14 motherearthliving.com
HEALTH PLANTS
GE
TTYIM
AGES/MARTIN^ KORNcells. Since discovering these receptors
throughout different parts of the body,
scientists have determined that there’s
a network through which all of these
receptors and cannabinoids interface.
We can think of the ECS as a nexus
between the body and mind. Growing
research into the ECS opens up a world
of possibility for using this network of
cell receptors to combat a wide range
of diseases, including neuropathic pain,
mood and anxiety disorders, movement
disorders such as Parkinson’s and
Huntington’s disease, multiple
sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, cancer,
atherosclerosis, heart attacks, stroke,
hypertension, glaucoma, metabolic
syndrome, and osteoporosis.There are two types of cannabinoid
receptors that work in tandem to
regulate a diverse number of functions
in the body: CB1 receptors work in
the brain and nervous system, while
CB2 receptors primarily function in
the digestive tract and immune system.
Together, they modulate pain, appetite,
nausea, memory, cognitive functioning,
and the brain’s reward center. They also
work to regulate the immune system,
and glandular and hormonal functions.
Three main cannabinoids
interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors:
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),
cannabidiol (CBD), and beta-
caryophyllene (BCP). As an example,
THC, the main psychoactive ingredient
in cannabis, is received and processed
by CB1 receptors in the brain, resulting
in feelings of elation. Alternately, CBD
and BCP, present in many other plant
species, have potent effects on thebody through the same ECS network
for a host of healing potentials.
Copaiba contains high concentrations
of BCP, which works exclusively
on the CB2 receptors, making it
particularly effective for treating
digestive and immune system disorders,
specifically for the reduction of
hyper-inflammation that results from
damaged or diseased nerves.Choosing and
Using Copaiba Oil
Make sure you select high quality,
pure, undiluted essential oils whenever
you choose to use them for personal
health. While you should always dilute
essential oils in a quality carrier oilprior to full treatment, it’s important to
note that many oils on the market are
diluted with less-than-desirable carrier
oils. High-quality oils cost more than
the cheap varieties on the market, but
they’re worth the increased price, as
many cheap oils are adulterated with
solvents used during the extraction
process, or toxic pesticides used in
growing the herbs from which essential
oils are extracted.
Some companies may cut down
copaiba trees to extract the oil, thereby
potentially destroying the delicate
rainforest. Choose a sustainable
product in which the company taps the
trees, similarly to the way maple trees
are tapped for syrup, to ensure the life
and safety of the trees and ecosystem.
After diluting a drop or two in a small
amount of carrier oil, always conduct a
48-hour test on a small, inconspicuous
part of your skin to determine whetherANTIBACTERIAL BENEFITS
The medical journal Phytopherapy
Research reports that copaiba
demonstrates notable antibacterial
properties. The study assessed the
effectiveness of various copaiba
species, and found that they all had
significant antibacterial activity,
particularly against bacteria
responsible for dental and gum
conditions in the mouth. Further
research found that copaiba was
effective against bacterial strains
such as Staphylococcus, including
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA). This is particularly
hopeful news.HEALING DAMAGED SKIN
Copaiba has demonstrated effective-
ness against skin cancer
in some studies, and other research
found that the internal or topical
application of copaiba oil provided
significant improvement in the
symptoms of chronic psoriasis
by reducing scaly or thick skin.
Additional research found that
copaiba stimulated collagen in
the skin, and promoted new skin
growth, which may be beneficial for
chronic wounds, burns, or the
appearance of aging skin.Choose a sustainable product in which the
company taps the trees, similarly to the way
maple trees are tapped for syrup, to ensure
the life and safety of the trees and ecosystem.