Frequently Asked Questions
Products
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 smoulder. 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.
No, essential oils should not be ingested internally. Please be sure to carefully read all instructions on your bottle of essential oil before using it.
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.
We recommend that you seek expert medical advice before taking essential oils during pregnancy or nursing.
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.
Sickness (COVID-19)
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.
No, using essential oils will not help to prevent or cure cancer. 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 are experiencing a thickening or lump anywhere in the body, unusual bleeding or discharge, a persistent cough or hoarseness, or anything strange or unusual, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
This is unlikely. While the process of burning Palo Santo and applying essential oils are both thought to have positive therapeutic and medicinal benefits, they should absolutely 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 are experiencing physical discomfort or unusual bodily symptoms, please contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Sustainability
All Luna products are sustainably sourced and harvested from local communities in Peru and Ecuador. We are continually working to expand our practice, and hope to one day work with artisanal communities throughout all of South America,
Our essential oils are sustainably extracted through a process known as steam distillation. No chemical solvents are involved. The oil is first extracted by passing a vapor stream through the dry wood, opening its oil gland and allowing the essential oil to mix with steam. Next, the oil is passed through a cooling system to obtain condensation through the plant’s natural essence.
We work with renowned Peruvian chemists to distill our oils. Our suppliers utilize ethical, fair trade and sustainable practices.
Wildcrafted plants are naturally foraged from the wild and sustainably harvested in a way that promotes survival of the population. All oils and botanicals at Luna Sundara are wildcrafted. Not only is wildcrafting practiced by herbalists and independent workers around the world, but it is an important source of income for many indigenous peoples and small family-owned businesses.
At Luna, we believe it’s a true gift to enjoy these precious oils and botanicals. We take responsible wildcrafting measures in order to provide you (and the environment) with a better, safer, purer experience.
All our Palo Santo products are wildcrafted and sustainably harvested. Because Palo Santo wood can only be harvested after it has naturally fallen and left to dry for some time, we extract the product from Ecuadorian and Peruvian reserves. At Luna Sundara, we responsibly distill our Palo Santo essential oil in a way that promotes the sustainability and reforestation of the tree itself. This ultimately respects the sanctity of the wood and allows for its continued growth.
Palo Santo is one of many wildcrafted botanicals offered at Luna Sundara. We exclusively utilize these botanicals as a means of supporting the social and economic welfare of local communities, ensuring the highest quality products possible and creating meaningful relationships with those around us.
At Luna Sundara, we believe in the importance of empowering artisans to change their local communities for the better, creating a positive chain reaction that grows to impact the whole world.
Co-founder Sandra Manay’s Peruvian background is key to establishing authentic relationships with Luna’s suppliers and farmers. By prioritizing the personal connection with these artisans, Luna is privileged to aid in the betterment of lives and uplift local communities throughout South America.
We work closely with renowned Peruvian chemists to distill our oils. To create our plates & home decor, we work with artisans from Chulucanas Peru. All of our suppliers utilize ethical, fair trade and sustainable practices.
Shipping
**WE DO SHIP INTERNATIONALLY. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT YOUR ORDER MAY BE SUBJECT TO TAXES/DUTIES AT THE PORT OF ENTRY. YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THOSE TAXES/DUTIES. WE ARE UNABLE TO OFFER REFUNDS IF YOU REFUSE TO PAY THE TAXES/DUTIES AND ABANDON THE SHIPMENT**
As well as the continental U.S, Luna Sundara also ships worldwide. Please note that taxes and duties may apply to international orders.
If you are a vendor in a country we do not currently ship to, and you are looking to offer Luna Sundara products overseas, please contact us for a vendor application. You can also be the first to know when we launch in a new country or region by signing up for our newsletter at the bottom of the page.
Unless an item is on backorder, all items are processed within 1-3 business days. We will notify you via email if one or more of your requested items is temporarily unavailable.
We offer first-class, priority and overnight shipping options, all via USPS. We are pleased to offer free shipping for orders over $50 within the continental U.S. (excluding Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico).
Returns
Yes, absolutely. Luna Sundara issues refunds for all unopened items in their original condition. If you are dissatisfied with your purchase for any reason, you may return it within 10 days of delivery for a full refund. Once we receive the products you purchased and confirm that they are in their original condition, we will issue a refund to the credit card used for purchase.
If you would like to return an item, please follow these instructions: Contact us at orders@lunasundara.com to obtain a Return Authorization (RA) Number. No returns will be accepted without an RA Number. If it is determined that we made a mistake or the product was damaged on arrival, we will provide a return label free of charge. Repack the item securely in its original packaging. Write the RA Number clearly on the outside of the box.
Luna Sundara does not assume liability for the shipping options chosen by customers. If a customer chooses a shipping method that does not meet his or her needs, please email orders@lunasundara.com and we will either amend the shipping method (if not already shipped) or refund the difference in cost. If the order has been shipped, you may return the item in accordance with our return policy, though please note the cost of shipping is non-refundable.
If you receive an item that was damaged, please contact us within 5 days of delivery. Please save the box and packing material; we will provide further instructions on how best to return the item.
Vendors
If you’d like to know where you can purchase our products locally, please check our store locator to find a location nearest to you. Store Locator
Please visit our contact page to inquire about our vendor application process.