Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis)
Copaifera officinalis
Western Herbalism
Western Herbalism

Copaiba

Copaifera officinalis

Also known as Copaiba Balsam, Copaiva, Balsam copaiva, Capivi, Balsam of copaiva, Balsam of copaiba, Balsam capivi.

WarmingTaste: BitterTaste: Pungent

Oleoresin tapped from trunk traditional Amazonian use for wounds, infections, inflammation imparts persistent odor to urine and breath may cause measles-like skin eruption in overdose resin preferred over oleoresin for diuretic effect

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Actions

Anti-inflammatoryDiureticExpectorantAntisepticStimulantCarminativeLaxativeAstringentAntibacterialAntifungal

Indications what the tradition reached for it in

Safety

Pregnancy: Pregnancy Caution

Breastfeeding: Lactation (source flag notSafeInLactation)

The record lists 2 contraindications; open the plate in the library to read them in full.

Dosing as the sources wrote it

PreparationAs writtenMetric
Oil: 5-20 drops (B.P.)0.15-0.6 mL
10-15 minims in capsules or emulsion0.62-0.92 mL
for dropsyfor dropsy 15-20 grains 3x daily972-1296 mg
2 drops oil + 1 tbsp honey daily (traditional oral)0.06-0.06 mL
Dose, ten to thirty drops, three times a day0.2-0.6 mL
Dose, from five to sixty grains.324-3888 mg

Doses are reproduced from the sources for practitioners and are not a recommendation for any person.

From the sources

Clinical Notes. Oleoresin tapped from trunk traditional Amazonian use for wounds, infections, inflammation imparts persistent odor to urine and breath may cause measles-like skin eruption in overdose resin preferred over oleoresin for diuretic effect

Therapy. External. Copaiba is sometimes applied to frost-bites and chilblains, sore nipples, old ulcers, and anal fissures, and to fistulous tracts to soften hardened edges and surfaces; also in sluggish chronic skin affections when a stimulating antiseptic action is desired.

Therapy. This agent is used in the treatment of gonorrhea. It is best used after active inflammation has subsided where the mucous structures of the urinary tract are debilitated. It is useful in gleet or chronic urethritis with much relaxation and debility, and if anemia be present, it should be given in conjunction with iron.

Properties and Uses. This balsam is a peculiar stimulant, with a portion of relaxing properties, acting gently but rather persistently. Its principal action is upon the mucous membranes and the kidneys. It slowly excites all the mucous passages, from the stomach through the entire bowels, and in the bladder, vagina, uterus, and lungs.

Drawn from Cook's Physio-Medical Dispensatory; King's American Dispensatory, 18th edition (Felter and Lloyd); Ellingwood's American Materia Medica, Therapeutics and Pharmacognosy; Felter's Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, and the Bountiful Herbs editorial.

In formulas

Copaiba stands in 9 documented formulas in the library, among them Mistura Copaibae Composita.

Often paired with

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