Balsam Copaiba -- Copaifera

When I started out using essential oils, Copaiba was an oil that was highly recommended to me.   I experimented with it a little, but was more focused on other oils.  Fast forward to the present, and it's one of my key oils.  What have I learned about Copaiba that makes me such a big fan?

The main factor in my love for Copaiba is its high content of a chemical called β-Caryophyllene.  (You can read about β-Caryophyllene in the January 2019 archives of Karen's Blog.)  In short, β-Caryophyllene​ is a natural cannabinoid that attaches to and activates our CB2 (immune system) receptors (like CBD oil does).  So Copaiba works with our endocannabinoid system to help reduce inflammation and pain.  Its actions also include: antispasmodic, antidepressant, antibacterial, antiviral, and skin cell regenerative.  

There are two species of Copaiba essential oil: Copaifera officinalis and Copaifera langsdorfii L. 

The C. officinalis in my stock contains about 39% β-Caryophyllene, about 5%  a-Humulene, and about 13% Germacrene D.  This oil has a mellow, sweet-resinous-woody aroma.
My C. langsdorfii L. has 69% β-Caryophyllene and about 5% each of a-Humulene and Germacrene D.  The aroma is a sharp contrast to that of C. officinalis - it has a sharp, almost medicinal scent that makes me think of Eucalyptus (though it does NOT smell like Eucalyptus).  This oil needs a drop-by-drop technique when being blended with other essential oils because it may 'clash' aromatically with other oils.

Both oils have similarities in their major constituents and therapeutic properties.  The main difference is the amount of the individual components.

Interestingly, I was recently asked to see if I could alter my Total Knot Out to make it usable for someone who takes blood thinners. That meant substituting out the Helichrysum.  Of course, I had to experiment - and my first thought was to try my new C. langsdorfii L.  So I made one ounce of TKO with C. langsdorfii L. instead of Helichrysum italicum.   It smells just as good as the original recipe.  I've been using the altered blend twice a day for 8 days now, and I'm very happy to say I love it!   I've called it Total Knot Out Alternate, and I (personally) think it's more effective than my original TKO. 

Copaiba doesn't have any known safety issues.