Article from Issue #10 (June 7, 2019)
Source: healthy-holistic-living.com
You might be tired of hearing about essential oils, but the truth is that many of these fragrant extracts hold unique healing benefits for the body, mind, and spirit. Some even do more good and at faster rates than certain top recommended pharmaceuticals and medications available today. Understanding what essential oils are available and what benefits they offer is valuable for weighing your health options. While you might know about lavender’s ability to calm your stress and peppermint’s tendency to quell stomach aches, it’s possible that you don’t know about copaiba oil or it’s many benefits.
What is Copaiba Oil
The copaiba essential oil is a special blend of four different species, making it a highly unique blend with many health benefits. Copaiba oil has been used in South America for hundreds of years to treat various ailments. It is derived from the balsamic resin of the copaiba trees, specifically Copaifera officinalis and Copaifera langsdorffi and native to the Amazon rainforest. Giant copaiba trees have tall trunks and long branches near the top, which is where they secrete a sticky substance known as oleoresin. The copaiba essential oil is extracted from this resinous substance. While the resin changes color depending on the essential oil to resin ratio, it tends to ultimately produce a very pale yellow essential oil. (1, 2, 3)
Copaiba oil is commonly used in cosmetic products including, but not limited to, soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. As mentioned, the oil has also been used for centuries to heal a variety of different health issues!
Treating Ailments with Copaiba Oil
The copaiba essential oil has a great many benefits including, but not limited to, an ability to soothe anxiety and clear skin irritation. Copaiba oil can also help the nervous system work properly and it works to help cellular support, cardiovascular health, digestive health, emotional balancing, immune system support, inflammatory response, respiratory system, and reducing neuronal excitability. Some say by far the most prevalent compound in copaiba oil is the cannabinoid beta-caryophyllene (BCP). Caryophyllene is thought to be neuroprotective, to have cardiovascular benefits, and to have immune benefits. Additionally, copaiba has many powerful antioxidants that promote immune health and has many anti-inflammatory benefits. (1, 2, 3)
How to Use Copaiba Essential Oil
There are three ways to use copaiba oil in order to treat chronic pain, psoriasis, eczema, acne, and other ailments you may be suffering. Your choices are inhalation, topical, or ingestion.
For the first method, use a diffuser and add some copaiba oil, then breathe in the pleasant aroma. Alternatively, you could simply inhale the fragrance directly from the bottle, or add to a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam. This will help reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and help bring a sense of calming and peace.
For a topical approach, simply add a few drops of copaiba essential oil to a cotton ball and gently apply to the skin to help acne, psoriasis, eczema, or to just assist your skin in achieving a healthier, beautiful appearance.
Lastly, please keep in mind that not all essential oils are safe to ingest. Though copaiba oil is one of the few that is considered safe for consumption, we do not recommend ingesting essential oils without proper training or oversight. If safety concerns are satisfied, add a few drops to an empty capsule, some tea, or food. Essential oils are very concentrated and will not taste good when placed directly on the tongue. If you plan on using your copaiba oil for ingesting, be sure to purchase the purest therapeutic grade essential oils. (1, 2, 3) But again, safety should be the number one priority. Therefore, do not use essential oils internally unless you are directed by a qualified practitioner or using a professionally formulated blend labeled for internal use.
http://www.mydoterra.com/catherinepagliaro
