COPAIVA

Homeopathy

COPAIVA

Copaifera officinalis
Balsam of copaiva.

Key Uses:

Colds

Chronic bronchitis

Gonorrhea

Leucorrhea

Urethritis

Origin : Native to tropical South America, but also found in southern Africa.

Background : This traditional native Brazilian remedy for healing wounds and removing scars was first recorded in 1625 by a Portuguese monk, Manoel Tristaon.

Preparation : A tincture of balsam is made from oleoresin (a semi-solid mixture of resin and essential oil) from the plant.

Remedy Profile : Copaiva is given to restless, overwrought people who are prone to burning pains, and a feeling of heaviness or pressure on any part of the body. Their nervous system is oversensitive, and they tend to feel startled when they hear noises, and to weep on hearing piano music. A key symptom associated with the remedy is excessive discharge from the mucous membranes. This includes urinary tract discharges, catarrh during a cold, and profuse, greenish gray, offensive-smelling mucus during a bout of chronic bronchitis. The remedy is also used as a treatment for mucus discharges associated with leucorrhea (abnormal discharge from the vagina), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), and gonorrhea.

Symptoms Better : For pressure on the affected area; for walking; for doubling over; for perspiring.

Symptoms Worse : In the morning; for catching cold; for starchy foods.