Copaiba
COPAIBA
Copaifera langsdorffi, Copaifera langsdorffii, Copaifera officinalis
Common Name
Family
Actions
Antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-parasitic, antiseptic, analgesic, antirheumatic, antidiarrheal, decongestant, diuretic, expectorant, stimulating
Edible Uses
The resin of Copaiba is often used in flavorings for food and beverages
Native To
South America (Bolivia, Brazil, and Venezuela)
Geographic Distribution
Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Sierra Leone, India, and Sri Lanka
Botanical Description & Identification
The Copaiba tree can grow up to about 98 feet in height. Its leaves are compound, each comprising of 3-4 pairs of leaflets. Its aromatic flowers appear white in color and have 4 calyx lobes and 10 free stamens. The fruit of the tree comes in the form a pod with is a smooth and leather-like, each containing about 1-2 seeds per pod. The resin of the tree is what becomes the medicinal oil of copaiba after it has been carefully removed and steam distilled.
Key Constituents
B-Caryophyllene., a-Copaiene, delta-Cadinene, Gamma-Cadinene, Cedrol. Terpene components: (α-cubebene, α-copaene, β-elemene, β-caryophyllene, γ-elemene, α-bergamotene, α-humulene, transcadina-1(6),4-diene, germacrene D, β-bisabolene, and -cadinene).
Sustainability Issues
None known.
Harvesting Guidelines
The traditional metheds of collecting copaiba resin is by drilling a hole into the center of the trunk, about 60 or 70 cm from the ground. Immediately after a tube is installed below the hole to collect the resin into a container. The resin is drained for a few days into a container that can rest on the ground near the tree. Harvesting copaiba resin should only come from trees which are at least 40cm in diameter and have had at least three years from the last collection to allow the tree time to rest and replenish. After a few days of allowing resin to collect, the hole is sealed with clay to prevent infestation by insects and other unwanted elements.
Uses
**BENEFITS OF COPAIBA:
Copaiba is known to:
*Decrease inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
*Pain reducer (especially of the nerves)
*Calm teething in babies
*Calm toothaches
*Protect the liver from damage
*Stop bacteria from spreading and growing (antibacterial), especially Streptococcus
Mutan, the most common bacterial cause of cavities in children.
*Eases arthritic pain
*Have an overall calming effect
*Repel parasites
Copaiba is useful in the following more common disorders and diseases:
Cavities, wounds, arthritis, stroke, brain trauma, drug induced liver damage, disorders of pain, gingivitis, halitosis, strep, acne, insomnia, teething, bladder infection, parasite induced illness, chronic gonorrhea, eczema, herpes, psoriasis
Most common uses:
Copaiba is most commonly used in dental products to help the body prevent cavities and also ease the pain associated with the mouth.
Fun Facts:
Copaiba oil or resin:
* Has long been used as a scent and added to beauty products for body care since
recorded time. When Europeans and Americans learned of the oil it became a rare
commodity only available to the elite.
* Provided the Aztec with a strong glue, often solidifying their precious jewelry.
* Has a history of wealth. Mesoamerican cities and regions of old that had copal
trees in their area were considered advantageous because they could
trade their copal resin for food, jewelry, precious stones, and other valuables of
the day.
References
Apelian, N., & Davis, C. (2019). The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies: The Healing Power of Plant Medicine.
Hoffman, D. (1987). The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism.
Recipes and Monographs Compiled From The Intermediate Herbal Course. Copyright: The Herbal Academy.
McIntyre, A. (2019). The Complete Herbal Tutor: The Definitive Guide to the Principles and Practices of Herbal Medicine.
Wood, M. (2008). The Earthwise Herbal: A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants
Safety
Copaiba oil should not be ingested as a regular medicinal herb by pregnant women or breastfeeding women.
Dose