Why Do We Have Copaiba Balsam in Our Ache & Pain Bath Soak?

There’s quite a bit of research that suggests that Copaiba has both anti-septic and significant anti-inflammatory properties. It’s the anti-inflammatory properties that we feel many people often overlook especially since the craze for CBD has begun. CBD unlike Copaiba however has many regulatory challenges that both make it expensive and difficult to find legitimate and quality products. 

But honestly as you read on you may feel like us; that Copaiba is a hidden gem (in fact maybe even more suited than CBD for use in our bath soak) and that’s why we’ve included it in our Ache & Pain Natural Bath Soak as an ingredient unique to us!

People in the Amazon region of Brazil where Copaiba is primarily sourced consider it to be one of the greatest natural remedies provided by the jungle.

What is Copaiba Balsam?

Copaiba is an essential oil that comes from the resin of the copaiba balsam tree. A sticky secretion that comes from the tree belonging to species of Copaifera genus. The native habitat of this species is in South America, largely in Brazil.

There are several species of these trees which include:

• Copaifera reticulate
• Copaifera langsdorffii 
• Copaifera officinalis

Copaiba balsam is a collection of the resin from the trunk of the trees which is then processed by steam distillation to produce the copaiba balsam oil.

Copaiba oil has a woody and sweet scent. It can be found on the ingredient lists of some cosmetics, perfumes, and soaps. 

And can even be found in some pharmaceutical drugs to naturally relieve a cough and or act as a diuretic.

According to other research, copaiba has anti-septic and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular it’s this that we find interesting. 

Copaiba and Inflammation Control

Inflammation is the root cause of multiple diseases. According to research, different species of copaiba as Copaifera cearensis, Copaifera multijuga, and Copaifera reticulata help to exhibit anti-inflammatory responses.

According to a animal research study in 2014, the effects of copaiba oil on multiple sclerotic mice showed:

• Less production of the cells which could trigger the inflammation
• Less production of free oxygen radicals which could lead to further damage

Another study in 2017 checked the effects of copaiba oil for the treatment of muscular injury in mice(to the tongue.) The results of the study showed a lesser amount of immune cells in the body, which could cause inflammation in the mice.

Similarly, another credible study in 2018 evaluated the effect of copaiba oil for colitis. This study had the same results showing:

• Reduction in inflammation
• Less production of oxygen radicals

Interestingly enough Copaiba oil also appears to have several oral uses as well.

An in-vitro study in 2015 that we came across says that, “copaiba oil is a non-cytotoxic agent.” 

This oil is:

• Biological compatible
• Reparative in nature
• Anti-inflammatory

It can hinder the growth of streptococcus mutans bacteria in the mouth to stop the inflammation and prevent the teeth decay. (Copaiba toothpaste anyone?)

Copaiba oil is also helpful in reducing the inflammation of the liver following a study published in the year 2013. This study also revealed the anti-inflammatory properties of copaiba oil.

Different inflammatory skin conditions as acne are also treatable with the use of copaiba oil. Studies showed a significant decrease in skin acne with the use of copaiba preparations.

Beta-caryophyllene (BC)

Copaiba’a anti-inflammatory ability is linked to a chemical called beta-caryophyllene (BC), which is also found in CBD oil leading to the comparison between Copaiba Balsam and CBD (Cannabidiol), but BC is just one of thousands of terpenes. 

BC is however much more abundant in Copaiba than in CBD. This is important because research suggests that Beta-Caryophyllene is a potent phyto cannabinoid reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. 

One of the studies referenced below suggested that Beta-Caryophyllene has prominent anti-arthritic activity because of this strong anti-inflammatory property.

Because of its much higher BC content Copaiba may also share some similar properties and benefits as CBD and even work potentially better in some circumstances. All without the regulatory question marks(namely Copaiba contains no THC at all.) This similarity is however disputed by some and we certainly don’t claim Copaiba to be the same as CBD.

Does Copaiba Help With Pain relief?

Copaiba oil helps relieve pain as it exhibits anti-nociceptive properties. These properties allow the oil to block pain detection by the pain receptors or sensory neurons.

According to a study of the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, there are some anti-nociceptive properties of Copaifera reticulate and copaifera multijuga when you administer them orally. The study result showed that copaiba oil is effective in relieving central and peripheral pain symptoms. These factors make this oil a suitable alternative to medicines for treating different health conditions.

According to a study in 2017, patients with inflammation and joint pain can benefit from the use of copaiba oil. This study showed less intense damage to the joint and less loss of mobility due to arthritis in patients.

Mechanism of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties:

Most essential oils like Copaiba oil use the mechanism of less pain detection by the sensory neurons in the body. These oil particles cause blockage of pain fibers or receptors in the body. If these neurons do not detect the pain, there will be no symptom of pain. 

For anti-inflammatory properties, Copaiba oil helps to control the production of cytokines and inflammatory triggers. As these cells reduce in number, the control of inflammation occurs in the body. 

Copaiba, in our opinion, is an often overlooked gem when it comes to pain management related to the reduction of inflammation which is why you will find it in our Ache & Pain Natural Bath Soak.

Conclusion:

Copaiba oil has several traditional medicinal uses to help with inflammation and body pain, recent studies validate these effects. CBD oil (cannabidiol) and Copaiba oil have some of the same anti-nociceptive properties, which make them both viable alternatives for pain management.

In Addition to Ache & Pain Bath Soak How Can I Use Copaiba Essential Oil?

The diffusion of essential oils by diffusers helps to have better inhalation of the particles. These particles, when entering the body through nasal passages, can heal the inflammation and reduce congestion to induce a calming effect.

Essential oils, topical application is a useful way to reduce pain and inflammation. Apply the oil in generous quantity over your skin. Massage it gently into the skin until it absorbs in the skin.

Do not overheat the oils as they can be damaged and lose their nutrients on high heat.