Copaiba (copafeira reticulate)
An exceptional anti-inflammatory essential oil
Copaiba oil is fast becoming one of my favourite Young Living good health products. It is sold in Amazon pharmacies and has been used for 800 years in folk medicine. Copaiba is still on the FDA GRASS (generally regarded as safe) list. The resin bleeds from a cut in the tree, similar to rubber latex or maple syrup. Most other companies sell the resin NOT the essential oil.
Medical Properties: Extremely anti-inflammatory, expectorant, antitumoral, antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, natural antibiotic, diuretic, antiparasitic, gastro protective (protects the gastric tract, wound healer, demulcent activity to sooth dry and inflamed skin.
Historically Copaiba has been used for digestive complaints such as stomach ulcers, gastritis, stomach infections and stress induced gastric ulcers, bronchitis, fibromyalgia, muscle pain and inflammation and mixed with a little honey for a sore throat. Copaiba oil is rich in essential fatty acids and is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its' antiseptic, antibacterial, antiinflammatory and skin healing properties. Topically it has been used as a protective agent against skin cancer, melanoma and tumor growth, for haemorrhoids and Meniere's disease - the oil was rubbed behind the ears and on the back then a few drops under the tongue also.
Copaiba is an exceptional anti-inflammatory, containing 55% of B-caryophyllene (giving it the highest anti-inflammatory analgesic compounds in an essential oil). Fukuoka et al 1999-2044, Eur J Pharmacol. 2007 Aug 27. The B-caryophyllene level found in Clove oil 6.8% and Helichrysum is 8.12%. In clinical practice I have found that applying Young Living Copaiba oil and Aroma Siez blend to stiff and sore muscles has worked better that any other combination that I have used to date and it leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
Marc Schreuder (director of Product formulation Young Living) has been studying Copaiba extensively for the past eight years and describes it as Helichrysum on steroids. Copaiba is now his favourite essential oil with Frankincense being at number two. When used in combination, the high sesquiterpenes in these two oils makes the highest spiritual and emotional blend. Marc discusses Copaiba as being six times better than Sandalwood for emotional support. He also uses Copaiba with a little peppermint topically for pain.
Dose: The adult dose of Copaiba is up to ½ a teaspoon twice daily in capsules or mixed with agave nectar. It is not really an essential oil for diffusing.
Copaiba is sold as a single oil and is also contained in the Young Living Roll On's called Deep Relief and Breathe Again.