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Essential Oil Spotlight: Copaiba
Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis, C. reticulata, C. coriacea, C. langdorffii) essential oil is steam-distilled from oleoresin, a substance made up of resin and essential oils. It has a soft, sweet, balsamic odor.
Some properties of this oil include analgesic, powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, antioxidant, and stimulant for the circulatory and pulmonary systems.
The oleoresin has traditionally been used for inflammation (internal and external), skin disorders, respiratory problems (including bronchitis and sinusitis), and urinary tract problems (including cystitis and bladder/kidney infections). It has also been used for bleeding, gonorrhea, hemorrhages, herpes, incontinence, insect bites, pain, pleurisy, sore throats, stomach ulcers, syphilis, tetanus, tonsillitis, tuberculosis, and tumors.
Today, copaiba essential oil is commonly used for acne, antioxidant, anxiety, inflammation, muscle aches, and pain. Copaiba may also help with colds, constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia, edema, flatulence, flu, hemorrhoids, nervous exhaustion, piles, poor circulation, stiffness, and wounds.
The body systems affected by copaiba essential oil include the cardiovascular, respiratory, and nervous systems, muscles and bones, emotional balance, and skin.
Applications of Copaiba Essential Oil and Safety Data
Topical Application: Copaiba essential oil can be used neat (with no dilution). Dilute with carrier oil for children or those with sensitive skin. Apply to reflex points and/or directly on area of concern.
Aromatic Application: Diffuse, or inhale the aroma directly. The aroma of copaiba helps to elevate the mood and lift depression. It also helps to combat nervous tension, stress problems, and anxiety.
Internal Application: Copaiba essential oil can be taken internally via capsule or beverage. Try diluting 1 drop of copaiba essential oil in 1 tsp. (5 ml) honey or 4 oz. (125 ml) of beverage (such as non-dairy milk). It is not to be used for children under 6 years of age and should be used with caution and in greater dilution for children over 6 years of age.
Safey Note: Repeated use may result in contact sensitization. It may irritate sensitive skin in some individuals.
5 Ways to Use Copaiba Essential Oil
1. Diffuse
Try diffusing these blends to elevate your mood, lift depression, or combat nervous tension, stress, or anxiety.
2. Massage Blends:
Copaiba essential oil supports the respiratory and nervous systems, muscles and bones, and the skin. It also has the ability to magnify the effects of other essential oils. Because of these facts, copaiba essential oil is good to use in massage blends. You can simply add 1–2 drops of copaiba essential oil to any of your favorite essential oil massage recipes. Or you can try one of the following:
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Calming Massage: 5 drops chamomile 5 drops lavender 5 drops bergamot 2 drops copaiba 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) carrier oil* |
Sore Muscles Massage: 5 drops peppermint 5 drops lemongrass 4 drops marjoram 2 drops copaiba 1 Tbsp. (15 ml) carrier oil* |
*Common carrier oils for use in massage include Fractionated Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Jojoba Oil.
3. Skin/Facial Care:
Copaiba has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it ideal to use on the skin, especially the face—no matter your age or whether you are dealing with acne or wrinkles. Try this cream on your skin or face:
Facial Cream
Ingredients & Supplies:
- 1/4 oz. Beeswax Pellets (about 1 Tbsp.)
- 1 oz. Jojoba Oil or Sweet Almond Oil (about 2–3 Tbsp.)
- 1 oz. Coconut Oil (about 2 Tbsp.)
- 1/4 tsp. Vitamin E Oil (optional)
- 2 drops copaiba essential oil
- 5 drops neroli essential oil
- 5 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- Lotion pump bottle or salve jar
Instructions:
- In a double boiler (or a heat-proof glass measuring cup placed in a saucepan of water), melt the beeswax pellets over medium heat.
- Once melted, reduce the heat to low, and add coconut oil. Stir until melted again.
- Add jojoba oil or almond oil and vitamin E oil. Remove from heat, and stir until all combined.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
- Stir in essential oils.
- If you’d like a whipped consistency, blend with a hand mixer or blender when completely cool.
- Pour into lotion bottles or salve jars.
- To use, rub facial cream on face after removing makeup.
4. Muscle Pains Bath
Soaking in a warm bath is a great way to help sore muscles relax; adding epsom salt provides magnesium that helps relax muscles and reduce lactic acid, and the essential oils help the muscles rebuild as well as reduce pain. Next time your muscles hurt, try adding this blend to your bathwater:
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Soothing Muscle Pains: 4 drops peppermint 3 drops marjoram 3 drops copaiba 1 drop black pepper 1/2 cup (120 g) Epsom Salt Mix together, and add to bathwater as the tub is filling up. Soak for at least 15–20 minutes. |
3. Roll-on Blends
Copaiba essential oil has the ability to enhance the effects of other essential oils. It is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, so it is great to use for skin care (especially troubled skin or acne) or wound care. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety, which is beneficial in getting a good night’s rest. Copiaba’s ability to help reduce pain and inflammation make it ideal for use on headaches or muscle pain. Try making one of the roll-ons below and take advantage of the benefits of copaiba essential oil while on the go.
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Skin Serum: 7 drops copaiba (4 drops for daily use) 5 drops lavender (3 drops for daily use) 5 drops frankincense (3 drops for daily use) 2 tsp. (10 ml) Jojoba Oil or Fractionated Coconut Oil (This recipe has an 8.5% dilution ratio. Follow the instructions for daily use if you plan on using it every day.) |
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Sweet Dreams Roll-on: 4 drops lavender (1–2 drops for children) 4 drops cedarwood (1–2 drops for children) 4 drops copaiba (1–2 drops for children 2 tsp. (10 ml) carrier oil* (This recipe has a 6% dilution ratio. Adjust the recipe to 1 drop for children under 12 months and 2 drops for children 1–5 years old.) |
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Headache or Muscle Relief Roll-on: 15 drops peppermint (5 drops for daily use) 15 drops lavender (5 drops for daily use) 5 drops marjoram (3 drops for daily use) 3 drops copaiba (1 drop for daily use) 2 tsp. (10 ml) carrier oil* (This recipe has a 19% dilution. It’s formulated for short-term use. If you need to use it daily, follow the instructions for daily use.) |
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| Add oils to a 10 ml roll-on bottle. Fill the bottle the rest of the way with a carrier oil.
*Common carrier oils for use in a roll-on bottle include Fractionated Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, and Jojoba Oil. |
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Source:
Modern Essentials
: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils, 9th Edition, p. 55.
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