The chemical constituents of Copahu balm essential oil make it unique. Its main chemical component is beta-caryophyllene, a natural anti-inflammatory similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis.
Botanical name: Copaifera officinalis
- Mode of extraction: distillation of the resin through water vapour
- Active components: beta-caryophyllene
- Aspect: liquid
- Colour: colourless to pale yellow
- Odour: woody, balsamic, slightly smoked, honey
Biochemical constituents
- Sesquiterpen: β-caryophylene (40-70%), germacrene (<10%), α-copaene (2-10%), trans α-bergamotene (<14%), β-bisabolene (<12%)
BOTANIC
Copahu Balm is derived from the Copaia tree, which grows in South America (Amazon) and West Africa. This tree grows to a height of 30 metres, producing yellow flowers and a reddish fruit.
A sacred tree for the Amazonian Amerindians, the copahu tree offers an essential oil that, in addition to being a very powerful anti-inflammatory, transmits all the strength of the forest.
Copahu is collected directly from the resin that flows from the trunk of the tree and is then steam distilled to obtain the essential oil of Copahu Balm, also known as Copaïba. Once distilled, the essential oil produced should be a very pale yellow colour. The taste is slightly bitter and the scent is reminiscent of balsam.
A single tree can yield up to twelve litres of oil per season.
Why use it?
In the case of tendonitis, muscular or articular pains,
its richness in beta-caryophyllene, in particular, gives it great anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Skin diseases (healing but also aseptic effects)
Eczema, wounds, psoriasis, mycosis, sunburn, sores, dermatitis, irritations
Various infections, urinary and respiratory.
It is also used in perfumery for its woody and slightly sweet smell.
Copaïba essential oil: properties and usages
FOR THE SKIN
Antiseptic: it reduces blemishes and is therefore useful for treating acne and blackheads.
Antibacterial: it helps treat skin diseases.
Antifungal: it is effective against mycosis, Candida albicans
Anti-inflammatory: it helps relieve sunburn, burns, stings and is soothing after depilation or after shaving.
Healing: It infuses the body with powerful nutrients and organic compounds that can eliminate the appearance of blisters, marks and blemishes. It accelerates wound healing, promotes scar healing and reduces the visibility of wounds.
Purifying: brightens the complexion and fades blemishes.
Regenerating: it regenerates the cellular tissue.
Astringent: Tightens pores, which can help the skin look younger, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and even strengthens the skin to prevent damage and wounds as the body ages.
FOR GENERAL HEALTH
Relaxing: when inhaled, the soothing nature of Copaiba EO can ease discomfort and relax contracted muscles and glands that may be irritating the respiratory system.
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic ++++: it acts by fixing itself on the receptors of the cannabinoids of type 2 and thus possesses an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect by mimicking the action of the active principles of cannabis for example on these receptors. It is also a great help in case of rusty joints or rheumatism.
Anti-infectious: although it is not its speciality, it can be effective in case of urinary tract infections or cystitis, because it has a strong energetic action on the whole urogenital sphere.
Diuretic: Copaiba EO can help to cleanse the body and detoxify the system by stimulating urination.
Circulatory +++ : It stimulates blood circulation and thus supports the stabilisation of blood pressure. This helps prevent some of the leading causes of stroke and coronary heart disease: add some Copaiba to your aromatherapy ritual or daily essential oil treatment!
ENERGETIC AROMATHERAPY
Mood support
In energetic aromatherapy, Copaiba essential oil has often been used to lighten the mind and improve a negative mood. Its sweet, pleasant honey scent can greatly enhance your day.
A balm for the second chakra:
- is a balancer for the sacral chakra
- transmits all the life force of the forest
- restores self-confidence,
- helps to stand up to adversity and face problems.
As a stimulant of the adrenal glands, its application will restore vitality and courage, especially to very tired and depressed people. Of course, its powerful action on this chakra means that it can also be used in cases of sexual asthenia.
What are its uses?
For the skin
For acne and psoriasis
Add it to your daily cream or apply a few drops of Copaiba EO to the affected areas of your skin.
Its benefits:
- reduce acne and soothe the inflammation and redness associated with acne and psoriasis.
- help moisturise, tone and rejuvenate tired skin. It does this by stimulating the production of collagen in the skin which helps make it firmer and more elastic. In addition to making your skin healthy, Copaiba essential oil will help fight scars and chronic skin conditions.
This oil :
- Penetrates the skin easily.
- Does not leave an oily film.
- is non-comedogenic (will not encourage the formation of unsightly pimples).
For a scar or a wound
For people over the age of 3.
By cutaneous route, 1 drop of Copaiba essential oil in 4 drops of VO and apply on the scar.
In synergy, 2 drops Copaiba EO + 2 drops Lavender EO
Stimulating blood circulation, you can also use it in case of haematoma but is not as effective as helichrysum
For the body
To soothe pain
Due to its incredibly high concentration of beta-caryophyllene, it soothes pain associated with conditions such as lupus, fibromyalgia, arthritis.
Painful muscles and joints, headaches, migraines, backaches, sciatica: dilute Copaiba EO in vegetable oil and massage thoroughly on painful areas (temples, neck, forehead, joints…)
Anti-pain mixture
- 3 drops marjoram EO
- 3 drops basil EO
- 5 drops copaiba EO
- 3 drops frankincense EO
- VO of your choice
In cases of cystitis or other urinary tract infection
Only to be used for people over the age of 3.
By cutaneous route: 1 drop of Copaiba EO in 4 drops of VO and apply by massage to the lower abdomen.
In cases of arthritis, arthrosis and rheumatism
Only for people over the age of 6.
By cutaneous route: 1 drop of Copaiba EO in 4 drops of an Arnica oily macerate to be applied to the painful area with a light massage.
It can replace wintergreen in case of allergy.
For emotions
inhaling the smell of Copaiba promotes a state of mind and helps with anxiety disorders, for better well-being.
This type of EO can be a natural alternative to prescription drugs when it comes to emotional well-being. Even if there is no guarantee that it will work (but the same is true for drugs). On the other hand, Copaiba EO has no side effects and is not addictive. Remember also that what works for one person will not necessarily have the same effect on another.
Oils that mix well with Copaiba: Roman chamomile, cedarwood, sandalwood, frankincense, or Ylang Ylang.
Precaution of usage
This EO is used almost exclusively by cutaneous route, but it may be irritating to the skin.
Do not use it on pregnant women and children under 8 years of age.
When used internally, in very high doses (> 10 grams), copaiba oil causes serious intestinal discomfort: vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea etc.
To remember
Copaiba EO is considered one of the best natural anti-inflammatory substances in the world. It also has antibacterial, analgesic, antifungal, expectorant and antidepressant properties. It aids digestion, heals wounds, stimulates concentration and supports the immune system.
Copaiba an alternative to medical cannabis?
The chemical constituents of Copaiba make it unique. Its main chemical component is beta-caryophyllene, a chemical similar to the cannabinoids found in cannabis that can protect nerve cells and have benefits for the cardiovascular and immune systems.
Medical cannabis, or CBD, is one of the cannabinoids, which is a group of chemicals that activate the cannabis receptors in the human body and positively affect it.
There are 3 different types of cannabinoids:
THC (TetraHydroCannabinol)
THC is the controversial component that interacts with our CB1 receptors and has psychotropic properties (the part of CBD that makes it illegal in many countries). In addition, THC has these negative side effects:
“drugged” physical appearance, dry mouth, red eyes, anxiety, excessive hunger, lethargy.
CBD (CannaBiDiol)
CBD interacts with our receptors and is naturally found in hemp and cannabis. The concentration of CBD in hemp is low (about 1-3%) and higher in marijuana, up to about 35% CBD. CBD is thought to help with pain, cancer, seizures, brain problems, anxiety and more.
BCP (Beta-CaryoPhyllene)
What you may not know is that there is a THIRD type of cannabinoid, BCP, found in Copaiba essential oil. It is present in Copaiba EO at about 60%. This is 2 to 30 times more than CBD or THC. And also important: it is much cheaper than CBD or THC. It does not have the negative effects of THC and it is legal.
Although it is different from CBD, it does affect the same CB2 receptors directly and is in a much more concentrated form.
Thus,
*CBD derived from hemp has a concentration of 2-4%.
*CBD derived from cannabis/marijuana has a concentration of 5-35%.
*CBP 60% present in copaiba EO
Copahu balm essential oil vs CBD – what is the difference?
CBD used daily, helps to relieve anxious feelings, the tension in the back and neck; but also to calm, soothe and restore calmness during times of intense stress. And most importantly, just one drop a day for the positive impact on the brain!
As for Copaiba essential oil, it is not only aimed at relieving tension (although it can help to calm feelings of anxiety), but taken internally, Copaiba essential oil also contributes to the health of the immune and cardiovascular systems…
The most important and impressive health benefits of copaiba oil are:
- Its capacity to soothe symptoms of pain and inflammation
- Favouring relaxation
The blood-brain barrier
It is somewhat rarer to find an EO that can cross the blood-brain barrier, which positively affects the brain. Copaiba is rich in sesquiterpenes which gives it the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
Copaiba is composed of 70-90% sesquiterpenes (frankincense oil contains 8%) which cross the blood-brain barrier (increases oxygen in the cells).
So why is copaiba essential oil the new alternative?
- 2 to 30 times more cannabinoids in BCP than in THC or in CBD
- legal and no impact on drug testing
- has no negative effects on the body
- is much cheaper than CBD or THC
How to use Copahu balm essential oil?
- 1 drop under the tongue (quickly taken up by the bloodstream)
- Mix 30 drops of copaiba in a 10 ml ballpoint bottle. Apply to the sole of the feet twice a day
- A particular area of the body that is targeted: 2 drops on the specific area twice a day
- For mental treatment, apply 2 drops daily on the entire spine (from the coccyx to the back of the head)
- Use it in a diffuser when feeling stressed or anxious
So, on the idea of herbal medicine, copaiba EO could be seen as a natural alternative without the side effects of THC.
