All about Copaiba Essential Oil & How to Use It

Copaiba Essential Oil’s Profile

Part of the plant extracted: Oleoresin (Balsam)
Botanical name: Copaifera officinalis
Botanical family: Caesalpiniaceae Other name: Copaïba, Amazonian balm, Balsam Copaiba Extraction Method: Copaiba essential oil is made from the copaiba oil-resin. It’s extracted from the oil-resin using a steam distillation process.

( Side note: Do use copaiba oleoresin in preference to the distilled oil, as it is more environmentally friendly – no trees or branches are cut down. The oleoresin is also more useful in healing due to its content of diterpenes such as kaurene, not found in the distilled oil. You can use Copaiba oleoresin just like any other viscous essential oil. It is similar in consistency to sandalwood oil.)

Native country: Brazil
Culture: Wild, Wild picking

Organoleptic properties OF COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL

• Appearance: clear, slightly viscous liquid
• Color: yellow to dark yellow
• Scent Profile: Honey-like, with a subtle woody-sweetness
• Density: 0.89 – 0.95
• Flashpoint: 100 ° C

History background

Oleoresin (balm) traditionally extracted from the heart of the tree. Copaiba oil-resin has been used as a native folk remedy dating back to the 16th century by the tribes of northeastern Brazil. The balsam and its essential oil are used as fixatives in soap perfumes and fragrances. The resin is burned in ceremonies for physical and spiritual healing, and many forms of the extract can be found in nearly every marketplace in South America. Copaiba oleoresin and oil have long been used as a traditional medicine amongst indigenous South American tribes to help with infection, sore throat, blood pressure, respiratory issues, urinary tract infections and to boost the immune system. 

It is still heavily used in Brazil where it is natively grown. 

Composition

Main biochemical constituents observed by Gas chromatography: Exceptional richness in sesquiterpenes.

Sesquiterpenes: beta-caryophyllene (47.16%), germacrene-D (3.01%), alpha-humulene (6.13%), alpha-copaene (5.28%), delta-cadinene (3.58%), trans-alpha-bergamotene (3.99% )

Properties Of COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL

• Anti-inflammation
• Anti Microbial
• Perfect skin-protectants
• Promote wound healing.
• Provide pain relief.
• Soothe skin irritation
• To treat a wide variety of infections, including bladder infections, gonorrhea, and strep throat.

BEAUTY RECIPE WITH COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL

Did you know that copaiba essential oil can make your skin happy? Copaiba essential oil and oleoresin contain large amounts of beta-caryophyllene, a molecule that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in your skin. This causes skin cells to produce beta-endorphin, one of the happiness hormones. Beta-caryophyllene is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent and copaiba is one of the safest oils to use on the skin. It can be very useful in healing, soothing irritation, and treating chronic skin disease.

Robert tisserand, Tisserand institute

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how to use copaiba essential oil

1. SORE MUSCLE BATH SALTS

Combine 1 drop of Copaiba, 1 drop of Peppermint, and 3 drops of Frankincense with 1 tablespoon of Jojoba oil and 1/2 cup of Epsom salts. Stir together and add to running bath water for a relaxing soak.

More EPSOM SALT Related Recipes:

• DIY Bath Salt Recipe
• Treat Yourself a Foot Spa

2. LINIMENT:

Add the following to a 60ml bottle: 10 drops of Copaiba, 5 drops of Peppermint, and 5 drops of Frankincense (Serrata), then fill with Avocado oil. (1.7% dilution)

3. FIRST AID:

In a 30ml bottle add 11 drops of Copaiba, 2 drops of Helichrysum, and 3 drops of Lavender with 30ml fresh aloe vera or store-bought aloe vera gel. Apply 2-3 times a day or as needed to assist the body’s natural process of healing. Shelf life: 1 week (2.7% dilution)

4. ANTI-INFLAMMATION:

To reduce inflammation related to injury, autoimmune disease, arthritis, and respiratory problems. To apply these benefits to your daily needs, try the following:

• Dilute Copaiba to 3% in Coconut oil or Jojoba oil for local inflammation caused by injury or arthritis, and apply to the affected area. If you feel that this application is ineffective after using it for a while, increase the dilution to 5%. You can also try combining Copaiba with other anti-inflammatory oils such as Tamanu and Hemp. 
  • 3% = 9 drops of Copaiba + 15ml or 1 tablespoon of carrier oil
  • 5% = 15 drops of Copaiba + 15ml or 1 tablespoon of carrier oil

5.PAIN RELIEF:

As a complementary medicine, Copaiba may bolster the pain-relieving effects of analgesics. Try the following recipes:

• Combine 7 drops Copaiba and 5 drops Black Pepper essential oil in 15ml (1 tbsp)of Jojoba oil and apply to soothe discomforts, such as joint pain.
• For headaches, apply this topical blend to the temples or skip diluting with a carrier oil and inhale this diffuser blend using an essential oil diffuser. 

6.DIFFUSER BLEND RECIPE:

Of course, there is no better way to enjoy an essential oil than using a diffuser. It is a more direct way to benefits essential oil. This blend will bring you an escape to the rainforest instantly. The woodsy vibes are so relaxing and calming. Diffuse it for 20~30 minutes, 3 times a day.

WHERE TO BUY?

US & International: Plant Therapy

France: Aroma-Zone

How to store it?

Essential oils are sensitive to UV radiation as well as to the gradual evaporation of their constituents. It is therefore imperative to keep your essential oils in colored glass bottles with air-tight closure at a temperature between 5 ° C and 40 ° C.

Precautions

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Not recommended during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
• Use with caution and over a short period.
• Download the general precautions to read before any use of essential oils.
• As a general rule, always make a patch test of your preparation, in the crease of the elbow, at least 48 hours before using it.

Resources

1. Queensland Government. “Diesel Tree Risk Assessment.” Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2010, pp. 1–14, www.daf.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/56959/IPA-Diesel-Tree-Risk-Assessment.pdf.
2. Dias, Débora S. “Copaiba Oil Suppresses Inflammatory Cytokines in Splenocytes of C57Bl/6 Mice Induced with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE).” PubMed Central (PMC), 1 Aug. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6271072.
3. Ghizoni, Cristiane Castro. “Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions of Copaiba Oil Are Related to Liver Cell Modifications in Arthritic Rats.” PubMed, Oct. 2017, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28322470.
4. Teixeira, Francisco Bruno. “Copaiba Oil-Resin (Copaifera Reticulata Ducke) Modulates the Inflammation in a Model of Injury to Rats’ Tongues.” PubMed Central (PMC), June 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5471965.
5. Johnson, Scott A. “A Systematic Review of Essential Oils and the Endocannabinoid System: A Connection Worthy of Further Exploration.” PubMed Central (PMC), May 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246407.\
6. Silva, Ary Gomes. “Application of the Essential Oil from Copaiba (Copaifera Langsdori Desf.) for Acne Vulgaris: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.” PubMed, Mar. 2012, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22502624.
7. Tisserand Institute. “Copaiba Oil | Did You Know That Copaiba Oil Makes Your Skin Happy?” Tisserand Institute, 7 July 2020, tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/copaiba-oil.
8. Plant Therapy copaiba essential oil user’s guide
9. Edens garden copaiba essential oil user’s guide.
10. Wikipedia: Copaiba
11. Leslie Taylor, ND. “The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs” http://www.rain-tree.com/copaiba.htm#.W8d7UBNKiRt

Calleigh

Hi, I am Calleigh, MEng Chemical Engineering and a process engineer, and I'm here to show you how to DIY your skincare and household products with the correct formulation and using only natural ingredients. I believe that eating good food (Yes I have cooking recipes too!) and living in a chemical-free environment are the keys to having a healthy lifestyle. And that doesn't need to be expensive.