each bottle of essential oil before applying it.

Some essential oils are naturally more irritating to the skin than others. If an essential oil causes skin irritation, discontinue use.

Answer

Essential oils are flammable and should be kept away from flame, heat and ignition, as well as out of reach of children. For best results, store essential oils in glass and out of direct sunlight in a temperature-controlled area.

No, none of Luna’s essential oils are watered down or diluted in any way.

No. All essential oils at Luna are naturally derived.

Essential oils can be used in a number of ways - you may inhale them (either directly out of the bottle, or by using a diffuser or humidifier), dilute them with carrier oil or apply them directly to your skin. You can also get creative and add the mixture to a body wash, shampoo or soap.

Each essential oil at Luna Sundara comes complete with instructions, so please be sure to carefully read the label before using.

At Luna, we offer unique pottery pieces that can be used as Palo Santo holders and incense holders. Our handmade and uniquely designed burners originate from Chulucanas, a city in northern Peru that’s renowned for its pottery. Due to its fine tones, as well as its flawless sculpting and burnishing methods, Chulucanan pottery is widely considered to be the finest in all of Peru. The city also boasts ancient pre-Hispanic roots in the Vicus and Tallan cultures, both of which can trace their ancestry as far back as 500 A.D. Today, Peruvian artisans still employ ancient ceramic techniques in a nod to their prestigious cultural history.

We offer a variety of authentic Peruvian home decor, including handwoven wool cushion covers, handwoven wool rugs and ceramic cactus sets. 

Luna Sundara by Sergio Davila is our most recent home decor collection, featuring uniquely designed cushion covers and rugs inspired by the llamas that roam freely among the Peruvian mountains. We collaborated with the award-winning designer to capture the true spirit of the Andes and bring it directly to your living room or bedroom.

No, it will not. While Palo Santo is thought to possess some therapeutic properties, it should not be used in lieu of medicine or expert medical advice. All information on our website should not be considered as medical opinion, nor does it compromise our legal responsibility.

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you may have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Keep track of your symptoms. Should you experience trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care. 

Please visit the CDC for more information.

No, using essential oils will not help to prevent or cure COVID-19. While many essential oils offered at Luna Sundara are thought to possess some therapeutic and medicinal properties, they should not be used in lieu of medicine or expert medical advice. All information on our website should not be considered as medical opinion, nor does it compromise our legal responsibility.

If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you may have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider. Keep track of your symptoms. Should you experience trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care. 

Please visit the CDC for more information.