copaiba

Copaifera officinalis (Plant Family: Fabaceae)

Type of plant: Copaiba is a rain forest tree growing to between 50 and 90 feet in height with long, flowering panicles and small white flowers

Part used: Oleoresin

Method of extraction: Steam distillation

Data: This species of copaiba tree is found throughout South America and the Amazon region. The resin is extracted by tapping or drilling holes into the tree, which then exudes resin from the holes. No trees are destroyed using this process of extraction. The oleoresin is then distilled to make the essential oil. The resin was first mentioned in Europe in the early 1600s. It’s been used by indigenous people of the Amazon for a multitude of medicinal purposes and is part of the traditional healer’s pharmacopeia; much ongoing scientific research is being carried out into its medical properties.

Principal place of production: Brazil

When buying look for: A colorless to light-brown viscous liquid with a soft, sweet, earthy, resinous aroma

Therapeutic properties: Analgesic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, astringent, cicatrizing, circulatory, diuretic, expectorant, stimulant

Therapeutic uses: Bronchitis, sore throats, tonsillitis, varicose conditions, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, urinary tract infections, cystitis, intestinal cramps and spasms, stomachache, stomach discomfort, Helicobacter pylori, muscular pain, bacterial and inflammatory skin conditions, fungal skin infections, onychomycosis, foot candida nail infections, athlete’s foot

Blends well with: Benzoin, black pepper, cajuput, cardamom, chamomile german, chamomile roman, coriander seed, elemi, eucalyptus radiata, geranium, ginger, greenland moss, hyssop decumbens, juniper berry, lavender, lemon, manuka, mastic, may chang, myrtle, niaouli, ravensara, thyme linalol, turmeric 

Precautionary advice: No contraindications known

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