When it comes to managing modern health challenges like chronic stress, anxiety, and inflammatory conditions, it’s best to take a natural approach. People now realize how dangerous it can be to become dependent on pain killers and mood-altering drugs. Cannabidiol (CBD), is a popular natural solution, but the lesser-known Copaiba essential oil is even better in my opinion. Here’s why I think it’s a clear winner when people are considering Copaiba essential oil vs. CBD for holistic health.
Why Focus on the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system has only been studied in depth over the last decade. Scientists discovered that there’s a nexus of cannabinoid receptors on cells throughout the entire body that interact with cannabinoids and can be key in managing disease. So far, they recognize two types of receptors.
CB1 receptors reside in the brain and link with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. This explains the “high” that someone experiences when they use it.
CB2 receptors cover cells everywhere else in the body. They receive two cannabinoids: Cannabidiol (CBD) which is also derived from Cannabis sativa and beta-caryophyllene which is largely present in Copaiba essential oil (also in black pepper, clove, melissa, and rosemary essential oils, but in a smaller amount) . CB2 receptors support the nervous, cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems and are responsible for healthy inflammatory response.
CB2 activation does not create a psychoactive experience like CB1 receptors, so one becomes very relaxed but not “high”.
Many of our health issues these days are due to stress, or too much time spent in a sympathetic nervous system state (flight or flight) as opposed to the parasympathetic state (rest and digest). We also have issues with lowered immunity or auto-immunity. Then there’s pain and inflammation that have many causes. CBD and beta-caryophyllene from Copaiba essential oil both create beneficial systemic effects that help manage symptoms of these health challenges and increase our body’s capacity to heal.
Efficacy of Copaiba Essential Oil vs. CBD
One of the reasons Copaiba sets itself apart from CBD is that it’s cannabinoid binds directly to CB2 receptors! Beta-caryophyllene is quickly available for the body and has a long half-life, meaning it lasts long in the body.
CBD, on the other hand, binds indirectly after several internal processes, which means it takes longer to provide symptom relief. The longer activation cascade of CBD also make dosage confusing because the amount of CBD that’s activated is not always consistent. CBD has a shorter half-life than Copaiba’s beta-caryophyllene
Generally, a smaller amount of high-quality Copaiba essential oil is needed for beneficial effects compared to CBD. You get what you pay for in both industries. But even the more expensive therapeutic-grade brands are still a less expensive option than CBD because of the dose difference.
Research Supporting Copaiba Essential Oil
Exciting research shows that Copaiba essential oil can help with many health challenges!
Check out these studies to learn more:
- Chemopreventive role of Copaifera reticulata Ducke oleoresin in colon carcinogenesis.
- Antimicrobial activity of copaiba oil (Copaifera ssp.) on oral pathogens: Systematic review.
- Medicinal Plants from Northeastern Brazil against Alzheimer’s Disease
- Effects of a massage-like essential oil application procedure using Copaiba and Deep Blue oils in individuals with hand arthritis
How to Use Copaiba Essential Oil
Here’s some ideas of how you can use Copaiba essential oil for holistic health at home.
Aromatic
Place a few drops in a water diffuser to relax your mood. It blends well aromatically with Lavender, Douglas Fir, Frankincense, Peppermint, Clary Sage, and many other essential oils.
Topical
Combine 3-5 drops of Copaiba with 1 oz. of carrier oil like Fractionated Coconut Oil and massage into target areas of the body.
Another fabulous benefit of Copaiba is that it enhances the effects of other essential oils. Try these powerful combinations:
- Blend with Deep Blue to massage into any painful or inflamed regions of the body
- Add into moisturizer along with Geranium and Frankincense to care for blemished, dry, or wrinkled skin
- Massage into soles of feet along with Vetiver to support deeper sleep.
Internal
Take 1-2 drops of therapeutic-grade Copaiba essential oil under tongue or in a vegetable capsule with olive oil to access all of it’s health benefits.
Have you used Copaiba essential oil? Please share your experience in the comments! I’d especially love to hear if you’ve been able to compare it to CBD. Which do you prefer? Well wishes to you…
