Copaiba oil

Botanical name: Copaifera officinalis, langsdorffii & reticulata

Other names: Copiaba, copaipera, cupayba, copauba, copal, balsam copaiba, copaiva, copaiba-verdadeira, Jesuit's balsam, copaibeura-de-Minas, cobeni, Matidisguate, matisihuati, mal-dos-sete-dias, aceite de palo, pau-de-oleo, básamo de copayba

Family: Fabaceae

Parts used: Oleo resin

Copaiba oil is an oleoresin obtained from the Copaiba tree (Copaifera) which is native to tropical South America.  The oleoresin is obtained through tapping the tree (as with Maple syrup for example).  A single Copaiba tree can provide about 40 litres of oleoresin annually, making it a sustainable rainforest resource that can be harvested without destroying the tree or the forest in which it grows.  

It has many diverse applications in both traditional/indigenous use & contemporary herbal medicine that has been corroborated by scientific research (see reference below).  

What has Copaiba Oil been used for?

*Topical pain relief  (massage oil for sore, painful or inflamed muscles & joints)
*Anti-Inflammatory for wounds, dermatitis, insect bites
*Skin infections/conditions (Acne, Ezcema, Psoriasis)
*As an antiseptic, disinfectant, and antimicrobial agent for internal and external bacterial infections (respiratory and urinary tract infections)
*A gargle for sore throats
*Stomach ulcers
*Interesting studies exist on its use for dental infections (see reference below)

The active biological properties of Copaiba oil are attributed to a group of phytochemicals called sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and terpenic acids. Some of which are only known to occur in copaiba oil. 

Traditional Copaiba Oil preparations:

*External use as a massage oil diluted 1:10 with a carrier oil
*External use for wounds & skin problems diluted 1:4 with a carrier oil
*Internal use 5-15 drops in warm water 2-3 times a day
We stock 10ml droppers as well as larger volumes of this fantastic oleoresin.
Available here:
  
Contraindications:

1. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes, as the resin can act as an irritant.
2. Those sensitive to the resin may experience a measles-like rash accompanied by irritation, itching and/or tingling when using topically or if taking internally.
3. Large dosages taken internally (5ml or more) have been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, fever, and rashes.

References:

https://www.rain-tree.com/copaiba.htm