Copaiba essential oil is a part of the Balsam family, but not as sweet and vanilla-y as its cousin Balsam of Peru. But despite its less exotic fragrance, Copaiba is definitely a workhorse. It’s great for pain relief, reduction of inflammation, skin care, and respiratory issues. In fact, it is one of the most anti-inflammatory oils that exists, made up of more than 80 percent sesquiterpenes. It possesses 6 to 8 times more of the anti-inflammatory component than that of Clove oil if that gives you any indication.
Perhaps its most exciting quality is its ability to serve as a powerful extender in most blends. Copaiba has a way of enhancing the qualities of other essential oils making for an even more dynamic aromatic experience.
How to Use Copaiba Essential Oil
Copaiba hails from the rainforests of Brazil. Indigenous tribes have traditionally used it for healing wounds, stopping bleeding, skin sores and psoriasis. An interesting piece of history, Copaiba was an official drug in the U.S. Pharmacopeia from 1820 to 1910. This resinous, balsamic, warm and honey-like oil is a delight and has many uses both physically and emotionally.
Physical Properties: Analgesic, Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Expectorant, Decongestant,
Immunostimulant, Lymphatic Circulation, Detoxification, Promote Urination, Maintain Kidney Function, Eases Sore Muscles, Reduces Redness, Reduces Swelling
Emotional Properties: Quiets the Mind, Deep Tranquility, Nervous Tension, Uplifting
Cautions: As always, do a skin patch test before using any oil topically. At safe dilutions, it is non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Do not place Copaiba on broken skin.
Blends well with: Frankincense, Vetiver, Roman Chamomile, Lavandin, Clove, Pala Santo,
Angelica, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vanilla, Ylang Ylang
Approximate shelf life for Copaiba is 8 years. Storing your oils in the refrigerator always extends their life.
Essential Oil Recipes Using Copaiba
Cool As A Cucumber Diffuser Recipe
10 drops Copaiba
5 drops Vetiver
15 drops Lavender
Place blend in the diffuser of your choice and diffuse for 10 to 15 minutes per hour or as needed for relaxing and stress relief.
Phlegm Exterminator Steam Recipe
5 drops Eucalyptus
8 drops Frankincense
12 drops Copaiba
Hot Water
Towel
Place steaming hot water in a bowl. Add essential oils. Place face over steam and drape head with the towel. Inhale deeply for 1-2 minutes. Be sure to keep eyes closed.
Pain Relief Recipe Blend
4 drops Peppermint
8 drops Copaiba
13 drops Lavender
2 oz of unscented lotion or carrier oil
Mix oils in with unscented lotion or carrier oil of your choice. Apply a thin layer to the affected area several times per day.
Copaiba is one of the main essential oils found in the calming blend, Sweet Oasis, at Rocky Mountain Oils, which is where I first fell in love with it.
Pro Tip: Have a blend that you like but needs a little extra something? Try adding a few drops of Copaiba to see if it brightens the blend and enhances its smell and healing properties.
Copaiba vs. CBD Oil
I want to say something about Copaiba vs. CBD oil because I’ve been seeing a lot of talk about this remarkable essential oil being a more cost-effective option for CBD oil. This claim is being made by a popular MLM essential oil company and it’s distributors. While I believe copaiba essential oils is amazing, I don’t agree that it can and should replace CBD oil for most people. Do to the entourage effect, copaiba simply does not work as well for pain relief, seizures, nausea, ADHD, and other issues. It works well for mild pain and perhaps as well as CBD oil for anxiety, and perhaps depression, but I’m not 100% convinced of that either.
In the near future, I plan to write a series about CBD oil and will address my research more fully then. But for now, please do your own research before falling for the marketing ploys of an essential oils company hoping to capitalize on the popularity of CBD oil. My own use of both oils has provided enough evidence for me, but you’ll want to discover the differences for yourself. I would hate for someone who could really benefit from the remarkable qualities of CBD oil to miss them because of tricky (and dare I say — misleading?) marketing.
I don’t know when this was written, so I don’t know how far you have gotten into any of your CBD oil research. I am a massage therapist and add essential oils to my lotions, when needed. I have heard from, yes sales people, about Copaiba being as good as CBD oil. The thing I have found with the CBD oil, is it is not regulated, so some products, even just oil, some may be stronger or weaker than other bottles. It’s really a hit or miss chance. I know some people I have worked on don’t like the idea of CBD, because it’s from marijuana and that’s bad. I try to explain to them, but some people are just set in their ways. I’m wondering if I start using Copaiba, then people wouldn’t have to “fear” drugs. Also, it might be more regulated and get the same effect each time. Sorry to be so lengthy, just trying to get some information and piece it all together.
Thanks,
Janice
Janice – I needed to take a few months off from my blog, so my apologies for this late response. Neither CBD or essential oils are regulated. Both are only as good as the company you purchase from. I’m picky about both. I think it’s important to explain to your clients that CBD does not come from marijuana; it comes from hemp (and is legal in all 50 states). You can even buy CBD that has no THC (though it may not be as effective). The bottom line is to do what your clients wish once you’ve fully educated them. Copaiba is an amazing oil, and for massage may be a better choice anyway. I use essential oils topically or in a diffuser, and swallow CBD. I really don’t use CBD oil topically though I do have some pain creams that contain it.
Thank you for this post. I have been looking for autoimmune support and nerve pain relief, I will be trying the essential oil first because it is more affordable. But I am so thankful for your honesty about CBD. God has shown me this is a path I need to walk down and I am looking for anything to help. I took the time to ready you post because of the Proverbs 31 verse! Thank you for sharing
Heather – I took a break from my blog for a few month so my apologies that I’m just now responding. I hope you are doing much better by now.
Wow. Thank you for such a great read! I love your honesty and ability to be quit frank about the cbd vs copaiba. I’ve just gone through my 2nd neck fusion and I’m having a horrible time getting on top of this pain! Which is also causing me to be short with my family and very tense. I heard about diffusing copaiba for anxiety and stress so I wanted to read up more on what to diffuse it with. I came to this article. What a wonderful oil! I am using oils in capsules as well as topically for pain. And not getting any relief. So frustrating.
Thank you for such a great read!
I hope you are feeling better!
I love your welcome statement. What an awesome testimony and mission statement!
Best, Yvonne
thank you so much.
What CBD Oil would you recommend? With so many options out there I have yet to try it fir fear of getting the real deal as to a watered down version. Mom very skeptical about making a choice due to how expensive they are. Could you offer some tips or advise?
I use the CBD oil from Ecosciences – the Relief one is my favorite.
https://ecosciences.com/