Copaiba essential oil is steam distilled from the gum resin of the copaiba, or Copaifera reticulata, tree that grows in the rain forests of Brazil. The resulting essential oil has a mild, slightly woody aroma. As one of the most versatile essential oils available, copaiba has a variety of uses ranging from skincare to emotional health to reducing inflammation in the body. Check out these 10 ways to use copaiba essential oil.
Beauty & Hygiene
Use it on Your Face
Copaiba essential oil is a powerful anti-inflammatory. The primary active constituent, β-caryophyllene, lends this characteristic, as well as antioxidant actions, to the oil. Because it is also very mild, copaiba makes a great addition to your skincare routine. Try adding a few drops of copaiba essential oil to your facial toner to reduce redness and inflammation. You may also want to check out this Pumpkin Mask recipe for another skin-nourishing option.
Health
Soothe Teething Pain in Babies
Copaiba not only reduces inflammation; it may actually help relieve pain by interfering with nociceptors, which are sensory nerve cells. Applying a small amount to a baby’s jawline may help relieve some discomfort associated with teething.
Get Some Uninterrupted Sleep
Do you have trouble staying asleep through the night? Try adding copaiba essential oil to your bedtime routine. Studies show that copaiba affects the central nervous system to help relieve stress, which is the main culprit for sleep disturbances.
Amp Up Your Oral Hygiene
Copaiba essential oil can help promote healthy teeth and gums. When used daily, it may reduce the occurrence of mouth sores, swelling, infections, and cavities. Add a drop of copaiba to your toothpaste or mouth rinse before going to bed to reap the benefits of copaiba for your dental health.
Soothe a Spider Bite
For centuries, men have sought plant-based remedies for venomous insect and spider bites. This study points to copaiba essential oil to reduce the local effects of envenomation by spiders. You can apply copaiba directly to a itchy or painful bug bite to reduce pain and inflammation, or try this Boo Boo Balm recipe. Be sure to make up a batch before your next hiking or camping trip!
Make an After Workout Balm
I love the way copaiba essential oil soothes sore, fatigued muscles. After a hard workout or yoga session, try this After Workout Balm to prevent muscle soreness.
Emotions
Balance the Heart Chakra
When the heart chakra is blocked, you may experience difficulties in relationships, or you may feel self-critical and withdrawn. Copaiba essential oil can ease the chaos and stress of everyday life and stabilize your mood and emotions. When our emotions are balanced, we are less likely to criticize ourselves and others. This opens our heart chakra and helps us to feel connected to others and to better understand where they are coming from.
Add it to Your Spiritual Practices
Copaiba is one of my favorite essential oils for meditation and yoga practices. It helps to calm erratic thoughts and encourages me to stay present in the moment. From energetic point of view, copaiba brings balance, grounding, and protection.
Pets
Calm Anxious Pets
Many animals do not like the strong aromas of essential oils. Copaiba is an excellent choice for pets because it is relatively mild. When animals are stressed and fearful, try using copaiba on their bedding, in the diffuser, or apply a small amount to your hands and stroke your pet to help calm their nerves.
In the Bedroom
Reduce Stress and Set the Mood
Nothing kills the mood more than stress and anxiety. Wind down before bedtime in a warm bath with some copaiba essential oil. Or you may want to make a linen spritzer to mist your bed. Try combining it with another essential oil that encourages intimacy, such as Idaho blue spruce or ylang ylang.
Want to learn even more about the science of Copaiba Essential Oil? Head to this video!
Love learning my favorite ways to use essential oils? Check out this post for links to lots of these lists.
If you want to dig deeper and learn the science behind essential oils and supplements, check out Essentials: 75 Answers to Common Questions About Essential Oils and Supplements.
