dōTERRA Copaiba Essential Oil – BCP vs CBD
This article is not meant to be an exhaustive discussion of these systems as there are a lot of medical studies that can be found online that go in-depth on this topic. (I have added some links at the end of the post.)
I want to highlight some of the main areas of the cannabinoid system within your body so you can better understand the reactions going on and make an informed decision around BCP or CBD products.
To get started, a cannabinoid is defined as ‘Any chemical compound that affects one or both cannabinoid receptors in the human body, CB1 or CB2.’
What are receptors you may ask? Receptors are protein molecules that sit on the outside of a cell and transmit information to the cell. Someone gave an easy way to think about this – the receptor is like a window in your house. When you look outside and see snow, you make a decision about how to dress that day. Or if you look out and see rain, you grab an umbrella.
The cell is similar – when a molecule attaches to the cell receptor it provides information to the cell and the cell acts accordingly.
These cell receptors (of which there are many types) are located in different systems of the body and their goal is to help the body reach balance (or homeostasis). For this article we are focused on the CB1 and CB2 receptors and note that they are associated with the following systems:
- CB1: Brain and Nervous System
- CB2: Endocrine and Immune System
The CB1 receptor affects resides in the nervous system, glands and organs such as the brain, connective tissues, glands, etc.
The CB2 receptor primarily found in the heart, blood vessels, liver, heart, kidneys, endocrine glands, bones and reproductive organs is a part of the immune system and whose goal is to protect the body by improving the immune response, to reduce inflammation and regulate pain.
That is a lot of information but it helps to lay the foundation for us.
Cannibinoids
There are three classes of cannibinoids: endocannibinoids, phytocannibinoids, and synthetic cannibinoids.
The endocannibinoids are those produced internally by the body. Production can be affected by your diet or if you are in poor health and thus may need to be supplemented.
The synthetic cannibinoids are produced in the lab.
The phytocannibinoids (or exocannibinoids for external) are those derived from natural plant sources and there are 3 main types of ExoCannabinoids:
- THC (TetraHydroCannabinol)
- CBD (CannaBiDiol)
- BCP (BetaCaryoPhyllene)
THC – comes from the cannabis plant and is illegal in most US states. It can have physco-active effects on the mind or the high feeling. dōTERRA will not work with any products that have this effect.
CBD – comes from the cannabis plant but is a different chemical constituent than THC. Many CBD oils contain trace amounts of THC. CBD oils contain about 5-30% of CBD and tend to vary.
BCP – comes from several natural plant sources that do not contain any THC. dōTERRA uses Copaiba for BCP and it contains about 60% BCP. BCP is also found in Black Pepper and Melissa in smaller amounts.
Purpose
The purpose of supplementing with exocannibinoids is to assist the body and to provide the desired health benefits.
CBD oil is known to help with neurological issues, pain and more. The key factor to note is that CBD works indirectly with CB2 receptors in the body.
BCP works directly with the CB2 receptors in the body and therefore improves the effectiveness. By working with this receptor, it helps your body have proper immune function, good inflammatory response and is soothing and relaxing to the tissues.
What’s on the Market
dōTERRA studied many of the CBD oil products on the market and had some interesting discoveries. CBD oils vary quite a bit with natural and synthetic versions and some that are even blended.
Many of the products are not tested for purity and/or have a very low CBD concentration of around 5-10% which lowers their potency (effectiveness).
The product manufacturing typically does not provide for consistency so one batch can be very different from the next one. Also, CBD oils can contain trace amounts of THC which can potentially expose you during drug testing. The pricing for these products tends to run very high.
dōTERRA Copaiba contains BCP in the range of 60% and is tested for purity and to verify that it does not contain pesticides, contaminants or heavy metals.
At 60%, the oil is very potent and dōTERRA achieves this potency by blending four species of Copaiba. The dōTERRA Copaiba essential oil is very affordable at $35 wholesale. It is drug-free and legal and will not affect drug testing. Safety and purity are a main concern of dōTERRA always.
Ways to Use Copaiba
I personally use dōTERRA Copaiba for sore muscles, head or neck tension, or inflammation due to overdoing it. I like to combine Deep Blue with 1-2 drops of Copaiba and rub it into the area. I find this gives me relief pretty quickly.
Here are some other great ways:
- Use 1 to 2 drops diluted with Fractionated Coconut Oil (or other carrier) and rub directly on the affected area. Combining with Siberian Fir can be very relaxing to the tissues.
- Add 1 to 2 drops to water, juice, or tea to support the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory system.
- Provides antioxidant support when ingested.
- Take internally to help soothe and calm the nervous system.
- Apply topically combined with a carrier oil or a facial moisturizer to help keep skin clean and clear, and to help reduce the appearance of blemishes.
- Diffusing has a wonderful wood smell and can be calming to the emotions, use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.
- For internal use, dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid or add to a veggie capsule.
Other Studies
A Chemist’s Perspective: Cannabinoids, Cannabis, and Caryophyllene
Joe and Lori Hayes
My wife, Lori, and I love working with essential oils and we feel that we should share as much as we can as a way to give back. We have taken a more holistic approach to our health and our life by just cutting back on the amount of chemicals that we expose our bodies too.
We have a lot of articles here on our site that can help you get started on your journey too. It is fine to take small steps and grow as you learn more, we certainly have.
We have not only improved our physical life but our mental life as well. Lori coaches our business leaders around mindset, manifestation and just generally have a more positive approach to everything you do. It will change your life for the better and reduce your stress, we have seen it with our whole family.
I will admit I was a much bigger knucklehead and it took me longer to change but I cannot imagine going back to my old ways now.
If you would like to get started with essential oils and your natural journey, please Contact us as we would love to help guide you!
If you would like to get Copaiba and check it out, click here to purchase. Let us know you have ordered by clicking here and we will send you some additional information about Copaiba blends that we love.
If you think that essential oils are so cool and you want to crank up your entrepreneurial spirit and be a part of an exciting company and team, then you are in the right place. Contact us here and we will be in touch soon.
Thank you,
Joe Hayes
Hi. Do you have any links to scientific studies relating to this information rather than just Doterra blogs? I am trying to find unbiased scientific studies to support this information
Hi Lisa, this is a great question and something I looked at quite a bit as well. The best place to find studies related to essential oils is at a site called aromaticscience.com. They have on-going studies and information broken out around essential oils, the constituents found in essential oils and by body system. Here are a couple of links to the site for beta-caryophyllene and Copaiba studies.
Beta-caryophyllene link: http://www.aromaticscience.com/category/beta-caryophyllene/
Copaiba link: http://www.aromaticscience.com/category/copaiba/