Tuesday, November 17, 2015

LET'S LEARN! - COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL

Today let's learn about Copaiba (Ko-pah-EE-ba) Essential Oil. This EO is unique in that it obtained by tapping the tree, Copaifera officinalis. The clear, yellow oleoresin, is a mixture of naturally occurring resin and essential oil that accumulates in the tree trunk. When exposed to air the oleoresin thickens. Copaifera officinalis is a tropical tree primarily found in South America and the Carribean. I came across an old article concerning the Copaifera tree. The oleoresin from this tree has been long touted for its numerous beneficial uses, since at least the 1600's! Check it out! http://www.swsbm.com/ManualsOther/Copaiba-Lloyd.pdf

A more current explanation of the Copaiba tree and it's properties and potential uses can be found on "Raintree" a Tropoical Plant Database website. Of interest to those who want to know more about Copaiba, is a listing of published third-party research. Definitely worth a read! http://www.rain-tree.com/copaiba.htm#.VktKo_mrShc



In writing this post, I definitely increased my knowledge of the chemical make-up of essential oils. Copaiba consist of the naturally occurring sesquiterpenes beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene. Sesquiterpenes are found naturally in plants and insects, as semiochemicals, e.g. defensive agents or pheromones. (Thank you Wikipedia for the simple definition!) My search for easy to understand explanations of beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene were not as successful. The following article and the associated links are very useful in learning about beta-caryophyllene:
"Beta-Caryophyllene: The Dietary Cannabinoid That Could Make Synthetics Irrelevant"

More detailed information regarding alpha-humulene can be found on Wikipedia. It is interesting to note that beta-caryophyllene and alpha-humulene are often found mixed together in aromatic plants!

When I first received my Premium Starter Kit (PSK) I wasn't sure exactly how I would use Copaiba. But I soon began mixing Copaiba into many of my roller ball blends, especially those for pain, inflammation and overall wellness. I like that it is so versatile! As the graphic below shows, it can be used topically for skin care, as a dietary supplement to promote wellness and aromatically to help create a calm atmosphere. Further research may even lead one to experiment with more ways to use Copaiba or other essential oils to blend with Copaiba!   What is your favorite way to use Copaiba?   Or how would you use Copaiba? Comment below!

Interested in finding out how to get your hands on these Young Living Essential Oils?  Check out my Essential Oils and Monthly Promotions Pages!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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