HOW TO USE COPAIBA AND WHAT IS IT?
Copaiba: chances are you have never heard of this before and are now rightly thinking: what is it? Like most of our products, this is a natural product with several potential health benefits attached to it. Read here which ones they all are, and exactly how to use copaiba.
What is copaiba?
Copaiba comes from a species of tree found in South America: the Copaifera. Copaiba is tapped from Copaifera trees by making a hole in the bark. A yellowish-brown goo then comes out of this, from which an essential oil is made. Like the Copaiba oil in our webshop. And in that South American wilderness, indigenous people discovered the positive effects of the products to be extracted from it 400 (!) years ago. Such local discoveries in the jungle regularly find their way to the West and to our shop. Think, for example, of Mulungu, Guayusa and Chacruna.
What are the effects of Copaiba according to science?
The fact that indigenous people have been fans of a particular natural product for centuries obviously says something good. But before you start using it yourself, it is nice to know exactly what the effects are. And how healthy Copaiba is for you, of course. Fortunately, science offers some answers. Indeed, several researchers have looked into the compounds contained in Copaiba and what effects it can have in a human body.
A 2018 overview study collected almost 50 studies and compiled the results. Their conclusion about this remedy: "Promising"! The study states that Copaiba oil is an interesting alternative remedy for chronic inflammation, infections and autoimmune disorders. It may also contribute to better absorption of medication. Copaiba consists of a fairly large proportion of the compound Beta-caryophyllene. In fact, it is the essential oil with the highest known concentration of this. And that is one with potency! Beta-caryophyllene, for instance, counteracts inflammation, is an antioxidant and fights bacteria. Further effects mentioned include faster healing of wounds and reduction of pain.
Copaiba in personal care products
Because of several of these positive effects, this oil is used in products in the beauty industry. For instance, it is said to hydrate and boost your skin. It can also be used for acne or psoriasis. Users find that it calms the skin, which is not surprising considering the list of effects. Try it out for yourself when your skin could use a boost!
The proven effects in a nutshell
- combats inflammation and infections
- can support autoimmune disorders
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- wound healing
- painkiller
- can help with skin problems
How to use Copaiba oil
Are you planning to try our Copaiba oil? Then you'll probably want to know how to use it. Here is our advice, belonging to the 10 ml Copaiba dropper:
For the skin
Mix 2 to 4 drops of oil with your regular skincare product (such as a toner) and spread evenly over your skin. Try it the first time on a small area of skin, such as your forearm. That way, you can be almost certain you won't have an allergic reaction on a more sensitive area like your face.
For your overall health
Put 1 to a maximum of 5 drops of oil in a glass of water. Mix well so that the oil dissolves as much as possible, and drink the glass empty. It may taste slightly strong and bitter. Therefore, add a little lemonade or other flavouring if necessary to disguise the bitterness. Do not take more drops than the recommended dose, as this can lead to unpleasant stomach upset if you are prone to this. And as with most products, we advise against the use of some target groups: pregnant, breastfeeding people are better off not experimenting with it. Also, people with severe conditions or who are on medication should best use Copaiba with their doctor first.