Love Magic Works Free love spells that work fast
If for many people copaiba oil is still little known, nowhere near as popular as coconut or tea tree oil, for others it is almost a family tradition. Thanks to the proximity to copaibeiras, trees typical of the Amazon, the native peoples of the region, for example, have already used the oil for medicinal purposes for several generations. So what has changed to justify the renewed interest in it?
The answer is good news: more and more science is proving its properties. And look how few they are!
Research conducted by the Institute of Chemistry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro shows that copaiba oil is used as an auxiliary medicine in ailments ranging from sexually transmitted diseases – such as syphilis and gonorrhea – to skin problems, including sinusitis and other problems of the airways. A true miracle in the form of oil, no?
But calm down, before you start using it like there is no tomorrow, it is worth mentioning that, precisely because of its medicinal properties, it should be used with caution. “All essential oil must be used under the guidance of a specialized professional”, says naturologist Carolina Buzolin, from the Ayni Saúde Integrada clinic, in São Paulo.
She also helped us put together a quick guide to some of the oil’s top known benefits and uses. Stay inside and talk to your doctor!
5 health and beauty benefits of copaiba oil
As previously mentioned, it is not new to talk about the properties of this oil extracted from the secretory channels of copaibeiras. Although most of its properties still need further studies to get scientific proof, recent research and experts highlight the following benefits:
1. It helps relieve rheumatism
Responsible for 95% of the world production of copaiba oil, Brazil has seen its consumption increase exponentially mainly thanks to this benefit. Copaiba essential oil has been shown to be a good ally in the treatment of rheumatism, a medical term that encompasses various diseases of joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. As most treatments are currently made with aggressive substances, such as cortisone, what natural medicine proposes is the use of oil for fewer side effects, and it has been showing good results in this regard. This is the case, for example, of a study by the Federal University of Sergipe, which proved its effectiveness in the treatment of tendinitis.
For now, the recommended thing is to make only the external use of the product, using it diluted in massages or compresses in the painful areas.
2. It is a good antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
Even before any study, popular knowledge in the Amazon region already said that, to treat a sore throat, it was only necessary to pass a gauze soaked in copaiba oil in the throat for three days. What science has been discovering is that this has its raison d’être. This is because copaiba oil contains large amounts of diterpenes and sesquiterpenes, substances with proven anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic action.
3. Has healing function
Historians say that the native Latin American peoples became aware of this property of copaiba oil when they noticed how injured animals rubbed themselves on the trunk of copaibeiras. From then on, copaiba oil began to be used by them on battle wounds. Once again, they weren’t wrong. Recent studies show that, due to the diterpenes present in its composition, copaiba oil accelerates the healing of skin wounds, which even helps in the treatment of skin diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, among others.
4. It is an excellent moisturizer for skin and hair
Accumulating the functions of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial and healing, it is not surprising that copaiba oil is a good choice of moisturizer. Thanks to its healing property, it helps in the treatment of acne-prone skin, as well as helps in the recovery of scalps with problems such as ringworm, dandruff and seborrhea. It is worth mentioning, however, that because they are highly concentrated, essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.
5. Studies show that it may help in the treatment of cancer
Detailed and toxicological studies on the subject are still lacking, but preliminary research conducted by the Institute of Chemistry and the Institute of Chemical, Biological and Agricultural Research at UNICAMP showed important results of copaiba oil in the treatment of nine types of cancer, including cancer of the mom. During the study, the researchers observed the inhibition or death of diseased cells from the use of copaiba oil and pine pitch.
However, Carolina emphasizes that the study was carried out with isolated components of copaiba oil and not with it itself. “In essential oil we use all the properties without isolating it,” she says.
In any case, there are plenty of reasons to start using copaiba oil and enjoy its benefits!
How to use Copaiba oil
Now that you know its main benefits, it’s time to learn about ways to use it on a daily basis, preferably under medical supervision or guidance. As a general rule, however, naturologist Carolina Buzolin reinforces that it should never be used by pregnant women until the third month of pregnancy.
Below are some recipes she shared with us:
1. As a flavoring
According to aromatherapy, the woody aroma of copaiba oil helps reduce stress and anxiety, providing emotional stability. Natural medicine also believes that it can help with headaches.
Recommendation: Approximately 9 drops of copaiba oil in a ceramic aroma diffuser.
2. As a massage oil
Due to the anti-inflammatory power of copaiba oil, massages with it are ideal for cases of muscle pain.
Recommendation: From 25 to 50 drops of copaiba oil in 100ml of vegetable oil.
3. As a moisturizer for face and hair
Recommendation: 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil with 01 drop of copaiba essential oil for the face, or 5 drops of essential oil for the hair.
4. In compresses
As well as massage oil, compresses are indicated for localized pain in the body, such as muscle pain, tendinitis, bursitis, among others.
Recommendation: 5 to 10 drops in 1/2 liter of water.
5. In sitz baths
Because of its anti-inflammatory action, a sitz bath with copaiba oil is recommended in cases of hemorrhoids and also in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Recommendation: 10 drops in 2 liters of water, dissolved in a teaspoon of vegetable oil.
6. Topical use
Thanks to the healing action of copaiba oil, this form of use is especially suitable for localized application in the manifestations of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems.
Recommendation: 5 drops of copaiba oil in 1 tablespoon of calendula oil.
Like vegetable oil, which appears in many of the recipes, you can use whatever is on hand, such as olive oil, which is also a great moisturizer, or other so-called carrier oils, such as grape and sunflower. Just don’t apply copaiba oil directly to the skin.
Where to find copaiba oil
Unlike what happens with coconut oil, for which there are several homemade recipes spread on the internet, copaiba oil comes only from its extraction from copaibeiras. Therefore, for those who want to enjoy its benefits, the way is to buy ready-made oil.
If you are from Manaus, Belém and the Amazon region in general, you probably already know that it is sold in municipal markets and other popular stores. For those who are not, you can find copaiba essential oil in natural products stores, but always taking care to check if the product is pure, has the ANVISA seal and if it really comes from the Amazon. This is because, currently, there are several types of copaibeiras spread across several regions of Brazil. Although it is believed that the oils from all of them have anti-inflammatory action, only those from the Amazon have the other properties.
Another option is to look for ready-made natural products, such as shampoos, moisturizers and soaps that already have copaiba oil in their composition. In this case, pay attention to the product’s ingredient list to see if it appears among the first ingredients, as this indicates a higher concentration of oil in the formula.
Side effects and contraindications
In the case of copaiba oil, the biggest contraindication concerns the ingestion of the oil, since conclusive research has not yet been carried out regarding the efficacy, safety and side effects of this form of use. Among the frequently reported adverse reactions linked to ingestion are allergies, vomiting, insomnia and gastric discomfort, including gastritis. A group of researchers also observed that drinking copaiba oil could lead to the breaking of chromosomes in our body, so be careful!
In relation to external use, as in the ways suggested in this article, it is much less dangerous, and the contraindication is only for pregnant women, lactating women and children under 6 years of age. Oh, and always use it in its diluted form, ok?
Finally, remember that it is important to talk to your doctor, especially in cases of pain or any changes in the body. Only he will know if copaiba oil is right for you or if additional treatments are needed.
The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.
