Health
Well-known in folk medicine, especially in the northern region of Brazil, the use of copaida has been expanding, and for good reason. Studies have shown that the oil has incredible potential for health and beauty..
Copaiba resin, or copaiba oil, has been used medicinally since at least 1625 for the natural treatment of health problems such as bronchitis, chronic cystitis, chronic diarrhea and hemorrhoids.
Many traditional herbal practices use the resin medicinally as a powerful antiseptic and expectorant for respiratory tract problems - and as an internal anti-inflammatory for urinary tract problems and external anti-inflammatory agent for all kinds of skin problems.
Research shows that copaiba has many surprising and varied health benefits.
What is Copaiba oil?
Copaiba oil, also called copaiba balsam, comes from copaiba resin. The resin is a sticky secretion produced by a tree belonging to the genus Copaifera, which grows in South America. There are a variety of species, including Copaifera officinalis, Copaifera langsdorffii and Copaifera reticulata.
Is copaiba balsam the same as copaiba oil?
There are two types of copaiba oil: resin/balsam oil and distilled essential oil.
Both the balsam and the essential oil are used for medicinal purposes.
In therapeutic terms, the resin oil has the compensation of some phenolic diterpenic acids such as copalic acid, which are highly therapeutic against inflammation and pain.
Therefore, for the majority of cases, copaiba balm/resin oil is more suitable for therapeutic use. However, in cases of continuous ingestion, for chronic problems, the essential oil may be more suitable, because in the long term, the resin present in the balm can irritate the gastric mucous membranes.
The oil, as well as the balm, can be found as ingredients in soaps, perfumes and various cosmetic products.
Research shows that copaiba has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. With characteristics like these, it's no wonder that copaiba oil can help so many health problems. (1)
Uses and benefits
A study has proven the antimicrobial effects of Copaiba reticulata resin oil and its constituents, confirming its widespread use in folk medicine for the treatment of skin and urinary tract infections.
Copaiba's inhibitory activity against dermatophytic fungi as well as gram-positive bacteria E. faecium and MRSA is being reported for the first time, providing potential lead structures for the treatment of these clinically relevant bacterial strains.
1. Natural anti-inflammatories
research shows that three varieties of copaiba oil - Copaifera cearensis, Copaifera reticulata and Copaifera multijuga - have impressive anti-inflammatory activities.
Several animal studies have confirmed these anti-inflammatory effects. For example, a 2022 systematic review found that the resin has anti-inflammatory and wound-healing effects in the oral cavity of rats. (4, 5 )
Another study in rats found that oral administration of copaiba oil once a day “showed systemic anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions in arthritic rats”. However, the researchers warned that the “beneficial effects, however, were counterbalanced by detrimental modifications in liver cell metabolism and morphology in healthy control rats”. (6)
2. Neuroprotective agent
A 2012 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined how copaiba resin (COR) may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits following acute neural disorders when intense inflammation reactions occur, including stroke and brain/spinal cord trauma.
Using subjects with acute damage to the motor cortex, the researchers found that “internal treatment with copaiba resin (COR) induces neuroprotection by modulating the inflammatory response following acute damage to the central nervous system”. Not only did copaiba oil resin have anti-inflammatory effects, but after just one dose of 400 mg/kg of COR (from Copaifera reticulata), damage to the motor cortex was reduced by around 39%. (7)
other research shows that this oil “is capable of inducing neuroprotection in the CNS by modulating the acute inflammatory response, reducing neutrophil recruitment and microglia activation”.(8)
3. Possible liver damage preventer
A study published in 2013 demonstrated how copaiba oil may be able to reduce liver tissue damage caused by commonly used conventional painkillers such as paracetamol. The researchers in this study administered copaiba oil to animal subjects before or after they had received acetaminophen for a total of seven days. The results were quite interesting. (9,10)
Overall, the researchers found that copaiba oil reduced liver damage when used preventatively (before administration of the painkiller). However, when the oil was used as a treatment after analgesic administration, it actually had an undesirable effect and increased bilirubin levels in the liver (11)
4. Dental / oral health booster
An in vitro study published in 2015 found that a root canal sealer based on copaiba oil resin is not cytotoxic (toxic to living cells).
The authors of the study believe that copaiba oil resin appears to be a “promising material” for dental use. (12)
Another study published in the Brazilian Dental Journal examined copaiba oil's ability to prevent bacteria from reproducing, specifically Streptococcus mutans.
These effects were also observed in a clinical study of Copaifera langsdorffii dental varnish on children at high risk of dental problems, with the study authors concluding: “Three annual applications of this varnish showed substantial antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and caries prevention care for up to 12 months”. (12, 13)
By interrupting the reproduction of Streptococcus mutans bacteria, copaiba oil can be useful in preventing tooth decay and cavities. So, add a drop of copaiba oil to your mouthwash.
5. Pain relief
Copaiba oil may be able to help with natural pain relief. Scientific research has shown antinociceptive properties, i.e. it can help block the detection of a painful stimulus by sensory neurons.
An in vitro study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology showed the antinociceptive activity of two Amazonian copaiba oils (Copaifera multijuga and Copaifera reticulata) when administered orally making them useful in the treatment of various health disorders that involve ongoing pain control, such as arthritis. in particular, a scientific article published in 2017 (14, 15)
6. Acne
Copaiba oil with its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and healing abilities is yet another option for the natural treatment of acne.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in 2018 relayed that volunteers with acne experienced a “highly significant decrease” in the areas of skin affected with acne where a 1% copaiba essential oil preparation was used.
To take advantage of its skin-cleansing benefits, add a drop of this essential oil to a natural toner such as witch hazel or to your face cream.(16, 17)
7. Collagen promoter
It is increasingly common to use drugs or active substances associated with microneedling (drug delivery), which can act on the skin through channels created by tissue trauma with microneedles, with the aim of treating different types of dermatological problems, such as melasma, periorbital melanosis, atrophic facial scars and others.
Among the most commonly used substances is vitamin C, due to its antioxidant action.3 In a more recent study, copaiba oil was associated with microneedling and was shown to be able to stimulate greater collagen and fibroblast production in the skin of rats, although it had no influence on neovascularization when compared to microneedling alone. (18)
How to use
There are many uses for copaiba oil that can be employed topically or consumed internally.
Is it safe to ingest? It can be ingested as long as it is 100% therapeutic grade and certified.
To take copaiba oil internally, you can add one or two drops to water, tea or a smoothie. For topical use, mix it with an unscented oil or lotion before applying it to the body.
If it's essecil oil, never use it pure, always mixed.
Risks and side effects
Side effects of copaiba essential oil can include skin sensitivity when used topically. Always dilute copaiba essential oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or almond oil.
To be on the safe side, carry out a patch test on a small area of your body before using this essential oil on larger areas. When using copaiba oil, avoid contact with the eyes and other mucous membranes.
It is rare to have an allergy to copaiba oil, but if you do, then discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if necessary
Talk to your doctor before using copaiba oil if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have an ongoing medical condition or are taking medication.
Always keep copaiba and other essential oils out of the reach of children and pets.
When used internally, especially excessively, side effects can include stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, rash, groin pain and insomnia. Topically, it can cause redness and/or itching.
Caution
Lithium is known to interact with copaiba. As copaiba balm can have diuretic effects, taking it together with lithium can slow down the way your body gets rid of lithium.
Conclusion
Many of the benefits of copaiba oil are still being studied, but some have already been proven, and because they are so easily accessible, you may want to introduce them into your diet routine.
In the case of health treatments, it's best to talk to your doctor, especially if you're taking medication.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should talk to their doctor whenever using teas, oils, tinctures or extracts.
Disclaimer: this content, including advice, provides generic information only. It in no way replaces a medical opinion.
