Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaifera reticulata, officinalis, coriacea and langsdorffii
Copaiba oil is an essential oil derived from various species of trees in the Copaifera genus. These trees are native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of South America. Copaiba oil has a long history of traditional use among indigenous peoples in the Amazon basin and has gained popularity in the natural health and wellness community in recent years due to its potential therapeutic properties.
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History
Copaiba oil has a rich history of use among indigenous tribes in South America, including the Amazon rainforest. The resin obtained from these Copaifera trees has been used for centuries for various purposes. Indigenous peoples have traditionally used Copaiba resin and oil for medicinal, ceremonial, and practical purposes.
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Traditional Uses
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Medicinal Uses: Indigenous communities have used Copaiba oil to treat a wide range of health issues. It was often applied topically to skin irritations and used internally to support respiratory health, digestive issues, and more.
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Ceremonial and Spiritual Uses: Some indigenous tribes have incorporated Copaiba resin and oil into their spiritual and shamanic practices. The fragrant resin was often burned as incense during rituals and ceremonies.
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Practical Uses: Copaiba resin was also used for practical purposes, such as waterproofing canoes and as a sealant for containers.
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Plant Description
The Copaifera genus includes several species of tall, tropical trees that are part of the Fabaceae family. These trees are known for their ability to produce a resinous sap, which is harvested to extract Copaiba oil. Here is a general description of the Copaifera trees:
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Height: Copaifera trees can grow to impressive heights, often reaching 50 meters (approximately 164 feet) or more.
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Leaves: The leaves of Copaifera trees are pinnate, meaning they consist of multiple leaflets arranged in a feather-like pattern along a central stem.
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Flowers: Copaifera trees produce small, inconspicuous flowers that vary in color depending on the species. These flowers are typically pollinated by insects.
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Fruit: The fruit of Copaifera trees is a pod-like structure that contains seeds. The pods may be ovoid or elongated, depending on the species.
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Resin Production: The most distinctive feature of Copaifera trees is their resin production. When the bark of the tree is injured or punctured, it exudes a sticky resin. This resin is collected and processed to obtain Copaiba oil.
Copaiba oil is known for its unique composition, which includes high levels of beta-caryophyllene, a natural compound with potential soothing properties. It has gained popularity in aromatherapy and natural medicine as an essential oil with a variety of potential health benefits.
Take a Closer Look
Aromatic Description
Spicy, woody
Collection Method
Steam distillation
Plant Part
Resin from Copaifera reticulata, officinalis, coriacea, and langsdorffii
Main Constituents
Caryophylene
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Directions for Use
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Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.
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Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
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Topical use: Dilute one to two drops with a carrier oil, then apply to desired area. See additional precautions below.
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Uses
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Add 1 to 2 drops to water, juice, or tea to support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory system.
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Provides antioxidant support when ingested.
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Take internally to help soothe and calm the nervous system.
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Apply topically combined with a carrier oil or a facial moisturizer to help keep skin clean and clear, and to help reduce the appearance of blemishes
Primary Benefits
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: Copaiba oil contains beta-caryophyllene, which may regulate many important pathways relevant to healthy inflammatory response.
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Tension Relief: It is often used topically to provide relief from minor aches and tension.
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Skin Care: Copaiba oil can be used as a natural cleaner to clean and protect minor irritations and blemishes.
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Skin Health: Applied topically, it may help promote healthy skin and address minor skin issues like blemishes and pimples.
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Respiratory Support: Inhaling Copaiba oil vapor may offer respiratory support by promoting clear airways.
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Oral Health: Some people use Copaiba oil for oral health, including gum health.
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Digestive Comfort: Copaiba oil may provide digestive support when diluted and applied topically to the abdomen or taken internally.
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Achy Joints: Topical application may offer relief for sore or stiff joints.
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Muscle Relaxation: Copaiba oil may help relax muscles when used in massages or diluted in a carrier oil.
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Hair Care: It is sometimes used in hair products for its potential to promote scalp health and improve the appearance of hair.
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Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
10 ways to use copaiba oil
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Tension Relief: Copaiba oil is known for its soothing properties and can be applied topically to alleviate minor aches and tension.
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Healthy Inflammatory Response: apply it topically or use internally.
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Skin Health: Copaiba oil can be used in skincare routines to promote healthy skin. It may help soothe irritated skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes.
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Antioxidant Support: Add a few drops to water or an empty veggie capsule and take daily.
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Respiratory Support: Inhaling Copaiba oil or using it in a diffuser may provide respiratory support and help clear stuffiness.
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Digestive Comfort: Copaiba oil can be diluted and applied topically to the abdomen to support digestive comfort.
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Oral Health: Some people use Copaiba oil for oral health, including gum issues, although it should be used with caution and properly diluted for this purpose.
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Stress Reduction: Diffusing Copaiba oil in an aromatherapy diffuser may help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
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Mood Enhancement: It can be used in aromatherapy to improve mood and create a sense of calm and well-being.
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Natural Perfume: Copaiba oil has a pleasant, woody scent and can be used as a natural perfume or cologne.
diy recipes with copaiba oil
Soothing Muscle Rub
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons of carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, jojoba oil)
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5 drops Copaiba essential oil
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5 drops Lavender essential oil
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5 drops Peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
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Mix all the essential oils into the carrier oil.
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Massage the blend onto sore muscles and joints for relief.
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2. Relaxing Bath Blend
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup Epsom salt
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10 drops Copaiba essential oil
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5 drops Lavender essential oil
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3 drops Frankincense essential oil
Instructions:
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Mix the essential oils with Epsom salt.
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Add the mixture to a warm bath and soak for relaxation and stress relief.
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3. Skin-Soothing Salve
Ingredients:
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1/4 cup coconut oil
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1 tablespoon beeswax pellets
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10 drops Copaiba essential oil
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5 drops Tea Tree essential oil
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5 drops Lavender essential oil
Instructions:
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In a double boiler, melt coconut oil and beeswax together.
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Remove from heat, stir in the essential oils, and pour the mixture into a container.
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Let it cool and solidify. Apply to minor skin irritations and dry skin.
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4. Respiratory Relief Steam
Ingredients:
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1-2 cups of hot water
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5 drops Copaiba essential oil
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3 drops Eucalyptus essential oil
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2 drops Peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
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Boil water and pour it into a heatproof bowl.
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Add the essential oils to the hot water.
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Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl, inhaling the steam to ease respiratory congestion.
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5. Refreshing Aromatherapy Roll-On
Ingredients:
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10 mL (1/3 oz) rollerball bottle
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7 drops Copaiba essential oil
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5 drops Lemon essential oil
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3 drops Peppermint essential oil
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Carrier oil (e.g., fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil)
Instructions:
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Add the specified number of drops of each essential oil into the rollerball bottle.
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Fill the rest of the bottle with your chosen carrier oil, leaving a little space at the top.
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Cap the rollerball bottle and roll it between your palms to mix the oils thoroughly.
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Apply the roll-on blend to your wrists, temples, or neck for a refreshing and invigorating aroma.
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This roll-on blend can provide a burst of energy and mental clarity. The Copaiba oil adds a grounding and soothing element to the blend, making it a great choice for quick aromatherapy on the go.
essential emotions & spirituality
Copaiba - The Oil of Unveiling
Emotional Benefits
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Stress Reduction: Copaiba oil is often used in aromatherapy to help alleviate stress and promote a sense of calm and relaxation.
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Anxious Feelings: The soothing aroma of Copaiba oil may help reduce feelings of overwhelm and tension.
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Mood Enhancement: Some individuals find that Copaiba oil has mood-lifting properties and can help improve overall emotional well-being.
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Emotional Balance: Copaiba oil is used by some to support emotional balance and stability during times of emotional turmoil.
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Sleep Support: Diffusing Copaiba oil before bedtime may aid in improving sleep quality, helping to create a more relaxed atmosphere conducive to rest.
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Spiritual Benefits
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Meditation and Mindfulness: Copaiba oil's calming and grounding properties make it a popular choice for meditation and mindfulness practices, helping individuals connect with their inner selves.
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Enhanced Spiritual Awareness: Some individuals use Copaiba oil to enhance their spiritual awareness and deepen their spiritual experiences.
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Energy Cleansing: Copaiba oil is believed by some to have purifying properties that can help cleanse negative energy and promote a sense of clarity and purity.
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Connection to Nature: Copaiba oil's origin in the Amazon rainforest is significant to many who view it as a way to connect with the natural world and its healing energies.
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Sacred Rituals: In some spiritual traditions, Copaiba oil is incorporated into sacred rituals and ceremonies to invoke positive energies and intentions.
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Negative Emotions: Shameful, guilty, regretful, self-loathing, less than, unworthy, suppressed emotions, rebelling
positive properties: Patient, empathetic, kind, tolerant, fidelity, calm, intimate, sexual desire, resilient, cooperative, committed.
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Don't have this oil?
Substitutes may include:​
Frankincense, Myrrh, Cedarwood, Vetiver
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copaiba oil affirmations
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**I am grounded and centered like the Copaiba tree, finding strength in my roots and stability in my being.
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**Copaiba's soothing essence flows through me, calming my mind and releasing tension from my body.
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**I embrace the healing energy of Copaiba, allowing it to promote balance and harmony within me.
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**With Copaiba by my side, I am resilient in the face of challenges, and I approach life with calm determination.
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**I open myself to the spiritual wisdom of Copaiba, connecting with the natural world and nurturing my inner peace.
These affirmations can be used during meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply as positive statements to promote a sense of well-being and connectedness with Copaiba's grounding qualities.
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What are affirmations?
Affirmations are positive statements or phrases that are used to challenge and overcome negative or self-limiting beliefs, thoughts, or self-talk. They are a form of self-improvement and self-help technique designed to promote a more positive and optimistic mindset. Affirmations are typically used to:
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Promote Positive Thinking: Affirmations help individuals focus on positive aspects of themselves, their lives, and their potential.
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Boost Self-Esteem: They can be used to build self-confidence and improve self-worth by reinforcing positive qualities and abilities.
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Overcome Negative Beliefs: Affirmations challenge and replace negative or self-sabotaging thoughts and beliefs with more constructive ones.
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Reduce Stress and anxious feelings: Positive affirmations can help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and calmness.
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Achieve Goals: When used in goal-setting, affirmations can reinforce a belief in one's ability to achieve their goals and aspirations.
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Enhance Motivation: They can provide motivation and encouragement to pursue personal growth and self-improvement.
Affirmations are typically repeated regularly, either silently or aloud, to reinforce the desired positive mindset. They are most effective when they are:
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Present Tense: Affirmations are often phrased as if the desired outcome is already happening or true. For example, "I am confident and capable" rather than "I will be confident and capable."
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Positive: They should focus on what you want to achieve or manifest rather than what you want to avoid or eliminate. For example, "I am healthy and vibrant" instead of "I am not sick."
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Specific: The more specific the affirmation, the more powerful it can be. Instead of a vague affirmation like "I am successful," you might say, "I am successful in my career and personal life."
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Believable: It's essential to choose affirmations that resonate with you and feel believable. If you don't believe the affirmation, it may not have the desired effect.
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Repetitive: Affirmations are most effective when repeated consistently, ideally on a daily basis, to reinforce the positive mindset.
Affirmations can be a valuable tool for improving one's mental outlook, increasing self-confidence, and fostering a more optimistic and resilient attitude toward life's challenges.
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CBD vs Copaiba​
This episode Dr. David Hill, Founding Executive of doTERRA, looks at CBD and Copaiba and will answer questions like: What is CBD oil? and What is the difference between CBD and Copaiba? He'll also explain why you would choose Copaiba over CBD.
What we know
The endocannabinoid system is a resolute system. We know all there is to know about CB1 and CB2, we know where the interact in the body. We know that there's the greater preponderance of CB2 in the periphery, for example and that CB 1 receptors are more centralized and that they have very specific functions. The whole endocannabinoid system for example is very influential all throughout the body because of this wide distribution and the variation that exists between those different types of receptors.
Cb2 Receptors
CB2 receptors, which is where most of discussion seems to be focused and centralized, really deals a lot with the body's immune capability, how the body is able to monitor and control inflammatory responses appropriately. Even lots of discussion and information showing and defining how the endocannabinoid system is very influential in helping to control different levels and forms of discomfort that we might experience. All of this factors together to mean that that system must hold some real value for us. And so of course there's a lot of enthusiasm that seems to be present.
Cannabinoids
The body is self-sustaining in a lot of ways and so we probably don't need to spend a lot of time talking about the cannabinoids that our body produces on its own. But instead let's talk about those that we find in an outside source and specifically talking about CBD and talking about Copaiba essential oil. Now when we talk about those it really becomes a question of how do we best influence this system within the body? We know that it's meaningful. We know that it's powerful and we know that its influence is needed. So how do we best create that influence? Right now, there's a lot of discussion about CBD and its influence within that system. But I have continually spoken to and will I think forever more be in this camp between the two that I think Copaiba is a much better solution. And I'll tell you some of the reasons why. Influence of a receptor or influence into a system is always a process of how it's best influenced or what it is that happens within that system.
What is cbd?
There's some distinct differences between CBD and between Copaiba essential oil that I keep referring to it as CBD and Copaiba essential oil because in fact Copaiba is an essential oil where CBD is not an essential oil. It is a botanical; it's an isolated molecule. It does come from a hemp plant or it does come from marijuana in all of its different forms. It's a botanical that's housed within that plant, but it's not an essential oil. One of the things that we know in a most basic sense is that essential oils behave very differently in the body. This is no exception. People sometimes refer to it as CBD oil because that molecule as it's isolated is isolated and then combined with some type of a carrier oil so mistakenly referred to it as an essential oil. But know that this is isolated chemistry that's combined with or put in some other type of a product. Maybe that's not such a bad thing. So we have to look at all of the characteristics that exist with CBD.
Indirect Receptor Stimulation
One of the things that exists with CBD which makes it a little bit different and not exactly like what we would experience with Copaiba is essential oil is it's actually an indirect activity. We know that to stimulate the endocannabinoid system we have to stimulate those individual receptors and indirect activity means that it doesn't just go directly to that receptor. Instead it goes through a whole process of activity that eventually may stimulate that receptor. Now a receptor is an all or nothing principle, either it's stimulated or it isn't, but how readily that stimulation takes place, or that activity takes place, within the body I think is an important consideration. That becomes an issue of several factors including the amount that's present. One of the things that's unique about this as an isolated compound is that we generally don't see it in very high amounts. Very minimal amounts in terms of the dosage and that may not be substantial enough to create the benefits that we look for consistently. And so it's this shortened activation or a cascade of activation that has to take place, and then we have some question about dosage.
What are the Longterm Effects of cbd?
And then the other thing that really occurs within, there's a lot of study that's been done, but it's not study that's necessarily focused exclusively on CBD and its interaction with the body, and we really don't know long term effects and benefits associated with that. Is CBD Legal? The other issue is that, at least to some degree, there is some regulatory challenge that exists. While many states have said that you can have this, the federal government to date still has not.
Copaiba Essential Oil
And so, all of those things combined together for me personally, really begins to cause some question. Now, when we compare that to what we see with Copaiba essential oil it really becomes very, very different. This is an essential oil. And one of the things we know about essential oils is that we have a complete plant chemistry. In doTERRA that's the whole cycle, that's the whole process that exists around CPTG® and all the things that we do with that.
Direct Receptor Stimulation
We have direct receptor activity. So our interaction with the receptor is not dependent on some other thing that's happening within the body. It can happen very quickly, and we have direct response. Direct interaction with that receptor. One of the things that's really been interesting to me as we look at some of the science is very small amounts of Copaiba essential oil can actually be very effective. As little as five milligrams, which is really less than one drop, of Copaiba essential oil can have very dramatic effects. And so I like that we have not only consistent interaction, but we have small amounts of dosing that's required to create that interaction.
Does Copaiba work?
And there are more than a thousand published studies that are talking directly about Copaiba and its influence within human physiology and some of the activity that way. So it's not necessarily that CBD oil in and of itself or all by itself somehow is just mismatched and we shouldn't give it any consideration. I don't think any of us are saying that. I think it's more of a wait and see model. Let's see what we find out in the long term. Let's see how it is influential. But what we know right now is even if CBD didn't have any of those obstacles by comparison Copaiba essential oil is different. It is an essential oil. Here we have four species of Copaiba blended together the chemistry and the construct of that is completely different including that's primarily sesquiterpene. And one of the great values of sesquiterpenes, and of course you know I'm going to talk about chemistry; I have to do that. One of the great things about sesquiterpenes is that we have the potential for many downstream effects and benefits. In other words secondary metabolites and even tertiary metabolites longer lasting effects and benefits. And don't forget we get this direct activity in response with the system itself with very small amounts. So, this means that it's perfect for using with a model of consistency.
Purity and Potency
Now I always when I think about Copaiba versus CBD, or frankly any other thing that right now kind of fits into that category, there's four ways that I always think about it. One is purity. Nothing is more important with an essential oil, or frankly any product, than is purity. One of the major differences that we see between Copaiba essential oil the way that doTERRA is supplying it is beyond just the chemistry and beyond the potency, which is the second P, it's the potency and the purity of CBD is in question all of the time. We're not really sure of the benefits of that and we don't really know where the dosage levels are and where the efficacy comes from. Impurity comes into question because our discovery has led us to believe that because it exists in such small amounts most of the product that we see in the marketplace in order to have enough present to be deemed as a value is really being derived more synthetically, and we don't have to have this debate about the difference between something natural in the body and something more synthetic in the body.
Price
So purity potency. The other thing that I think is remarkable is price. Copaiba in and of itself is extremely cost effective, especially using it the way that we want to use it with this, which is with consistency. If the endocannabinoid system is as important as we all believe that it is, regardless of what position we take within that process—whether we're a fan of one versus the other, what we're really looking for is consistency. And that means that we have to have some opportunity for a daily use or some opportunity for consistent exposure. The cost difference between the two is substantial and what little we know now currently about dosage with CBD suggests that the cost for that would be in excess of well over one hundred dollars per day. That doesn't make any sense. It's not sustainable. And so what we really get is inconsistent product delivery with very small amounts, and we don't get the efficacy. So why not choose something that the price makes it equitable and makes it usable on a daily basis so that we have constant support into that system?
Pathway
Then the last thing and I get excited about this one is pathway. We've been involved in this for a while now and we're making this wonderful discovery where for the first time the first time in history we have this ability to look at the essential oil, and in this case Copaiba, in its full context, all of the chemistry, everything combined, not an isolated molecule. Everything in context, one with another and we can see pathway. We know where it's going to; we know the influence that it's having within the body.
All Factors Considered
And so when I look at those four factors, all of which are critical in my mind, price, which gives us the ability for consistency of use; potency and purity which gives us confidence within its use and gives us the assurance that we're going to receive the maximum benefit; and then pathway in the understanding that comes from not just having the confidence in the Copaiba essential oil, but in knowing exactly what it's going to do for us. To me it seems like something that we should all gravitate to regardless of what we think otherwise. Copaiba is an essential oil that I believe is at the crux and at the core of what we need to do on a daily basis to help us maintain our health, to support and sustain the body, and all of the things that it must do and especially in the environments we now live in that are so challenging. So a quick invitation to you, learn about Copaiba about essential oil. Learn how to use it, learn how to incorporate it. It is one of my very favorite essential oils.