In the world of essential oils, there are lots of oils that help with period pain.
And today we’re going to look at how you can use one of those oils, known as copaiba, for menstrual cramps.
Copaiba essential oil comes from copaiba trees which are found mainly in Central and South America.
The essential oil itself is made from the resin (which is extracted by punching a hole into the trunk of the tree).
One country that has a long history of copaiba use is Brazil, where it’s used in healing ceremonies (for both physical and spiritual benefits).
As for the aroma, copaiba oil has a gentle, sweet and woodsy smell that makes it easy to blend with other period-friendly oils.
So, let’s dive in and see how you can use this oil for yourself!
Note: this post contains affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.
BENEFITS OF COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL FOR MENSTRUAL PAIN
1. Natural Pain Reliever
Copaiba oil contains an ingredient called BCP (beta-caryophyllene) which is a powerful pain reliever.
In fact, BCP is most famously found in hemp plants.
It’s said to be the ingredient that makes hemp so beneficial for pain relief.
However, what makes copaiba especially helpful for pain is that it can have twice as much BCP as hemp.
So, while hemp has about 30% BCP, copaiba can have as much as 60%!
This means copaiba has the potential to relieve even the most severe period pain.
Do keep in mind that the concentration of BCP can vary from one harvest to another. This isn’t a problem; just the nature of farming.
2. Fights Inflammation
Research shows that several copaiba species have anti-inflammatory properties (source).
This is significant because as I discuss in this post about home remedies for menstrual cramps, inflammation is an underlying cause of cramps.
And in order to get rid of period pain, you have to address the underlying inflammation.
Therefore, an anti-inflammatory oil like copaiba is a simple way to start cooling down the flames of inflammation and having more enjoyable menstrual cycles.
3. Relieves Tension
From an emotional perspective, copaiba oil can help reduce tension and anxiety.
Since emotional stress also contributes to inflammation, the simple act of diffusing copaiba oil can help you feel more relaxed.
And when you’re more relaxed, your cells become more relaxed too 🙂
HOW TO USE COPAIBA ESSENTIAL OIL FOR PERIOD CRAMPS
Although you can use copaiba on its own, you’ll get better results by combining it with other period-friendly, pain-relieving essential oils.
If you want something that is already mixed and ready to use, then this PMS Ease roll-on is one you should try. It contains oils like clary sage and ylang ylang (both great for hormone support), ginger (a natural pain reliever) and many more.
On the other hand, if you’re the DIY type, then we’re going to look at some recipes that you can make at home.
Please note that the recipes below are diluted to 5%. If the 5% dilution doesn’t give you results, you can increase it to 8% or even 10%.
Just be aware that dilutions of 5% or more are not meant for every day use. They’re meant for short-term use.
So, only use these blends when you have cramps and do not use them as “prevention” when you’re not on your cycle.
If you need to change the dilution level, use this essential oil dilution chart to see how many drops you need.
Lastly, let’s talk about where to get copaiba: my favorite brands for essential oils are Eden’s Garden and Plant Therapy. Both have a wide selection, and Plant Therapy offers the added bonus of having organic and non-organic oils.
In addition, if you visit their websites, you can see the quality assurance reports (aka GCMS reports) for each oil. That report lists each component in the oil and its concentration. So, that you can see exactly how much BCP you’ll be getting when you purchase (it can vary from one harvest to another).
Here is Eden’s Garden copaiba and here you can find Plant Therapy’s copaiba.
Copaiba Period Relief Blend 1
21 drops copaiba
12 drops lavender
12 drops frankincense
Almond oil
1 ounce glass bottle
Instructions
- Add essential oils to the glass bottle.
- Fill up the bottle with almond oil.
- Close the bottle and shake well.
- Massage onto your lower belly for relief.
Copaiba Period Relief Blend 2
18 drops copaiba
10 drops black pepper (it also contains BCP!)
9 drops peppermint
8 drops clary sage
Almond oil
1 ounce glass bottle
Copaiba Period Relief Blend 3
23 drops copaiba
22 drops frankincense
Almond oil
1 ounce glass bottle
Copaiba Period Relief Blend 4
18 drop copaiba
11 drops lavender
9 drops peppermint
7 drops marjoram
Almond oil
1 ounce glass bottle
RELATED QUESTIONS
Is coffee good for cramps?
Coffee stimulates the adrenals to work harder and therefore, release more cortisol. This increases overall inflammation in the body and can end up worsening cramping during your period.
Does sugar make cramps worse?
Refined or processed sugar causes inflammation and therefore, it makes menstrual pain worse.
However, natural sugar from fruits and veggies is fine because these foods contain antioxidants are anti-inflammatory.
Raw/unpasteurized honey is also a safe choice because it contains vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Are heating pads good for menstrual cramps?
Absolutely, heating pads can be very beneficial for menstrual cramps, especially when combined with essential oils.
Here’s a trick to try: apply an essential oil blend to your abdomen, then place a heating pad on top.
The combination of heat and aromatherapy is very soothing!
Does epsom salt help menstrual cramps?
Yes, epsom salt can help relieve period pain.
To get the most out of it combine 1 drop copaiba, 1 drop mint and 3 drops lavender with 1 tablespoon almond oil.
Add this mixture, along with some epsom salt to your bath water and enjoying a relaxing soak.
What foods help get rid of cramps?
Anti-inflammatory foods are great for relieving period cramps.
Focus on water-rich fruits like oranges, watermelons, berries, nectarines, clementines and grapefruit.
As for veggies, cucumbers, lettuce, celery, leafy greens and root vegetables are excellent choices.
For grains, gluten-free varieties (rice, quinoa, amaranth) are ideal because they keep inflammation low.
When it comes to animal protein, go for the ones that contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.
This means things like salmon, sardines and mackerel.
What drinks help get rid of cramps?
Smoothies, soups, mint tea, fennel tea, ginger tea, fresh pressed juices, green tea, kombucha and plain water are all great for menstrual cramps.
Not only do they help to detox the body, but they also reduce lower cramp-inducing inflammation.
CONCLUSION
With its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and tension-reducing properties, copaiba essential oil is a great addition to your home remedies for menstrual cramps.
As with all essential oils, always make sure to follow the proper dilution guidelines.
And also, be sure to combine copaiba with other oils (since essential oils work better together).
Last but not least, if you have questions or feedback on how the use of copaiba for menstrual cramps, just drop a comment below 🙂
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