Amazon Forest Plants, Healing Plants
Copaiba – a Gift from the Gods?
Apr
What is Copaiba and its Indications in Weight Loss, Supplements and Much More.
Extracted from the Copaiba Tree, a large tree found mainly in the Amazon rainforest, copaiba oil has a number of medicinal properties.
After decades of use as a folk remedy, bitter-tasting oil now has scientific backing. Research has shown that copaiba balsam serves to reduce inflammatory processes, improve skin health and even lift the astral.
But these are not the only benefits of copaiba oil. Check them all out below.
Indications of Copaíba oil
Here’s what copaiba oil is for:
Treat skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis;
Moisturize the skin;
Sterilize and disinfect injured tissue;
Accelerate wound healing;
Reduce oiliness of the skin;
Assist in expectoration and decrease coughing;
Stimulate kidney function;
Reduce blood pressure;
Fighting stress and calming the mind;
Reduce pain caused by rheumatic diseases;
Treat urinary tract infections.
There is also evidence that the oil can be used in the prevention and treatment of certain types of cancer (such as the skin), and also stimulate the healing of stomach ulcers.
7 Benefits of Copaiba Oil
1. It can prevent cancer
According to studies conducted by researchers at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp), copaiba oil has compounds that can be effective in fighting nine different types of tumors, including lung, skin, breast, prostate and kidney.
In addition to anticancer activity, scientists have also found evidence of the benefits of copaiba oil in the treatment of HIV and leishmaniasis.
2. It is a natural treatment for skin problems
The main indication of copaiba oil is for the treatment of the skin. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal potential, the oil not only nourishes the tissue but also helps to heal conditions such as athlete’s foot, insect bites, rashes, dermatitis, wounds, eczema, among others.
Massaged with cotton directly on the face, copaiba oil helps to deeply moisturize the skin, soothing wrinkles and expression marks.
Copaiba oil is also used to improve the irregular appearance of skin with stretch marks or cellulite, as it stimulates the synthesis of collagen.
3. Has analgesic action
When applied directly on the skin, copaiba oil decreases joint pain and also relaxes the muscles.
Thus, it can be used both in the treatment of conditions such as gout, fibromyalgia and arthritis, as well as sports injuries. A massage with a few drops of the oil directly on tendons and inflamed ligaments can be of great assistance in the treatment of tendinitis and other inflammations caused by repetitive stress.
Lightly heated, the liquid can be applied over the lumbar spine to treat low back pain associated with chronic inflammation.
4. Treats respiratory illnesses
The use of oil as an expectorant relaxes the expiratory muscles – involved in breathing – and unblocks the pulmonary alveoli, clearing the respiratory channels. In this way, it assists in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, rhinitis and throat issues.
5. It is anti-inflammatory and bactericidal
This is one of the most sought after properties of copaiba oil by those who make topical use of the product. Research has shown that the oil extracted from the copaibeira has a high content of beta-caryophyllene, a chemical compound also found in oregano, black pepper, rosemary, basil and even marijuana.
Among other functions, the substance serves to modulate the inflammatory response of the body and block the harmful action of pathogens (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa). This means that there are benefits of copaiba oil to treat problems like common colds, colds, cystitis, hemorrhoids, muscle aches, herpes, ringworm and stomach ulcers. There are also reports (not scientifically proven) that the anti-inflammatory action of the oil could unclog and regenerate the blood vessels, improving the health of the cardiovascular system.
6. Calm the mind
By the action of beta-caryophyllene, there are benefits of copaiba oil through soothing properties to the nervous system.
Widely used in aromatherapy (the branch of herbal medicine that uses plant scents to treat a variety of conditions), oil reduces anxiety and helps prevent mood swings.
7. It is diuretic
Copaiba oil increases urinary frequency, serving to reduce swelling and eliminate toxins. This property of copaiba oil stimulates the reduction of blood pressure, which is why people with naturally low blood pressure should avoid using the compound. Intake of the oil also helps in the treatment of urinary tract infections, such as cystitis and urethritis.
Side Effects of Copaiba Oil
Due to its oily nature, copaiba sap can accelerate bowel movements, causing stomach discomfort and diarrhea. Other possible side effects of copaiba oil:
Vomiting;
Skin rashes;
Allergy.
Copaiba oil is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
How to use copaiba oil
For the treatment of skin problems or wound healing, it is recommended to apply a few drops of copaiba oil 3 or 4 times a day on the affected area.
In the specific case of pains caused by rheumatic diseases, the oil should be slightly softened before being massaged over the inflamed joint.
The oral use of the product should only be done under medical supervision, because too much copaiba oil can cause intoxication. And even with medical release, the use needs to proceed very gradually, in order to avoid possible reactions to copaiba oil.
In the first week, one drop per day (preferably in the morning) diluted in water is enough to adapt the organism and at the same time guarantee the benefits of copaiba oil;
From the second week, two drops per day (also mixed with water or juice) can be ingested, and so on over the next few weeks, up to a maximum of 3-4 drops per day.