One of the BEST anti-inflammatory Substances in the World: Copaiba!
Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaiba (pronounced: Ko-pah-ee-bah) essential oil, though not very well known, has been used by the indigenous peoples of South America for hundreds if not thousands of years.
What is Copaiba Essential Oil?
It is derived from the balsamic resin of the copaiba trees that are native to the Amazon rainforest. These giant trees secrete a viscous and tacky liquid known as oleoresin. This resinous material is extracted from the massive trunk of the tree by tapping. It is then steam distilled to produce the essential oil with a slightly bitter taste and a mild woodsy fragrance that is reminiscent of balsam. It blends well with lavender, ylang ylang, vanilla, and citrus oils.
What are some Benefits of Copaiba Essential Oil?
- Strong anti-inflammatory and pain reliever
- Supports hormonal balance and mood enhancer
- Reduces swelling and irritation
- Immune system booster
- Helps to calm and soothe the nervous system
- Improves sore throat
- Aids stomach distress
- Reduces irritation from insect bites
- Oral health care
- Magnifies the effects of other oils
- Has been known to fade scars
- Helps to regenerate collagen
A Powerful Anti-Inflammatory:
Copaiba oil is considered to be one of the BEST natural anti-inflammatory substances in the world. Giving most pharmaceutical knock offs a run for their money in comparison of benefits and associated side effects. There are several sources that claim it can eliminate inflammation all together (Mary Tylor Naturals is NOT making any claims but rather just relaying research conducted).
Copaiba is very high in Beta-Caryophyllene (ß-caryophyllene or BCP), at about 55-60% compared to Clove and Helichyrsum essential oils at ~5-12%. ß-caryophyllene is a terpene found in essential oils like basil, cinnamon, oregano, clove, hops, black pepper, rosemary, cannabis, helichrysum. This terpene contributes to the highly aromatic qualities of the plants its found in. ß-caryophyllene contributes to the overall effects of the plant by way of the entourage effect (interacting with and changing how other molecules in the plant affect the body) and acts at the CB2 receptor in our endocannabinoid system (a complex system of fat-based molecules, receptors, and enzymes that maintains homeostasis in the body) to reduce inflammation and neuropathic pain response without causing any side effects and without any signs of tolerance with prolonged treatment.
Skin Benefits:
As the perfect addition to one’s natural skin care routine, Copaiba essential oil is amazing for all skin types. As mentioned above, copaiba oil is one of the BEST natural anti-inflammatory substances in the world. It will help you regenerate healthier looking and firmer feeling skin (it regenerates collagen).
Many people have found Copaiba to reduce scars and stretchmarks, as well as smoothing them out, not just fading their appearance. For this benefit, long-term use is required. Dilute in a skin-loving carrier oil and apply the mixture to the skin daily until the marks fade.
To add to the many skin benefits of Copaiba Essential Oil, it contains many antibacterial, anti-fungal, properties that can do wonders for common chronic skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Adding a few drops to a damp cotton ball and applying it to the affected areas of your skin will soothes the inflammation and redness and reduce the pimples associated with acne (and psoriasis for the aforementioned).