Since the 16th century, people have used copaiba in physical and spiritual healing ceremonies. The copaiba tree grows in South America and can reach up to 100 feet tall. Its thick tree trunk provides access to the essential oil through oleoresin, which can be tapped like maple syrup from the maple tree. After the copaiba oleoresin is harvested, it is steam distilled to extract the essential oil.
Copaiba is highly anti-inflammatory, antifungal and an analgesic. Plus, it smells lovely, making it perfect for helping treat a variety of conditions including acne, anxiety, congestion and aches and pains. Below are my favorite ways to use this miraculous oil.
1. Boost your mood
Adding a few drops of copaiba to your diffuser can help improve your mood. It’s earthy and vaguely spicy — if you like frankincense in your diffuser, you’ll likely love copaiba. This oil is similar in chemical composition to cannabinoids. Although there are no psychoactive cannabinoids in copaiba oil, it does have a similar calming effect on the nervous system.
2. Relieve pain
Studies reveal that the main compound in copaiba is beta-caryophyllene, an anti-inflammatory agent that also boasts pain-killing, analgesic properties. Use it with a bit of carrier oil on sore muscles or joints to relieve pain and reduce inflammation at once.
3. Treat migraines
Copaiba’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties make it a highly effective oil for treating headaches, including migraines. Apply it topically to your head and back of the neck for quick relief. You may find that diffusing it helps keep headaches at bay too.
4. Zap zits and prevent wrinkles
Because it is both anti-inflammatory and an antiseptic, copaiba is one of the best oils for combatting acne. It can also help tighten skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. If you have acne scars, you may find that copaiba helps reduce and minimize them in the process.
5. Clear congestion
During allergy season, copaiba may bring you some relief. When the oil is diffused, it helps reduce nasal and sinus inflammation, making it easier to breathe. As a result, congestion clears.
6. Treat athlete’s foot
Fungi cause athlete’s foot and other infections, but copaiba is an effective antifungal agent. Applying copaiba oil to the affected area may speed up the healing process and prevent future fungal infections.
7. Support overall health
When taking this oil internally, be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Once you have the all-clear from your doctor, copaiba oil helps support the respiratory, digestive, nervous, immune and cardiovascular systems. The powerfully antioxidant oil may also help prevent cancer and other diseases.
8. Create your own perfume
Skip commercial perfumes and make your own, using copaiba as a base. It is a magnifier oil, meaning that it enhances the aromas of other essential oils. Pair it with earthy oils like cedarwood, frankincense or sandalwood for a grounding effect. It also blends well with ylang-ylang, rose, jasmine and citrus oils, if you prefer more floral or fruity scents.
Considerations
Some people find copaiba irritates their skin. Be sure to dilute it, and all oils, with a carrier oil of your choice. If copaiba is a new oil to you, test it out on a small part of your skin before using large quantities of it. If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your healthcare provider before using or ingesting copaiba oil as it might cause complications. Finally, be sure to keep copaiba oil away from your eyes, inner ears and any sensitive parts of your body.
Have you used copaiba oil before? If so, let us know about your experience in the comments!
