Copaiba essential oil is renowned for its healing properties, specifically as a natural solution for pain relief and its sweet aroma. It has become a must-have essential oil with impressive health benefits ranging from treating pain and inflammation to skincare, lowering blood pressure, and boosting respiratory health. Copaiba essential oil is also used in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes. Let us know more about this wonderful, traditional essential oil.
What is copaiba essential oil used for?
Derived from the trees of the Copaifera genus by steam distilling the gum resin of the trees, copaiba essential oil has been in use since the 16th century. The resin’s color depends on the oil inside, but it should look pale yellow once it is distilled. Should you taste it, it should be slightly bitter, and the aroma should remind you of the balsam of the tree.
In South Africa, the resin is used in many ways, like burning it for spiritual purposes, and is available at local markets. Though traditionally used as a potent anti-inflammatory medicine, the modern world uses Copaiba as a lacquer or varnish.
11 Health benefits of copaiba essential oil
Practically unknown to the Western world, copaiba essential oil has been used for centuries to cure many conditions, many of which have been scientifically studied and proven. We present 11 health benefits of adding copaiba essential oil to your medical cabinet.
1. Skin tightening
Copaiba essential oil should be a part of everyone’s skincare routine, given its immense benefits. It has properties that can shrink or constrict body tissues, much like an astringent, and give your skin a firm, tightened look. Your skin looks younger with regular copaiba essential oil, wrinkles fade, and you gain confidence.
2. Scars Removal
Acne scars are stubborn – no matter how many cosmetics you use, they seem to stay put. However, copaiba essential oil has anti-septic properties that curb pimples and acne from appearing on the skin and work effectively on scars, even though they are ages old. In traditional medicine, copaiba essential oil is specifically used to eliminate the appearance of other scars and fasten their healing. It can even be used to lighten stretch marks caused after pregnancy. (1)
3. Copaiba Essential Oil for Pain
Copaiba essential oil has been used as a natural pain reliever for centuries by the people of the Amazon area. It has properties that can even cure headaches and migraine pains, whether taken in aromatherapy or applied topically. A study on rats concluded a positive response of the oil in blocking the stimuli of painful body cells. (2)
4. Powerful anti-inflammatory action
The main component that makes copaiba oil an excellent anti-inflammatory agent is the presence of beta-caryophyllene – the anti-inflammatory agent renowned for its analgesic properties. (3) In Brazil, people use it as their go-to natural solution for inflammation – with positive results.
5. To boost respiratory health
For people suffering from respiratory issues, copaiba oil is used in aromatherapy. When inhaled, the decisive anti-inflammatory action of the oil loosens the muscles and glands responsible for causing congestion and irritation. It also has a soothing action on the respiratory system, boosting its function and health.
6. Copaiba for preventing infection
Copaiba is effective against skin and oral infections and can also be used as an immunity booster, given its strong anti-septic and anti-bacterial properties. Externally, it forms a protective layer that prevents any wounds or infections from getting infected. Internal Copaiba essential oil eliminates harmful bacteria and microorganisms that may affect your health negatively.
7. Best Essential Oil for Relaxation
The modern life that we lead today makes it challenging to be happy. There are stressors, disappointments, and negativity that affect us, causing us to be irritated with one and all. In aromatherapy, copaiba essential oil is used to lighten the mood, elevate the spirits, and make you feel happy, calm, and composed. The aroma of Copaiba essential oil balances the mind and makes you start your day positively.
8. Copaiba is a diuretic
Copaiba can help you detoxify your body by stimulating increased urination. Often used to flush out toxins and other harmful bacteria from the body, Copaiba essential oil can cleanse your liver and give your digestive system a boost. With expert guidance, you can use Copaiba to treat incontinence and bedwetting. It can also help treat urinary tract infections.
9. Keeps blood pressure in control
Copaiba essential oil also benefits the cardiovascular system, boosts heart health, and reduces strain on your blood vessels. It can lower blood pressure when used in aromatherapy or as an essential oil. It also relieves the cardiovascular system of strain and stress. The anti-inflammatory and calming effect on the nerves makes Copaiba a great choice for blood pressure and related issues. (4)
10. Oral healthcare
Most essential oils are not used orally. However, Copaiba can be used to maintain excellent oral health with a little caution. It has been studied to be safe as a root canal sealer and has been found to have bacteriostatic properties against the human mouth bacteria Streptococcus mutans. It may be mentioned here that Streptococcus mutans is the main cause of tooth decay. Copaiba essential oil inhibited the reproduction of Streptococcus mutans, making it a useful agent to prevent cavities. (5)
11. Boost liver health with copaiba
The liver damage caused by paracetamol or acetaminophen like Tylenol can be controlled by copaiba essential oil. Acetaminophen in high dosage can induce abnormalities in liver function, acute liver failure, and sometimes, even death. When Copaiba was administered in controlled dosages on rats for 7 days, after inducing liver damage due to acetaminophen, the liver damage was noted to be reduced (6). However, it is strongly advised to consult a practitioner expert before taking Copaiba essential oil for the liver.
Copaiba essential oil side effects
Although mainly considered safe in average amounts, copaiba essential oil can be highly unsafe if taken as a medicine. It should be strictly taken with the advice of a healthcare professional. It can cause stomach issues like diarrhea, pain, and vomiting.
- Always use diluted copaiba oil with a carrier oil before applying it topically
- Never ingest copaiba oil unless under the guidance of an expert
- If inhaling the oil, ensure you do not overdo it and practice the same under an expert aromatherapist.
Always seek your doctor’s advice before using it as a medicine. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, exercise caution.
References
- Valdir F. Veiga Jr, Luciano Zunino – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ptr.976
- Departamento de Farmacologia Básica e Clínica, ICB, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17029841
- Departamento de Quimica, Instituto de Ciencias Exatas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas, Brazil – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17446019
- Department of Pharmacology. Institute de Ciencias Biomedicas Brazil – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0378874188902358?&utm_medium=25481
- Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Vicosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil – https://www.scielo.br/j/bdj/a/zF8Bt8FsSVdKD7z7GjxNS4y/?lang=en
- School of Medicine, State University of Para (UEPA), Brazil – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23842934
