Hello Amazing Horse & Pet Family,

Welcome back to From the Oil Cabinet, your mid-month peek into the essential oils I use most with horses and pets.

This month, let’s talk about Copaiba, which comes from several Copaifera species, including Copaifera officinalis. I personally use this oil daily on myself as it soothes my wrist during the day and helps me relax at bedtime.

What It is

Copaiba essential oil is distilled from the oleo-resin (resin) of the copaiba tree, which grows primarily in South America. It has a spicy, woody, lightly earthy aroma, and the resin is traditionally tapped from the tree, much like maple syrup is collected and then steam distilled.

What Copaiba Can Do

Copaiba has gained a lot of attention in recent years because it is rich in beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural plant compound that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. In simple terms, BCP works with receptors involved in things like immune response, inflammation, comfort, and nervous system balance. Copaiba is also known for its antioxidant properties and is commonly used to support healthy skin and overall wellness.

Fun Fact

Copaiba is known as the "Oil of Unveiling" in aromatherapy for its ability to promote emotional grounding.

How I Like to Use It with Horses

I prefer to use Copaiba topically with horses, and I especially like it for routine leg, hoof, and coronet comfort. These areas take a lot of daily wear. Rubbing diluted (5%) Copaiba on their legs or adding it to your hoof oil can be a simple way to support overall comfort as part of normal care, especially for horses that are worked regularly or live on changing footing.

Cool & Collected Harmony Recipe

Ingredients:

• 10 drops Peppermint

• 2 drops Copaiba

• Alcohol-free witch hazel

• 10 mL PET spray bottle

Preparation:

1. Add the essential oils to an empty bottle.

2. Top off with alcohol-free witch hazel.

3. Shake well before use.

Application:

Spray on your horse's coat, avoiding the eyes and sensitive areas.

Always shake the bottle well before each use since oil and witch hazel separate.

Discard unused portion after 30 days.

Note: Witch hazel provides natural cooling and astringent properties that enhance the spray's effectiveness while helping oils mix better than water alone. I recommend alcohol-free witch hazel to avoid drying your horse's skin.

Tip: This cooling spray works great on people, too! Spray it on the back of your neck or arms for instant relief on hot days.

Research Note (Horses)

A 2017 study looked at using a 10% Copaiba essential oil preparation on skin wounds in eight horses. Researchers observed earlier granulation tissue and signs of new skin formation in the Copaiba-treated wounds, with the tissue appearing more mature by day 21. While the differences were not statistically significant, the researchers concluded that Copaiba showed potential for supporting wound healing in horses.

A Note from Me

In my last newsletter I mentioned that I’ll be participating in the 90-Day Horse Concierge Horsemanship Challenge. Things are already getting started, and registration is open now.

I’ll be covering equine aromatherapy throughout the 90 days, alongside other horse professionals who will cover nutrition, hoof care, saddle fit, and more. Best of all, it’s completely free to join and follow along.

If you'd like to join in, you can learn more and register: Horsemanship Challenge

If you have any questions or comments, or if you’d like the link to the study, I’m happy to help

With Hope, Hoofbeats and Heart,

Shelayne