While for many people copaiba oil is still little known, not nearly as popular as coconut or tea tree oil, for others it is almost a family tradition. Thanks to the proximity to the copaibeiras, typical trees of the Amazon, the native peoples of the region, for example, have already used the oil for medicinal purposes for several generations. So what has changed to justify renewed interest in it?
The answer is good news: science is increasingly proving its properties. And look that they are not few!
Research conducted by the Institute of Chemistry of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro shows that copaiba oil is used as an auxiliary medicine in diseases ranging from sexually transmitted diseases? like syphilis and gonorrhea? skin problems such as sinusitis and other airway problems. A true oil miracle, no?
But calmly, before starting to use it as if there is no tomorrow, it is noteworthy that, precisely for its medicinal properties, it should be used with caution. "All essential oil should be used with the guidance of a specialized professional," says naturologist Carolina Buzolin, from Ayni Health Integrated clinic in Sao Paulo.
She also helped us put together a quick guide with some of the key known benefits of oil and its uses. Stay on top and talk to your doctor!
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5 Health and beauty benefits of copaiba oil
As previously mentioned, it is not known today about the properties of this oil extracted from the secretory channels of copaibeiras. While most of its properties still require further study to obtain scientific evidence, recent research and experts highlight the following benefits:
1. It helps relieve rheumatism
Responsible for 95% of the world production of copaiba oil, Brazil has seen its consumption increase exponentially mainly thanks to this benefit. The essential oil of copaiba has proven to be a good ally in the treatment of rheumatism, a medical term that encompasses various diseases of joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. As most treatments are currently done with aggressive substances, such as cortisone, what natural medicine proposes is the use of oil for fewer side effects, and it has been showing good results in this regard. This is the case, for example, of a research from the Federal University of Sergipe, which proved its effectiveness in treating tendonitis.
For now, it is recommended to only use the product externally, using it diluted in massages or compresses in painful areas.
2. Is a good antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.
Even before any study, it was already popular knowledge in the Amazon region that to treat a sore throat, it was only to pass a gauze soaked in copaiba oil in the throat for three days. What science has been discovering is that it has its raison d'être there. This is because copaiba oil contains large quantities of diterpenes and sesquiterpenes, substances with proven anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antiseptic action.
3. Has healing function
Historians say that the native peoples of Latin America realized this property of copaiba oil by noticing how injured animals rubbed against the trunk of copaibeiras. From then on, Copaiba oil was used by them in battle wounds. Once again, they were not wrong. Recent studies show that due to the diterpenes present in its composition, copaiba oil accelerates the healing of skin wounds, which also helps in the treatment of skin diseases such as dermatitis, psoriasis, among others.
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4. Is an excellent skin and hair moisturizer.
Accumulating the functions of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibacterial and healing, it is not surprising that copaiba oil is a good moisturizer. Thanks to its healing property, it aids in the treatment of acne skin as well as assists in the recovery of scalp with problems such as mycosis, dandruff and seborrhea. It is noteworthy, however, that because they are highly concentrated, essential oils should never be applied directly to the skin.
5. Studies show that it may help in cancer treatment
Detailed and toxicological studies on the subject are still missing, but preliminary research conducted by the Institute of Chemistry and the UNICAMP Institute for Chemical, Biological and Agricultural Research has yielded important results from copaiba oil in the treatment of nine cancers, including cancer of mama. During the study, researchers observed inhibition or death of diseased cells from the use of copaiba oil and pine rosin.
However, Carolina points out that the study was done with components isolated from copaiba oil and not with it itself. "In essential oil we use all properties without isolating," he says.
Anyway, there are plenty of reasons to start using copaiba oil and enjoy its advantages!
How to use copaiba oil
Now that you know its key benefits, it's time to learn how to use it on a daily basis, preferably with medical advice or guidance. As a general rule, however, naturologist Carolina Buzolin stresses that it should never be used by pregnant women until the third month of pregnancy.
Read also: 20 Benefits Of Sunflower Oil For Your Skin, Hair And Health
Below are some recipes she gave us:
1. As a flavoring
According to aromatherapy, the woody aroma of copaiba oil helps to reduce stress and anxiety, providing emotional stability. Natural medicine also believes that it can help in cases of headache.
Recommendation: Approximately 9 drops of copaiba oil in ceramic aroma diffuser.
2. As massage oil
Due to the anti-inflammatory power of copaiba oil, massages with it are ideal for cases of muscle pain.
Recommendation: From 25 to 50 drops of Copaiba oil in 100ml of vegetable oil.
Read also: 40 smart ways to use coconut oil in your daily life
3. As a moisturizer for face and hair
Recommendation: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil with 01 drop of copaiba essential oil for the face, or 5 drops of essential oil for the hair.
4. In compresses
Like massage oil, compresses are indicated for localized body aches, such as muscle aches, tendonitis, bursitis, among others.
Recommendation: From 5 to 10 drops in 1/2 liter of water.
5. In sitz baths
Because of its anti-inflammatory action, it is recommended to sit with copaiba oil in cases of hemorrhoids and also in the treatment of urinary tract infections.
Recommendation: 10 drops in 2 liters of water, dissolved in a teaspoon of vegetable oil.
6. Topical Usage
Thanks to the healing action of copaiba oil, this form of use is especially indicated for localized application in the manifestations of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems.
Recommendation: 5 drops of copaiba oil in 1 tablespoon of calendula oil.
As a vegetable oil, which appears in many recipes, you can use whatever is handy, such as olive oil, which is also a great moisturizer, or other oils called carriers, such as grape and sunflower. Only can not apply the copaiba oil directly on the skin.
Where to find copaíba oil
Unlike with coconut oil, for which there are several homemade recipes spread over the internet, copaiba oil comes only from its extraction from copaibeiras. Therefore, for those who want to enjoy its benefits, the way is to buy the ready oil.
If you are from Manaus, Belem and the Amazon region in general, you probably already know that it is sold in municipal markets and other popular trades. If you are not, you can find copaiba essential oil in health food stores, but always taking care to check if the product is pure, has the seal of ANVISA and if it is really from the Amazon. This is because, currently, there are several types of copaibeiras scattered in various regions of Brazil. Although the oils from all of them are believed to have anti-inflammatory action, only those from the Amazon have the other properties.
Another option is to look for ready-made natural products, such as shampoos, moisturizers and soaps that already have copaiba oil in the composition. In this case, keep an eye on the product's ingredient list to see if it appears among the first ingredients, as this indicates a higher concentration of oil in the formula.
Side Effects and Contraindications
In the case of copaíba oil, the biggest contraindication concerns the ingestion of the oil, since no conclusive research has yet been done on its efficacy, safety and side effects.Commonly reported adverse reactions related to ingestion include allergies, vomiting, insomnia and gastric discomfort, including gastritis. A group of researchers also noted that ingestion of copaiba oil could lead to chromosome breakdown in our body, so be very careful!
In relation to external use, as in the ways suggested in this matter, it is much less dangerous, and the contraindication is only for pregnant women, lactating and children under 6 years. Oh, and always use it in its diluted form, ok?
Finally, remember that it is important to talk to your doctor, especially in case of pain or any changes in the body. Only he will know if copaiba oil is right for you or if additional treatments are needed.
Copaiba Essential Oil- Learn More About How Copaiba Works and its Benefits (April 2024)
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