Copaiba - another pain management option worth consideration
Updated: Oct 18, 2019
WHAT IS COPAIBA?
There’s been so much attention lately with CBD, but have you heard of Copaiba? This steamed distilled oil comes from the resin extracted from mature copaiba trees between the age of 30-50 years. Native to South America, the copaiba tree can live up to 400 years and can grow beyond 100 feet tall. Using a tree-tapping method similar to harvesting maple syrup, the resin is collected from the balsam. It takes .08 pounds of resin to produce a 15ml bottle of copaiba essential oil.
WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER COPAIBA?
It is considered one of the best anti-inflammatory substances around and has a long history in folk medicine. Copaiba is also an anti-arthritic, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant... the list goes on. Assisting with pain management and inflammation, copaiba eases muscle cramps, tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. It also helps aid gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune disorders, bacterial and viral infections, headaches and migraines, emotional balance, anxiety and sleep issues. It has been known to support the nervous system proactively and further cardiovascular health in an effective way.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Copaiba’s main constituent is beta-caryophyllene that closely resembles cannabinoid like properties. Over the last decade, β-caryophyllene has gained the attention of scientists when it was discovered to be one of the first non-cannabinoids to directly activate cannabinoid receptors. Beta-caryophyllene rich cannabis strains may therefore have specific medicinal effects due to this terpene’s effect on our endocannabinoid system. CB2 receptors are found in immune tissues throughout the body and are increased in the brain in disease or following an injury. Their activation reduces inflammation, which lessens pain and eases damaging consequences that chronic inflammation has on brain function and risk for developing brain diseases.
WHERE DO I USE COPAIBA?
Copaiba oil once steam distilled is a pale yellow liquid and has a warm aromatic with woody pine scent. It can be applied topically, it is advised to dilute for sensitive skin. Copaiba can be enjoyed aromatically or taken internally. Suggested applications is as follows:
Diffusion: Use 3–4 drops in the diffuser of choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Dilute one to two drops with a carrier oil, then apply to desired area.
Copaiba also blends well with other essential oils like cedarwood, frankincense, sandalwood and ylang ylang.
Finally, understand not all essential oils are created equal, therefore it is important to seek out pure, high quality, therapeutic grade oils. Responsible sourcing and quality control testing is crucial to maintaining purity and sustainability for every batch. If you are interested in learning more, I'm here to help. At Studio Harbor every bodywork session is infused with an appropriate therapeutic approach, and Copaiba is in the box of tools used often to treat clients. I encourage individuals to further research this very powerful and healing oil and how it may be of benefit in life.
Be Well.
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