Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis)

Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to South America, Brazil, and Amazon Basin. Traditionally, its resin, bark, and wood have been used for infusions, decoctions, and oil infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and carminative actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, native american herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Copaiba (Copaifera officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Copaiba
Scientific Name	Copaifera officinalis
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Copaifera
Species	officinalis
Native Range	South America, Brazil, Amazon Basin
Plant Parts Used	Resin, Bark, Wood
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Carminative
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Native American Herbal Medicine, Ayurvedic Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Oil Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Copaifera officinalis
Common Name: Copaiba
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Copaifera, Copaíba, Brazilian Copaiba
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Copaifera

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 15 to 30 meters.
Leaves: Smooth, elliptic leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal racemes bearing small yellow flowers with five sepals and five petals, actinomorphic, lacking distinct markings or specialized structures.
Stems: Stems are erect, woody, with opposite branching, and covered in short, stiff hairs.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Native American Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Oil Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a gentle anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Tonic: Historically regarded as a moderate tonic, for foundational support.
Carminative: In herbal literature, noted as a calming carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Expectorant: In herbal texts, considered a mild expectorant, for breathing-focused uses.

Active Compounds

Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Essential Oil: A collective term for aromatic compounds extracted from plant material.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Reported information suggests that this herb may be contraindicated in specific circumstances.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.
Infused Oil: Oils are infused with plant material over time to absorb constituents.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.