ABSTRACT
Guaiacwood oil should not be confused with guaiacum officinale wood oil, the essential oil obtained from Guaiacum officinale L. The species, called Palo Santo by the local population throughout the Gran Chaco region, is highly valued as a medicinal plant for the many healing powers attributed to infusions brewed from its bark, crust or leaves. The plant is said to have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, bactericidal, antitumor and serum lipid lowering properties. The oil has a soft rose-like odor, and has thus been used as an adulterant for rose oil. The oil of Palo Santo is also highly valued in aromatherapy to which the following advantages are attributed: mood uplifting, helpful for meditation and rest, improvement of mental clarity, calming, relaxing, stress and tension reduction. Contact allergy to guaiacwood oil has been reported in two publications, but no cases of allergic contact dermatitis from the oil have been identified.
