So I tried Copaiba and within 30 seconds my pain was gone! Could this be true? Was this a coincidence? It was too good to be true so I needed to understand how this worked. I have had unexplained chest pain, body pain, that no test could find out the reason for. Most doctors either shrugged their shoulders or dismissed it. It was starting to affect my quality of life and that is when a friend suggested that I try Copaiba oil, and it worked.
I dug into the research and found that Copaiba has the same plant volatile, predominant terpenes β-caryophyllene (BCP) as Cannabis (CBD) . A lot of research has happened with the use of medical marijuanna and CBD oil and what they are finding is that CBD and THC bind to a CB2 which then activates the endocannabinoid system.
So what the heck is the endocannabinoid system?
This is a system that is relatively new, founded in the 90’s. It is a molecular system responsible for regulating and balancing many processes in the body, including immune response, communication between cells, appetite and metabolism, memory, and more.
It has three main components.: Endocannabinoids,Endocannabinoids Receptors and enzymes.
How does it all come together?
Our body system makes molecules, endocannabinoids, which then bind to the Endocannabinoids Receptors, ex. CB2 receptor. These receptors are all over your body, for example in your immune cells, which then signals that your body’s experiencing inflammation, a common sign of autoimmune disorders. Then once your body is done with the response it uses the enzymes to break down the endocannabinoids as they are no longer needed.
I found research being done in rats on the use of β-caryophyllene (BCP), from Copaiba oil. The research has shown that CB2(the receptor) is critically involved in the modulation of inflammatory and neuropathic pain responses. Studies have shown that the BCP, in Copaiba, binds to the Endocannabinoid receptors and has an analgesic, acting to relieve pain, response. Another experimental result showed the ability of BCP to reduce pro-inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alfa (TNF-α) and more. I am concerned with the TNF-a as some research is showing that could potentially be a cause for Sarcoidosis. β-caryophyllene (BCP) in Copaiba has also shown to have beneficial effects on obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liverdisease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) liver diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, pain and other nervous system disorders. The upside to BCP is so far the research has shown that β-caryophyllene improves the systemic inflammation and oxidative status without the associated hepatotoxicity (damage to your liver).
I love the science behind how it all works, I have always loved the research parts to my careers. The plant kingdom is truly incredible. It is amazing how we can help ourselves. I continue to use all my medications prescribed, but I also have a few gems that given me a way better quality of life. It is truly amazing how many resources and tools we have when we start to look outside of the accepted everyday normal.
References: Though I did not properly reference here are the articles most of this research came from.
PMID: 33114564
PMID: 24210682
PMID: 30132972
Wherever it Points 