Hidden within the confines of the Amazon Rainforest, you can find an amazing collection of unique plants and wildlife. The forest is considered to be one of the most biodiverse on the planet, and some of the greatest botanical agents hail from the area, including copaiba oil.
Copaiba oil is a natural substance derived directly from copaiba trees, which are towering trees that grow high into the canopy of the rainforest. While the indigenous healers near and in the Amazon have used copaiba oil for years for sore throats, pain, and infections, it has only recently caught the attention of the rest of the world.
The oil is created from the resin of the copaiba tree through a distillation process involving steam. Both the copaiba oil and the resin have potential benefits for the mind and body, though formal research is just getting started. Here is a look at some of the most noteworthy proposed benefits of using copaiba oil.
Table of Contents
Targets Inflammation
Inflammation can be an underlying cause of health problems that many people face. From swollen joints and aching muscles to toothaches and other types of pain, inflammation plays a major role in these everyday ailments. While the research is limited, copaiba oil may help target inflammation in the body. Some studies indicated that copaiba oil and resin seemed to lessen molecule production and oxygen radicals that could be related to inflammation. In 2018, researchers tested copaiba essential oil during hand massages and found that recipients reported less pain and easier finger movement.
Encourages Brain Health
Even though it is a commonly overlooked fact, inflammation also plays a major role in the health of the neural systems and brain. Due to the proposed nature of copaiba oil to target inflammation within the body, it may also have neuroprotective properties. In animal studies, injections of copaiba oil-resin solutions seemed to offer neuroprotection by regulating inflammatory responses after acute central nervous system damage.
Combats Infectious Bacteria
If you have an open wound, avoiding infection is extremely important. Using copaiba oil may help combat the growth of bacteria that could potentially lead to an infection. Studies have shown the oil to have antibacterial properties against specific types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus. As an adage, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is related to a broad mix of bodily infections such as strep throat and bladder infections. With further research, copaiba may be found as a potential aid for such conditions.
Supports the Immune System
The immune system is perhaps one of the most active networks in the body, so making an effort to support its functions can be good for your overall health. Copaiba contains the unique terpene beta caryophyllene. This compound may interact with CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which are primarily found in the immune system or in immune cells. Due to this action, copaiba oil might have some immunosuppressive effects and could help moderate various types of immune system responses.
Soothes Your Mind
If you are feeling a bit stressed or anxious with racing thoughts, copaiba may help soothe the mind so you can get on with the day. In animal studies, the copaiba oil appeared to induce a calmer state when rats were introduced to a complicated maze. While human studies are lacking on the calming effects of the oil, these initial findings seem promising.
Use Copaiba Oil to Support Health and Well-Being
With so many potential benefits, it is only natural to want to use copaiba oil in your everyday life. Thankfully, copaiba oil is not hard to find, and it can be easily incorporated into your daily routine in a wealth of simple ways. You may try a few drops of the oil added to your favorite moisturizer; incorporated into a carrier oil for a massage; or even mixed into a foot soak for achy feet. Some people appreciate the aromatic profile of the oil, which can be described as subtly sweet with a woodsy hint.
No matter how you choose to work copaiba oil into the chaos of life, you are bound to develop a fond appreciation for this indulgent natural product that has so much to offer.
Author bio: Ruth Fernandez is the founder of XTEND5. After being diagnosed with three autoimmune conditions, Fernandez created super blends for all-natural symptom relief. Her mission is to enrich lives and bring healing through ancient ingredients.