Copaiba Essential Oil

Ok given the hype lately around CBD Oil I thought I’d talk about Copaiba Essential Oil. No, they are not the same however like CBD oil, Copaiba has some pretty impressive effects. (click HERE to learn more about CBD vs Copaiba). Copaiba Essential oil is one of those oils that can be used in SO many ways which I love because its like a buy one & get five kind of deal I love to find!

Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree which can grow upwards of more than 100 feet and can be found in tropical South America. Copaiba oil is widely used in cosmetic products including soaps, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Since the 16th century, copaiba essential oil has been utilized in traditional health practices by the natives of north and northeastern Brazil.

Similar to Black Pepper essential oil, Copaiba can help soothe anxious feelings and it can be applied to the skin to promote a clear, smooth complexion. Taken internally, Copaiba essential oil supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems.* Although Copaiba does not contain psychoactive cannabinoids, the main component caryophyllene may be neuroprotective and have cardiovascular and immune benefits.* It’s also a powerful antioxidant that promotes immune health.*

REDUCES PAIN - Copaiba essential oil is a wonderful analgesic and has been used in this capacity for generations. It has been known to help reduce pain, loosen muscles, and ease the discomfort of headaches and migraines, muscular cramping, back pain, gout, and arthritis.  It is one of my go to oils for when I get a headache. I add it to fractionated coconut oil and apply it to my temples, neck, and forehead. I use it the same way for sore muscles & joints and rub it into the affected area. I have a friend that swears by this for her Lupus; because of its incredibly high concentration of beta-caryophyllene, copaiba essential oil can be a remarkable anti-inflammatory remedy for some people.

SKIN CARE - One of the most notable and popular health benefits of copaiba essential oil is derived from its astringent property. Copaiba’s active components tighten the skin, which can help the skin look younger, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and even strengthen the skin to prevent lesions or wounds as the body ages. It can help moisturize, tone and rejuvenate sagging and tired looking skin. It does this by boosting the skin’s production of collagen which helps make it firmer and more elastic. I add a few drops to my daily facial moisturizer and use after I wash my face each night. Or you can just add a few drops of copaiba to a damp cotton ball and apply it to your face daily as part of your daily skincare routine.

REDUCING SCARS - Ok Mommas... this is one I use on those post baby stretchmarks. To get rid of my scaring and stretch marks, I dilute my copaiba essential oil with a skin-friendly healing oil like coconut or olive oil and apply the mixture to my stretch marks and scars each day for as long as it takes to speed their healing and reduce their visibility. This includes acne scars, blisters, marks, and pimples.

IMMUNE BOOSTING - The strong antibacterial nature of copaiba essential oil can act as a major booster for your immune system. It can act as a shield for your skin, protecting wounds from developing an infection.  It can also protect you internally by eliminating harmful bacteria and microorganisms that may be negatively affecting you internally. (see disclaimer below) This is one those oils I use in my all-purpose healing ointments, sprays and balms, which we go through a lot of (#boyswillbeboys)

MOOD - In aromatherapy, copaiba essential oil has often been used to lighten the spirit and improve mood. There aren’t many essential oils that have such a sweet, pleasant smell of rich honey, and the combination of the scent and its gentle effects on hormonal balance can significantly improve my day.

ANTI-FUNGAL - When it comes to fungal infections (yuck), there aren’t too many essential oils that can do the trick, but the unique terpene structures found in copaiba essential oil are effective as antifungal agents.  My teenage boy has got some nasty feet (like oh muh gawd gross) due to his orthotics and this is one that really helps with athlete’s foot or any sort of nail fungus. I make him a foot spray that has copaiba in it and it helps a great deal.  He also sprays his orthotics each night which seems to help a great deal.

ANTI-MICROBIAL - A 2016 study published in The Open Dentistry Journal revealed that copaiba essential oil gel proved to be effective against all strains of Streptococcus. Researchers suggested that it can be used as a natural, alternative dental biofilm control. Other studies suggest exploring the therapeutic potential of the essential oil for oral care due to its potent antimicrobial properties. All that means is copaiba kills bacteria including Strep. Cool!

BUG BITES - Because of its wonderful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial actions, copaiba essential oil is a great antidote to minor wounds, scrapes, burns, and bites. It can soothe the pain, reduce any swelling and most importantly it can prevent the spread of infection. All I do is apply a dab or two of essential oil to the affected area on my skin (because Michigan has bugs folks).

INTERESTING - Another interesting fact about copaiba essential oil is that it is a magnifier, which means that copaiba oil enhances the effects of other essential oils. In particular; it pairs well ylang-ylang, vanilla, citrus oils, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, and frankincense (good ol’ Frankie!).

Drip a few copaiba oil drops into the palms of your hands. Breathing it in deeply will absorb it into your bloodstream quickly and possibly benefit the lungs and sinuses.

Have a good soak in a bath with a few drops of copaiba essential oil. The oil will absorb into the skin, and also from inhaling the bath water steam.

Applying a few drops of copaiba oil to the soles of your feet is apparently especially good for a restful sleep.

Natural Acne Blend

Ingredients:

4 drops of copaiba essential oil

4 drops of frankincense essential oil

3 drops of lavender essential oil

1 drop of carrot seed oil

2 ounces of witch hazel

Directions: Combine all ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle, transfer to a sterilized 15ml dark-glass bottle, and seal with a dropper or cap. Apply two drops to a cotton ball and apply directly to your affected area on the skin.

Muscle Relaxant Bath Blend

Ingredients:

1 drop of copaiba essential oil

1 drop of frankincense essential oil

1 drop of peppermint essential oil

1 tbsp of fractionated coconut oil

1/2 cup of Epsom salts

Directions: Combine all ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle, transfer to a sterilized 5ml dark-glass bottle, and seal with a dropper or cap. Add a few drops to bath water for optimal relaxation and muscle pain relief.

Bronchitis and Congestion Steam Blend

Ingredients:

15 drops of copaiba essential oil

10 drops of lemon essential oil

35 drops of tea tree oil

40 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

Directions: Combine all ingredients together in a two-ounce bottle, transfer to a sterilized 5ml dark-glass bottle, and seal with a dropper or cap. Place your head over a bowl of steamy water and cover your head with a towel to keep the steam inside. With your eyes closed, have someone add two drops of the essential oil mixture to the bowl. Inhale through the nose, and breathe deeply for five minutes, or until the oils evaporate and you achieve relief.

If this is an oil that sounds like something you would like to try, feel free to message me or you can click HERE to purchase Copaipa Essential Oil.

If you would like to learn more about essential oils, please fill out either of these surveys and I will response accordingly.

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Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Disclaimer:

I am not a doctor, so please always check with your doctor for health concerns or before starting anything new (like using an Essential Oil Internally). I have done my homework for myself. I know the medicinal value of doTERRA’s oils and that I can trust them. Please do not take anything you read here as medical advice. I am simply sharing my experiences and what I have learned.

_* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Apple Cider Multiple Ways

Local Apple Tree from late summer
heavy with fruit.

I live in the BEAUTIFUL state of Michigan... and this time of year the trees put on their finest colors. The mornings are crisp and the air smells of earth as the sun warms the day. Which also means that around this time of year we have apples in abundance, and I LOVE apple cider. Some of my most favorite fall treats are freshly made doughnuts from Robinette's, Baked Pumpkin Seeds and Apple Cider (hot or cold). 

FRESH Apple Cider is sooooo good! That said I thought why not share some of the tasty things I do with Apple Cider...

MULLED APPLE CIDER CONCENTRATE 

This cider concentrate makes your kitchen smell divine. Its good drizzled over pancakes, added to homemade vinaigrette or used as a ham glaze.

This is also nice to have on hand for a quick hot spiced cider on a cold day or sitting around a fire pit.  Spoon three tablespoons into a large mug and fill with just-boiled water. 

Makes 4-6 Half Pints

Ingredients

1 gallon freshly pressed apple cider

3 sticks cinnamon

1⁄2 tsp. whole cloves

1⁄2 tsp. allspice berries

1 cup granulated white sugar

On-Guard Essential Oil

Instructions

Bring cider, cinnamon, cloves and allspice to a boil in an 8-qt. pot over high heat;

Reduce heat to medium and cook until cider is reduced by half, about 1 ½ hours.

Add sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced to 4 cups, about 1 ½ hours

(You want to cook it no higher than 218°F. If you cook it beyond that temperature, it will set into jelly).

Let cool in saucepan, strain, discarding spices and store in the refrigerator up to a month 

OR

Alternately, divide among prepared half pint jars, (and this is where I add On-Guard Essential Oil to each jar – see below) apply clean lids and rings and process jars in a boiling waterbath canner for 10 minutes. When time is up, remove jars from canner and let them cool completely before handling.

I do a bit of a spin on this canning recipe for a touch of extra flavor and immunity boost. Before I put the lids and rims on each jar, I add 1 drop of doTerra’s On-Guard Essential Oil per 8oz cup. (which is a ½ pint jar, so 2 drops per pint) and then I follow the canning instructions on the National Preserving Website.

I find this particularly soothing in the winter and who doesn’t need a bit of a boost during the cold and flu season?!

MULLED / SPICED APPLE CIDER

Perfect weather for a backyard
fire, hot cider and s'mores.

Hot apple cider on its own is already a treat in colder temps but adding a few spices and letting them simmer for a while really turns up the volume and gives it a true seasonal taste. (PLUS, your home will smell AMAZING!)

Ingredients:

2 qts apple cider (apple juice will also work)

3 whole cinnamon sticks

4-5 Sliced Apples (multiple kinds are best)

1 Sliced Orange (unpeeled) (Optional: 5 Drops of Wild Orange Essential Oil)

1 tsp whole allspice

10-15 whole cloves

2 Tbsp Honey

Directions:

Add all items to large pot. Bring to a simmer stirring occasionally for about 20min.

Optional: 

Up to ¼-cup brown sugar, whole cardamom pods, Pomegranate, Pear, 3-4 Whole Star Anise 

ADULT OPTIONS: Spiced Rum, Cinnamon Schnapps (add to individual’s cups not the pot because the alcohol will evaporate quite a bit if added to a hot pot)

COCKTAIL APPLE CIDER

Ingredients:

1 Bottle of Pinot Grigio 

2 1/2 Cups of Spiced Apple Cider

1 Cup Club Soda

1/2 Cup Brandy

3 Crisp Apples, chopped

3 Pears, chopped (it is okay if they are not ripe as they will soften as they set in the fridge)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients together in a large pitcher and stir.

Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.

Modifications:

If the mixture is too sweet for your taste, add an additional cup(s) of brandy.

If the mixture is too strong in alcohol, add an additional cup(s) of cider.

If the mixture is too concentrated for you, add an additional cup(s) of club soda.

Jars all ready for Holiday Enjoyment!

VANILLA APPLE PIE LIQUOR

I must thank last year's Secret Santa (Mary) for this one. This little gem is divine. It goes down WAY too easy and smooth and has quickly become a house hold favorite. I have added my own spin to it as to not completely steal her recipe.

Ingredients

1 gallon apple cider
1/2 gallon apple juice

10 cinnamon sticks

1 whole clove

2-3 whole vanilla beans

1 cup white sugar

3 cups brown sugar

3 cups 190 proof grain alcohol (such as Everclear)

1 cup of Captain Morgan Spiced Rum

2 cups vanilla vodka

You will need a large pot big enough to mix all these ingredients together and at least 6 quart sized canning jars. However, any resealable jars will work.

Directions

1 Cinnamon Stick &
1/3 Vanilla Bean, Check.

Pour the Apple Cider and Juice into your pot with the Cinnamon sticks and clove and bring to a simmer.

Once your juice is simmering, pour in the brown and white sugar and stir the pot till the sugars dissolve. 

Simmer for about 20 minutes. 

Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. 

After juice is cooled, pour in the bottle of 90 proof, Spiced Rum and Vanilla Vodka and stir for a minute.

*Warning: if you don’t let it cool completely first, you will lose much of your alcohol to evaporation. Do not pour in alcohol until cool.

Cut the vanilla bean into 3rds. Put 1 cinnamon stick and 1 piece of vanilla bean into each of your canning jars and pour your Apple Pie Moonshine filling each jar. (I usually do a sprinkle of Vietnamese Cinnamon too)

Finally, it’s time to enjoy. 

If you let them sit in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks and shake it every day or so the flavor becomes quite smooth (in my opinion.)

Caution: You will become very popular with your friends.

 

Happy Fall Ya'll

Looking for a fun Fall or Halloween activity? 

Here are two seasonal Scavenger Hunts that are great for kids and families.

Autumn Scavenger Hunt 

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Tis the season of Pumpkin Spice

Pumpkin Spice Season is here...  Well really pumpkin season is here. So here are 3 of my favorite pumpkins recipes (including pumpkin seeds)

Pumpkin White Chocolate Streusel Coffee Cake

I made this basically from whatever I could find in my baking cupboard and brought it to a potluck at work. I had at least 5 people ask for the recipe so I knew it was a winner. It is great for a brunch, a potluck or just with friends over coffee. The other bonus is my house smelled amazing! Personally I love this while it is still warm with a little dab of butter melted over it and a hot cup of coffee on the side.

Ingredients:

Coffee Cake

3 cups quick baking mix (Bisquick Works great)

2/3 cups of milk

2 Tablespoons of white sugar

2 Tablespoons of brown sugar

2 eggs

1 can (15oz) of pumpkin (Libby’s is good)

½ Tablespoon of Cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of nutmeg

1 ½  cups of white chocolate chips

5 drops of On-Guard Essential Oil (optional)

Streusel Topping

1 cup oatmeal

1/3 cup of quick baking mix

1/3 cup of white cake mix

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon of cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of nutmeg

4 tablespoons of firm butter or margarine

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375.  Grease a 9 x 13 baking pan (I use a glass one).

In a mixing bowl combine ingredients of Streusel topping and mix butter in until it is crumbly, set aside.

In another large mixing bowl combine all of coffee cake ingredients, mix well until blended. Let sit 1-2 minutes and then pour batter into pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle evenly with streusel mix.

Bake 20-30 minutes or until a knife comes out clean in center. I usually start checking every 5 min at about 20 min.

Pumpkin Crumble

This is one of those crowd pleasers that everyone loves. It is simple and tasty.

Ingredients
1 can (30 oz.) LIBBY'S® Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix
2/3 cup (5 fl.-oz. can) NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Evaporated Milk
2 large eggs, slightly beaten
1 pkg. (18.25 oz.) yellow or spice cake mix
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
Whipped topping (optional)

Directions

PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

COMBINE pumpkin pie mix, evaporated milk and eggs in large bowl. Pour into prepared pan.

COMBINE cake mix, melted butter and nuts in large bowl until crumbly (clean hands may be used). Sprinkle over filling.

BAKE for 50 to 55 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into bars. Top each serving with whipped topping, if desired.

Toasted Pumpkin Seeds Recipe

So one of my earliest memories is from preschool when my teacher Mrs. Dean gave us baked pumpkin seeds for our snack... OMG I have been hooked ever since.

I have been told on many occasions that my pumpkin seed recipe is one of the best. My co-workers have even been known to bring me huge bags of seeds to bake up for them. 

Pumpkin seeds are loaded with nutrients too (and fiber). They are great on salads, in party mixes, and as quick snack; but watch out, you may find you can’t stop eating them.

Ingredients:

1/2 stick butter for every 1.5 cups of seeds

Pumpkin seeds (Most medium (basketball sized) pumpkins will give about ¾ - 1 cup of seeds each)

1/8 cup of salt

(Seasoning if you wish – 1 tablespoon) (the sky is the limit here - but personally I don't use seasoning)

Water

Directions:

(Separate your pumpkin seeds from the pulp)  
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 
Place seeds in 3 quart sauce pan and fill 2/3 full of water. Pour 1/8 cup of salt into water and bring to a boil. 
Boil seeds until they have all evenly changed to a grey color.
Using a strainer, pour off water and let drain (do not rinse).
Pour seeds into a large bowl and cube up butter and mix in until melted.  
(If you wish to season your seeds this is the time you would add your seasoning and stir in evenly with the butter). 
Pour contents of bowl onto a large baking sheet. 
Place sheet in center oven rack. 
You will need to stir the seeds every 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them around the 30 min mark as they will be nearly done. 
Take them out of the oven when they are golden brown and let cool.

NOTE: if you wish to do sweet seeds. Boil them in plain hot water (no salt). Follow the rest of the steps adding the sugar in with the butter.

You can use this same recipe to cook squash seeds too (acorn, butternut etc) but you will need to watch them more closely because they cook faster.

Looking for a fun Fall or Halloween activity? 

Here are two seasonal Scavenger Hunts that are great for kids and families.

Autumn Scavenger Hunt 

Halloween Scavenger Hunt