Copaiba oil: what is it, what is it for and contraindications

Copaiba oil or copaiba balm is a resinous product extracted from the trunk of the copaiba, a tree of the species Copaifera officinaliswhich has anti-inflammatory, healing, analgesic and expectorant properties, being indicated to help with the healing of heridas, for example, to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis.

Asimismo, copaiba oil is also used in various anti-inflammatory and healing ointments and creams, as well as in lotions, anti-dandruff shampoo, products for oral care and acne, soaps and products for intimate hygiene.

Copaiba oil can be found in pharmacies or stores of natural products in the form of capsules or essential oil, and its use must always be carried out under the guidance of a doctor or another health professional who has experience with the use of medicinal plants and natural products.

Copaiba oil is rich in sesquiterpenes such as beta-caryophyllene and beta-bisabolene, which are active substances responsible for its healing, antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, healing, expectorant, analgesic, antirheumatic and antidiarrheal properties.

The main indications for copaiba oil are:

• Healing and disinfection of wounds;
• Tos and bronchitis;
• Flu and colds;
• diarrhea;
• Infection in the kidneys or in the urethra;
• cystitis;
• Skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema;
• Gastritis, Helicobacter pylori and ulcers;
• Skin mycosis;
• Urticaria;
• hemorrhoids;
• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• tendinitis.

Copaiba oil can also be used to fight infections that can be sexually transmitted, especially genital herpes and syphilis.

Likewise, certain studies indicate that copaiba oil also has properties that have been shown to be effective in contributing to the treatment of different types of cancer and tuberculosis. However, further studies are needed to confirm these properties.

Copaiba oil can be used in the form of essential oil or in capsules. The main ways to use essential oil are:

• Copaiba essential oil (for oral use): add 1 drop of essential oil of copaiba in a pot with water, add it to a tea cup and drink it once a day, to help with digestive, respiratory problems or strengthen the immune system;
• Copaiba essential oil (for external use): mix 1 or 2 drops of essential copaiba oil with other vegetable oil, such as almond oil or coconut oil, and apply on the skin once a day;
• Copaiba essential oil (for inhalation): apply 3 to 4 drops of copaiba essential oil in the diffuser or vaporizer and breathe in the steam, once a day, to help improve respiratory problems such as asthma or bronchitis;
• Copaiba oil capsules: take orally 1 capsule of 250 mg of copaiba oil up to 2 times a day.

The duration of the treatment with copaiba oil depends on the orientation and medical indication.

Copaiba oil is safe for most adults when it is taken orally or used over the skin in the recommended doses. However, when used in excessive amounts, it can cause some side effects that include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, insomnia, flushing or comezón in the skin.

As there is not enough information to confirm its safety, the ingested or topical use of copaiba oil should not be used in children, pregnant women or during lactation.

Asimism, it must be used under medical guidance in people against stomach upsets, such as gastritis or ulcer, for example.