Copaiba Essential Oil vs CBD Oil
I have received numerous questions about the differences between Copaiba Essential Oil and CBD Oil, and decided to do a bit of research. The answers I found were exciting, and Informative. Copaiba is an Essential Oil from the Copaiba Tree in South America. Copaiba is rich in the cannabinoid BCP (beta-caryophyllene) which is also a chemical compound in cannabis. (It is interesting to note however, the cannabinoid BCP is also found in: Melissa, Black Pepper, Clove and Rosemary Essential Oils albeit in lesser quantities.) While Copaiba contains the cannabinoid BCP, it is not derived from the cannabis plant.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds in our bodies, which activate receptors on each and every one of our cells. These receptors act as the body’s communication portals with the brain, so the brain can determine what, if any, help our body needs and initiate a physiological
response. There are 113 cannabinoids in the human body, however three are currently receiving a great deal of attention in the media. Those three are: CannaBiDiol (CBD), TetraHydroCannabinol (THC) and BetaCaroPhyllene (BCP).
Cannabinoids interact with two types of receptors in the body: CB1 and CB2. These receptors are involved in a ‘variety of physiological processes including appetite, pain-sensation, mood and memory’. (1) CB1 receptors are present in the brain and central nervous system, but also in the lungs, liver and kidneys. CB2 receptors are present in certain peripheral tissues, the immune system and in hematopoietic cells (these are stem cells that give rise to other blood cells) (2). I believe this is where the confusion lies. THC is also a cannabinoid which is found in cannabis (aka marijuana), that binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors and produces a psychoactive effect in the body. CBD is also a cannabinoid found in cannabis, which can be separated from the THC, so that ONLY the cannabinoid CBD is present. CBD does not directly impact either CB1 or CB2 receptors, however it does affect other receptors in the body which cause CBD oils therapeutic effects. Both the CBD and THC cannabinoids are being studied for their therapeutic effects on the body, because they directly communicate with the central nervous system and the brain via the CB1 receptors.
In the case of Copaiba Oil, the cannabinoid BCP does not interact with the CB1 receptors, but does interact directly with the CB2 receptor and presents similar benefits as other cannabinoids in the body. The BCP in Copaiba oil is thought to be more effective than CBD or THC for its therapeutic effect on the immune system as well as the nervous system. (3) Copaiba Essential Oil is composed of more than 50% Beta-caryophyllene, and is being studied in the treatment of inflammation, pain, atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis amongst other conditions. (4) That being said, it is possible to use Copaiba oil therapeutically, and receive similar benefits to that of Cannabis, without the legal challenges or high that you would get from Cannabis.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabinoid_receptor
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9336020
- https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/science-research-news-beta-caryophyllene
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18574142
Additional reading: