Explore Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil Uses & Benefits

By Caryn Gehlmann

Have you heard of Copaiba Balsam essential oil? Until recently, it wasn’t well known to aromatherapists, but it’s gaining more popularity. Some are even touting it for its immune system support and other health benefits. We recently began carrying Copaiba Balsam essential oil, so we want to introduce you to some of its uses and benefits.

First, a little background on Copaiba Balsam. It comes from the resin of Copaifera officinalis, a tree that is native to Brazil and parts of South America. The essential oil is steam distilled, with an earthy, woody, balsam-type scent that many find grounding and a bit less intense than other resin-based essential oils.

In South America’s indigenous cultures, Copaiba has a long history of use in medicine and fragrances. If you like studying the science behind your essential oils, Aromatic Science has an article on many research studies done on copaiba balsam. It’s main biochemical components are beta-caryophyllene, a-copaiene, delta-cadinene, gamma-cadinene, and cedrol.

Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil Uses & Benefits

Pain relief — Copaiba has high levels of β-Caryophyllene. This along with its other anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-septic, and anti-oxidant properties make it a potential source of pain relief. The research in this area is promising, especially for people with chronic joint pain who want an alternative to NSAIDs.

Skin care — Copaiba’s properties also have been studied for skin conditions. Research shows that application of Copaiba essential oil could be beneficial in fighting off harmful bacteria and microorganisms that can trigger an outbreak of acne. Positive results were also noted from a study done on addressing the skin condition psoriasis.

Germ fighting — Various studies, including a study on wound healing after dental procedures, show promise when it comes to Copaiba’s antibacterial properties.

Fixative in scented products — Copaiba Balsam, with it’s soft, subtle aroma can be used as a fixative to help retain the scent in perfume blends, soaps and other personal care products. It binds to more volatile aromas to extend their shelf life.

We spoke with aromatherapy educator, Frankie Holzbach, who is 82 years young, about how she uses Copaiba Balsam. Here’s what she had to say about her experience with chronic knee pain…

I began using Copaiba Balsam in 2016 alternating it with other blends on my aching knees. Both of my knees suffer from torn cartilages which I tore back in my more active days many years ago (first one in 1956 playing volleyball and the second about 20 years later during a tennis match). After my shower every morning, I put either a tsp. of carrier oil or a 1/2 inch of an scent-free ointment in my hand. I add two drops of the Copaiba to the carrier and apply directly to my knees. When it doesn’t seem to be helping, I change it up for a day or two with other oils like Joint Relief, Muscle Soothe and Lemongrass, but Copaiba Balsam is my favorite “go-to” oil, and I wouldn’t want to be without it.

There are many other uses being researched for Copaiba Balsam essential oil. Find more information, including application methods, on our new product page. Would you like to learn more about essential oils – like where they come from, how they’re made and how to make your own special blends? We invite you to take advantage of our free gift to you — our ebook, Listen to Your Nose – An Introduction to Aromatherapy.