By Rachel dōTERRA  Wellness Advocate

DōTERRA added Copaiba essential oil last fall and we are EXCITED to have this oil in our arsenal because it is powerful for our brains and nervous systems.  I’m excited to share more about this oil with you.
CBD oil has been a hot topic lately as an alternative to drugs.There are a lot of questions about CBD vs Copaiba oil so I will break down the differences in an easy-to-understand way.
There’s also a lot of controversy, and even more opinions, these days about medical marijuana, CBD oil and products that contain THC so let’s start with some definitions….
Cannabinoids: Any chemical compound that affects one or both cannabinoid receptors in the human body, CB1 or CB2. Some cannabinoids are legal (CBD and those found in essential oils) and some, like THC from cannabis/marijuana, are not …

CBD: CBD, or CannaBiDiol, is a naturally occurring component of the cannabis and hemp plants. CBD made from hemp has a low concentration around 2-4%. If derived from cannabis/marijuana CBD has a higher concentration around 5-30%. All CBD extractions contain some amount of THC (the part of the plant that makes you feel high) though some are low enough to be legal in our country.  CBD is often said to be legal in all 50 states but that is controversial. Benefits include pain relief, reduces anxiety, effective against cancer, treats seizures and other neurological issues, prevention of diabetes through lower insulin levels and promotes cardiovascular health. This is the power of cannabinoids! (source)
THC: THC, or TetraHydroCannabinol, is also a naturally occurring compound in the cannabis plant. This is the part of the plant that makes people feel high when they smoke marijuana or use products that contain THC. Supplements that contain THC are only legal in a few states. THC resembles another cannabinoid naturally produced in our brains, anandamide, which regulates our mood, sleep, memory, and appetite. (source) Hence the reason THC makes you relaxed … and hungry.
BCP: BCP, or Beta-CaryoPhyllene, is the dietary cannabinoid found in doTERRA’s Copaiba oil. Not only is it in Copaiba essential oil it’s in doTERRA’s in very high amounts – 60%!!!  While this is a different type of cannabinoid than CBD it directly affects the same CB2 receptors in amazing ways and is present in a much higher amount. It’s also found in lower levels in other essential oils, in lower amounts, like Black Pepper and Melissa.

We all have cannabinoid receptors in our bodies and they are super important. They are found all over the body, in the brain, organs, tissues, glands and immune cells. In each tissue, the cannabinoid system performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same: homeostasis. We have two different types of receptors – CB1 and CB2.
CB1, predominantly present in the nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and organs; and CB2, predominantly found in the immune system and its associated structures. Many tissues contain both CB1 and CB2 receptors, each linked to a different action. (source)
The CB1 receptors are the ones that THC interacts with and causes psychotropic effects.
The CB2 receptors are the ones that do not make you “high” when affected. These are the target when using CBD oil and Copaiba essential oil. CBD actually indirectly interacts with CB2 receptors while the main constituent of Copaiba interacts directly. CB2 receptors are found mostly in the immune system, and they seem to reduce inflammation and certain kinds of pain.

THC comes from the cannabis or hemp plants. It is completely illegal in about half the US and legal for at least medical purposes in the other half.
CBD oil from hemp contains only trace amounts of THC and is legal in all 50 states. It does not make you high but it does help with neurological issues, pain and more by indirectly interacting with CB2 receptors in the body.
BCP, caryophyllene, is a cannabinoid found in very high levels in dōTERRA's  
Copaiba and it interacts DIRECTLY with CB2 receptors. When taken internally, the BCP in Copaiba possesses strong antioxidant properties, promotes healthy cellular function,  may help support immune function while supporting overall circulatory health, and may help support the health of the gastrointestinal tract and colon. Additional research has shown that Copaiba essential oil (with all its constituents) may help keep the mouth, teeth, and gums clean and healthy looking. Topically applied Copaiba oil may also help keep the skin clean and clear while helping to reduce the appearance of blemishes.  Another interesting experimental research study found that Copaiba taken internally may help to support uterine health and ease menstruation.*

Copaiba is a versatile oil. See some of our favorite ways to use Copaiba below:

1. Keep your skin clear and clean while reducing the appearance of blemishes by adding Copaiba to your toner or by applying it directly to skin before applying moisturizer.
2. Copaiba blends well with Roman Chamomile, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Frankincense, or Ylang Ylang. Using any of these oils that appeal to you, create your own personal fragrance in a roller bottle, and then fill the rest of the bottle with Fractionated Coconut Oil.
3. Most of the body can benefit from Copaiba—it supports the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and immune system.* To take advantage of these benefits for any of these systems, add one to two drops to water, juice, or make your own tea using warm water and honey.
4. When you’re facing a stressful day ahead or feeling worried, diffusing Copaiba’s woody scent can help calm any anxious feelings you may be experiencing.
5. Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to take advantage of the antioxidants—the substance that stops potential damage to your cells from oxidation.*
6. Use in a calming bath by adding two to three drops to body wash before mixing it in the water.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Article by Rachel dōTERRA Wellness Advocate