Copaiba oil – a mysterious oil, with many properties and uses

Essential oils are widely used in modern medicine. Known for hundreds, or even thousands, of years, they offer a range of health benefits. As they differ in their active ingredients, each one possesses unique properties. One such oil is the mysterious Amazonian Copaiba oil, known for its rich aromatic notes as well as its traditional health benefits. What is worth knowing about this health-promoting extract, its properties and possible uses?

Copaiba oil – what is it?

The resin used to produce Copaiba oil is harvested from theCopaifera officinalis tree, native to South America. This species grows in tropical regions, particularly in Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia and Costa Rica.

To extract the resin from the Copaiba tree, local specialists pierce the tree, creating small holes from which the tree’s life-giving sap flows. The resin is then usually steam-distilled to concentrate the essential oil. It is worth noting that the indigenous tribes of the Amazon basin, including the Nukini, have developed sustainable extraction methods that protect the trees whilst yielding high-quality Copaiba oil.

Copaiba oil itself is considered one of the best natural anti-inflammatory agents, with analgesic and antimicrobial properties. Traditional medicine uses the oil to relieve pain, prevent infections and promote healing.

In today’s world, the essential oil features on the ingredient lists of many personal hygiene and skincare products. Like the resin, the essential oil is used in the preparation of natural pharmaceutical formulations.

South American Copaiba – what does it smell like?

Copaiba oil is characterised by a delicate, woody aroma produced during the distillationof resin fromthe Copaifera officinalis tree. The oil’s scent is due to its high beta-caryophyllene content, which is known for its sweet fragrance profile that helps create a relaxing atmosphere.

Copaiba oil – what are its properties?

Copaiba oil is rich in sesquiterpenes, such as beta-caryophyllene and beta-bisabolene, which are the active compounds responsible for its properties:

• Therapeutic
• Antiseptic
• Antibacterial
• Diuretic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Healing
• Expectorant
• Analgesic
• Anti-rheumatic
• Anti-diarrhoeal

Some clinical studies have indicated that Copaiba oil may possess properties that help in the prevention of tuberculosis.

Copaiba oil also enhances the effects of other essential oils. As an essential oil, it can be combined with other oils such as lavender, rose or jasmine. It enhances their properties whilst retaining its own unique characteristics.

Copaiba oil – where can it be used?

Various studies have shown that Copaiba has exceptional antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The oil can therefore be used wherever inflammation is the main cause of an illness or ailment. Furthermore, the oil can be used as:

• Anti-inflammatory – theoil helps reduce the production of molecules associated with inflammation. Furthermore, it inhibits the activity of free radicals, which are directly linked to oxidative stress. Copaiba oil also helps reduce the number of cells causing inflammation;
• Personal hygiene aid –even in low doses, the oil can inhibit the growthofharmful bacteria. Studies conducted on bacteria such as staphylococci and streptococci have shown that regular use of the oil can combat bacteria on the skin, feet and teeth;
• An alternative to painkillers –Copaiba oil is a natural alternative to synthetically produced painkillers. Some studies suggest that it is more effective at reducing pain caused by arthritis than other conventional treatments;
• Helps improve skin health –thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, the oil is particularly beneficial for those struggling with acne-prone skin. It also helps brighten the skin; when used as an additive to a cream or toner, it ensures a smoother, clearer and more radiant complexion;
• A natural liver detoxifier –Copaiba oil may reduce liver damage caused by the common use of painkillers. Researchers have also found that these effects are consistently observed, even when the oil is used preventatively.

Copaiba oil for sinusitis – is it helpful?

Copaiba essential oil is remarkably versatile. Used to improve health and well-being, it can also be a useful ally in combating blocked or inflamed sinuses.

When diffused or inhaled as steam, it clears the upper respiratory tract, helping the body to fight off any existing sinus infections, such as those commonly encountered during seasonal changes. What’s more, the oil can also help treat bronchitis and a chronic cough. By relaxing the sinuses, facial muscles and mucous membranes, it supports normal breathing processes, reducing the unpleasant symptoms associated with sinus problems.

Copaiba oil in aromatherapy – what are its characteristics?

Due to its pleasant scent, Copaiba oil is a common choice in aromatherapy. It is also in this context that the full potential of beta-caryophyllene can be harnessed, revealing its fascinating neurological properties.

When diffused throughout a room or used in steam inhalation, the oil offers a wide range of therapeutic benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anxiolytic effects.

Various studies on aromatherapy using Copaiba oil have also shown that the oil may offer an interesting alternative for those struggling with mild episodes of depression or anxiety disorders. The oil’s stress-relieving and relaxing effect on the central nervous system promotes a positive mood and helps to strengthen the immune system.

It is worth noting that the oil’s broad range of effects means it is also used as an effective means of improving indoor air quality. It promotes a good night’s sleep, even amongst those suffering from insomnia.

Copaiba essential oil – price, origin and scent

Copaiba essential oil is an extremely versatile remedy offering a range of health benefits. Choosing the right oil is no easy task, so it’s important to ask yourself a few questions before purchasing the right product:

• Where does it come from?Copaibaoilshould be extracted fromthe resinof theCopaifera officinalistree, which grows wild in South America.
• How much does it cost?Theaverageprice of the oil depends on its availability and quality.
• What does it smell like?Ifthe oil does not have a woody, delicate, yet sweet and spicy aroma, it is not the oil we are looking for.

Copaiba oil – what are the reviews like?

Both the oil and the resin from theCopaiferatree are known for their rich history, safety and a range of beneficial therapeutic properties. The indigenous peoples of the Amazon praise its healing properties, which help prevent frequent infections following insect bites and soothe pain and inflammation.

Meanwhile, those who use the oil in aromatherapy particularly recommend it for its unique, one-of-a-kind scent, as well as the range of health benefits available through external use.

‘Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions of Copaiba Oil Are Related to Liver Cell Modifications in Arthritic Rats’ – C. V. Castro Ghizoni et al., the scientific journal *Journal of Cellular Biochemistry*, Wiley, 2017.

“Antimicrobial activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera ssp.) on oral pathogens: Systematic review” – A. L. Diefenbach, F. Muniz, H. Oballe, C. K. Rösing, *Phytotherapy Research*, Wiley, 2017.

‘Antimicrobial activity of copaiba oil: A review and a call for further research’ – P. Lie Tobouti, T. C. de Andrade Martins, T. J. Pereira, M. C. Martins Mussi, scientific journal *Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy*, Elsevier, 2017.

“Application of the Essential Oil from Copaiba (Copaifera langsdorffii Desf.) for Acne Vulgaris: a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial” – A. Gomes da Silva et al., the scientific journal *Alternative Medicine Review: a Journal of Clinical Therapeutics*, Altmedrev, 2012.

“Chitosan/gelatin/copaiba oil emulsion formulation and its potential for controlling the growth of pathogenic bacteria” – C. A. Marangon et al., the scientific journal *Industrial Crops and Products*, Elsevier, 2017.

“Copaiba Oil Suppresses Inflammatory Cytokines in Splenocytes of C57Bl/6 Mice Induced with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE)” – D. S. Dias et al., scientific journal *Molecules*, MDPI, 2014.

“Polyphenols, antioxidants, and antimutagenic effects of Copaifera langsdorffii fruit” – A. G. Batista et al., the scientific journal *Food Chemistry*, Elsevier, 2016.