This Uncommon Oil May Combat Pain, Protect Skin and Boost Immunity: Copaiba Oil

Copaiba Oil: Essential Oil For Healthy Skin, Immune Support and Pain Relief

One thing I dislike about traveling is that after long haul flights our immune system can become a bit weakened. Germs that are lurking in airports or circulating in long flights are just waiting to attack. If you’re not religiously washing your hands and dousing yourself in hand sanitizer, you could end up catching a cold or some other sort of icky germy situation.

This got me thinking of ways that I can support my immune system and comfort myself while traveling (sometimes in cramped spaces). Since I’m always experimenting with essential oils, I started doing some research and found an oil that is not known by many, but is said to have properties that help our immune system and help with pain relief. Yes and yasss!

Introducing, Copaiba oil.

This wonderful oil (pronounced Cope eye ee ba) is harvested from the “oleoresin” of the Copaiba tree originating from South America.  Believe it or not, the resin taken directly from the tree trunk is used in making lacquers and varnishes. It’s also a source of biodiesel.  So you may be wondering “why the heck would I use this product for personal use??”

It is not until it is “steam distilled” that it becomes a lightly-scented, and slightly bitter balsam oil. Used as a form of folk medicine for generations in different cultures, this oil is known in alternative medicine as having the ability to help control the body’s response to irritation. Used as an anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and an antibiotic, copaiba is one of the few oils that contains very high levels of “beta-caryophyllene”, (one of the naturally occurring chemical compounds found in a variety of plants).

(More: Published Abstract on Beta-Caryophyllene)

copaiba oil

Benefits of Copaiba Oil:

Anti-Inflammatory: We all know what inflammation does to the body.  And over time it is considered by many to be a “silent killer”.   With very high amounts of beta-caryophyllene, Copaiba oil is believed to help support the body’s natural response when it comes to fighting injury or illness. This contributes to our overall wellness, which helps rid the body of stress…which we all know is bad for the immune system and is a culprit for inflammation in the body.

(More: Holistic Approach to Reducing Chronic Inflammation)

Pain Relief: Copaiba oil’s analgesic properties help reduce pain and discomfort from migraines and tension headaches, as well as reducing painful joints and muscle soreness.

Skin and Wound Protectant: Copaiba’s antibiotic properties protect your skin from harmful bacteria and helps eliminate skin issues (such as blemishes, eczema, insect bites), as well as protecting any open wounds from getting infected.  Some also claim it is a powerful wart remover. (For “oil cleansing” advocates, why not try the 50/50 mix for a beautiful and healthy complexion.)

Digestive Aid: I personally use my essential oils as topical treatments, but Copaiba oil is considered safe by many advocates to be taken internally and in most cases for the purpose of using it as a natural diuretic, expectorant, or for digestive issues.

5 Simple Ways To Use Copaiba Oil:

As a topical treatment: The most basic way to get started  using copaiba oil is to mix it 50/50 with your favorite carrier oil.  I use either almond or coconut oil.  But olive oil is very popular.  It may help with skin conditions like psoriasis and is said to soften the skin. I don’t know about you, but I can never run out of ways to keep my skin soft and supple!

To magnify other essential oils: Copaiba balsam oil may act as a driver to increase the effects from an additional essential oil. So for example if you want to use an essential oil like frankincense for PMS symptoms, you can add copaiba oil to your blend.

To ease migranes and headaches: Rub 3-4 drops of copaiba balsam oil on your temples or behind your ears to help alleviate headaches. You can also mix it with equal parts eucalyptus oil if you feel congested. 

To help bolster your immune system: Add copaiba balsam oil to your diffuser after you’ve been on a long flight or rub it on your chest to help support your immune system. 

As a detox bath additive: Why not try an epsom salt/copaiba balsam oil mix for a great sore muscle soak! 

Disclaimer:  This is for informational purposes only and not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or medical condition. It’s always recommended to consult a health practitioner prior to using essential oils.  A decision to use this information is the sole responsibility of the reader.

02 comments on “This Uncommon Oil May Combat Pain, Protect Skin and Boost Immunity: Copaiba Oil

  • Kat L. , Direct link to comment
    I do oil cleansing every morning and was glad you mentioned it in your post...it works for me! I'm gonna buy copaiba and add to my olive oil! Thanks for sharing about this..I've never heard of it.
  • Marta , Direct link to comment
    Thanks for sharing. I'm always on the lookout for new oils to try. Check out ambrette seed. It might be an interesting oil to write about. And yea I like that you cover a wide variety of topics on your site!

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