Leaf

Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)

• Origin : Western Mediterranean Region
• Aroma : Herbaceous, slightly bitter
• Properties : Soothing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

Psychoemotional Benefits

• Stress Relief : Helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
• Mood Enhancement : May help improve mood and alleviate symptoms of mild depression.
• Relaxation : Promotes relaxation, being useful in moments of tension and nervousness.

Mixes Well With

• Lavender, rosemary, thyme, sage, mint

Recipes and Usage Suggestions

• Calming Incense : Blend santolina with lavender and chamomile to create an incense that promotes relaxation and relieves stress. Ideal for use at night or during meditation sessions.
• Revitalizing Incense : Combine santolina with mint and rosemary for an incense that helps revitalize and energize the environment. Perfect for use in the morning or when you're feeling tired.
• Purifying Incense : Use santolina with sage and rosemary for an incense that helps purify the environment and ward off negative energies. Excellent for use in cleansing and purification rituals.

History and Curiosities

• History : Santolina, also known as “cotton lavender,” has been used since ancient times for its medicinal and aromatic properties. In the Mediterranean region, it was often burned as incense to purify the air and ward off disease ¹ . Additionally, santolina was used in rituals to protect against evil spirits and promote healing ² .

Presence in Portugal

• Distribution : In Portugal, santolina is found mainly in the Sado estuary region, between Setúbal and Sines ³ . It is an endemic plant of mainland Portugal, occurring in psammophilous scrubland on acidic sandy soils, generally in cyclically disturbed areas ³ .