One of Copaiba Balsam Essential Oil's first recorded use as a medicine by Western scientists was the prevention of infections in newborns, by applying to the umbilicus. It's use in 17th century Europe was originally as an antiseptic wound healer, though it was found it could be helpful for a number of other conditions: coughs, scurvy, bacterial and viral illnesses and intestinal complaints. It is said that warriors of the Amazon region would rub the raw resin over their bodies after tribal conflicts or to heal other wounds.

Research published in South America in 2002 and 2009 confirmed it's wound healing potential. Published in the journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in Jan. 2009 concluded with: "The oil-resin of copaiba presents ...intense antioxidant action, and antiinflammatory activity during (wound healing). The effects of ischemia-reperfusion (this is the re-wounding of healing tissue as they are re-oxygenated) are complex and substances capable of increasing the tolerance of tissue to those effects by reducing the production or neutralizing the action of free radicals are needed."

In modern aroma-medicine, it is used for its anti-inflammatory, antifungal and pain-relieving properties, particularly for skin conditions such as athlete's foot, eczema, psoriasis, and simple wound healing. The oil can also be used in a carrier oil as a chest rub for coughs and colds, or in a steam bath for the same purpose.

To learn more about the use of all our essential oils, we encourage you to visit The Ananda Apothecary Forums, where you can post questions regarding specific applications of each oil. Questions in the forums are regularly answered by Ananda Apothecary staff, and other experienced aromatherapy practitioners.