COPAIBA is the new of modern herbal medicine
Indigenous name: Kupa'iwa or Kupa'u
Among the indigenous people of the Amazon jungle, Copaiba oil is primarily used to treat skin diseases, insect and snake bites and to heal wounds. They discovered its medicinal properties by observing wounded animals rubbing themselves against the bark of the Copaiba tree.
Indigenous men were anointed with Copaiba oil when returning from hunting or from battles, and would lay in a heated suspended hammock for a few days to allow their bodies to fully heal.
During the colonization of Brazil, Copaiba oil gained prestige amongst settlers as a remedy for tropical diseases. Cut off from Europe, they resorted to indigenous traditional knowledge and were astonished to see this amazingly aromatic oil pouring out of the tree trunks, considering it to have magical properties. It didn’t take long for Copaiba oil to become one of the main first aid medicines amongst colonizers, regarded as the “antibiotic from the jungle” and used for the treatment of urinary and respiratory tract infections, asthma, psoriasis and prevention of tetanus.
Many explorers and missionaries mention Copaiba oil in manuscripts of their adventures in South America, the earliest one dated from 1534. Knowledge of Copaiba spread as it became a part of British Pharmacopoeia in the early 1600’ and entered the American Pharmacopoeia in the 1800’s.
Historical uses of Copaiba include anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and expectorant effect supporting the healing of: general infections and inflammations, wounds, eczema, boils, sebum, sore throat, cough, colds and flues, incontinence, vaginal discharge, muscular pain, migraines. Energetic effects of its use, in a steamer, or applied topically are calming, grounding, aphrodisiac.
Scientific Research has validated the efficacy of Copaiba by searching the oil for components with active pharmacological activity. Beta-carophyllene has been shown to be effective in protecting the gastric lining and assisting with reflux, ulcers and gastritis.
UNICAMP, a major University close to Sao Paulo, Brazil, is concluding research on Hyrtiosal extracted from Copaiba oil. Synthesized components presented important results against 9 different types of cancer (ovary, prostate, kidney, colon, lungs, breast, skin and blood (leukemia) and tuberculosis.
Highly regarded in the cosmetic industry, Copaiba is also found in hair products, soaps and perfumes. It promotes a homogeneous smooth skin, assisting in diminishing blemishes and drying pimples. Also known as the “oil of life”, it is in high demand across the globe.
It is wonderful to discover why and how components of this powerful ancient indigenous medicines work, yet we believe that Copaiba and other plant medicines are a gift to mankind and are most valuable used whole, as nature intended.
Sadly, nowadays Copaiba oil can be adulterated and mixed with inferior, contaminated oils, or even show residue diesel. That is why it is extremely important to make sure you are buying a pure grade copaiba oil, that is certified by trustworthy pharmacists. Amrit’s PURE GRADE COPAIBA oil is certified for purity.
As the world’s richest countries invest in unlocking the healing powers of traditional plant medicine, oils such as Copaiba are gaining credibility, and with this comes high demand for the oil. Unfortunately, this puts the trees at risk, therefore responsible and fair trade extraction processes are a must in order to preserve the highest quality Copaiba trees naturally occurring only in dense jungle. The extraction of our oil respects the sustainable handling of the tree, and above all, respects the capability of each tree; they are not drained beyond their reserves and are left to “rest” for 3 years until the next extraction.
SUSTAINABILITY:
In addition to caring for the health of Copaiba trees, we are trying to support the health of the Amazonian ecosystem as a whole. Part of the proceeds from the sale of this oil are used to plant native trees in the Amazon.
We work with local co-ops who harvest Copaiba in the traditional manner, thus creating a source of income based on sustainable production and preservation of the natural environment.
Amrit Copaiba oil is Certified for sustainable practices.
How to use:
Topically: Use sparingly on affected areas, re-applying every 3-4 hours. Dilute ¼ Copaiba in a carrier oil (black sesame, apricot kernel, olive).
Test on a small patch of the skin prior to a treatment, as this is a very potent oil.
Diffuser: add 3-5 drops of Copaiba oil for calming, grounding and woody aroma. It blends well with frankincense, patchouli, sweet orange, geranium rose and neroli.
Food flavor: Add 2-3 drops to your fruit juice, fruit salad, coffee or tea.
In case of adverse reactions, discontinue using Copaiba oil immediately.
Amrit does not wish to give medical advice or substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor.