Botanical Name:á Copaiba officinalis

Description:á Copaiba oil resin and essential oil was first recorded in European medicine journals in 1625. It has long been used by the indigenous people of the Amazon jungles. Researchers have found that the oil-resin of copaiba has anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have been shown to be two times higher than that found in diclofenac sodium, one of the most widely used anti-inflammatory drugs in the market. Moreover, Copaiba oil has been used to help lubricate arteries and veins, favoring an adequate flow of blood and general better oxygenation. Copaiba contains the highest natural known amounts of beta caryophyllene (55 percent) of any known essential oil. Caryophyllene is a well known plant chemical which has been documented strong anti-inflammatory effects (among other actions).

Of Interest:á Today, its ability to soothe and soften the skin û a result of its high content of naturally-occurring essential fatty acids that are the building blocks of healthy skin tissue û coupled with its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, has meant that copaiba oil is routinely used as an ingredient in soaps, bath preparations, cosmetic creams and lotions in the US.

History:á Copaiba oil was first introduced to the rest of the world in the 17th century, when it was known as JesuitÆs balsam (because it had been brought back from the New World by the Jesuits). Among other things, it was used as a topical preparation applied to hemorrhoids, and also to soothe chilblains.

Properties:á anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-reliever), anticancerous, antimicrobial, wound healer

Benefits:á Arthritis and joint pain Moreover, Copaiba oil has been used to help lubricate arteries and veins, favoring an adequate flow of blood and general better oxygenation. It also has been indicated for: ? Bronchitis ? Stomach ulcers ? Bladder infections ? Abrasions/Cuts ? Eczema ? Fungus infections ? Massages

Traditional Use:á as a topical analgesic (pain-reliever) and anti-inflammatory for wounds, rashes, dermatitis, bug bites, boils, and psoriasis; as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and antimicrobial agent for internal and external bacterial infections; for nail and skin fungi; for skin cancer; for stomach ulcers and stomach cancer. It is a wild harvested productùgrown naturally in the Brazilian Amazon without any pesticides or fertilizers.á The remedy that helps to alleviate everything from stomach ulcers and psoriasis to nail fungus. Copaiba oil has a long history of use in South America, where it has traditionally been used as a topical remedy to help clear up skin problems including dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, herpes, insect bites, injuries, wounds and boils.

Parts Used:á Resin, bark extracted from the bark of Copa?ba tree

Color:á Clear and Colorless

Consistency:á thin

Extraction Method:á Cold pressed

Note Classification:á Base

Aroma Description:á warm, honey-like scent. It is rich and pleasant; it is easily identifiable as a base note.

Aroma Strength:á Medium

Blends Well With:á Rose, Jasmine, Sandalwood, and Frankincense. It can also support the softer qualities of oils such as Ylang-ylang or Vanilla.

Origin:á Peru

Cultivation:á Wildharvested

Safety Data:á Not to be used internally during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.á Avoid contact with mucous membranes, as the resin can act as an irritant.á Those allergic or sensitive to the resin may experience a measles-like rash accompanied by irritation, itching and/or tingling when using topically or taking internally. Discontinue use if these effects occur or cut with another oil.á Do not take internally in large dosages (more than 5 ml). Large dosages have been reported to cause nausea, vomiting, fever, and rashes. Discontinue or reduce dosage if these effects occur.

External Use: Apply directly to skin as desired.

Internal Use: Take 20 drops (1 ml) daily (for no longer than two weeks.)á