Palo Cuaba (Amyris balsamifera L.)

What’s Included

(1) Palo Cuaba ((Amyris balsamifera L.)) stick (organic & non-gmo) (length: approx. 5-6 inches)

Origin: Florida (fair trade, ethically & sustainably harvested from a family farm)

Synonyms

Elemifera balsamifera, Rhus arborescens, Schimmelia oleifera, Toxicodendron arborescens

Common Names

Balsam torchwood/West Indian rosewood (U.S.), Cambia Voz/Palo Cambia (Cuba), Kisiambolo (Kongo)

Family

Rutaceae Juss.

Botanical description

 

Amyris balsamifera L. is a slow-growing tree native to the Americas and the Caribbean, typically reaching 5 to 10 meters tall. It has a slender trunk with smooth grey-brown bark and dark green, glossy leaves made up of three to five oval leaflets that emit a strong resinous scent when crushed. The tree blooms small white flowers year-round, peaking in the dry winter season. Its fertilized flowers produce small green fruits that turn nearly black when ripe, each containing a single seed. Palo Cuaba is valued for its distinctive aroma and botanical characteristics.

 

Taste: Bitter, Sweet

Qualities: Light, Dry

Energetics: Cooling

Effect After Digestion: Pungent

Cultural Note

Spiritually, Palo Cuaba is typically used to provide invisibility, to cause change in mind. It is also used as a "treasure hunter", an aid to find lost things. 

Amyris balsamifera L. historically has been used in aromatherapy to help relax the mind, easing stress and promoting emotional balance and restful sleep. in traditional medicine, it’s leaves, roots, bark, and oil are used to treat gastritis, burning sensations in hands and feet, and skin issues like itching and wounds. It has also been used to help reduce sweaty palms, relieve migraines, herpes pain, and improve skin health. Studies have shown this plant to be effective as an antiseptic and supports treatment for bronchitis, blood detox, bladder inflammation, eye irritation, and menstrual problems. Additionally, it is considered in traditional medicine to help control anger and promotes overall well-being.