When it comes to natural beauty secrets, the ancients knew what they were doing! Their wisdom has helped us enjoy the skin-smoothing benefits of nature’s finest ingredients like rose, sake, honey, and pearl.
But here’s one ancient medicinal you may not have tried yet: copal.
Copal is a natural resin derived from the native trees in certain regions of Mexico. It combines the same physical healing benefits of other resins (like frankincense and myrrh) as well as mental and spiritual healing benefits from herbs like sage and palo santo.
Read on to learn why this Mexican resin is such an incredible asset to holistic self-care and how you can enjoy the many benefits of copal with our favorite copal skincare products!
What is Copal?
Copal is a wild resin that comes from the sap of certain native trees of Mexico. It is related to other healing resins, like frankincense and myrrh. The word “copal” comes from the Aztec word, “copalli,” which means “sacred blood of the trees.”
In ancient Mexico, copal was used in many ways. From chewing gum to incense for sweating lodge ceremonies to jewelry and art, copal was integral to daily life.
Most significantly, copal was used medicinally for a range of illnesses. Ancient healers used the resin to fight disease, inflammation, mental health, and even repel annoying insects like mosquitoes. Copal still offers incredible medicinal benefits for mind, body, and spirit.
The Benefits of Copal
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Reduces anxiety, stress, and insomnia.
The earthy smell of copal instantly relieves stress and tension. From a scientific point of view, this is due to copal’s rich triterpene content, which has been shown to relieve anxiety. You can use copal as incense to help naturally relieve stress, or use relaxing body oils containing copal for a stress-relieving foot massage.
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Enhances meditation.
Like palo santo, copal can be used during meditation for a more immersive, focused experience. Those who use copal during meditation claim that it helps to clear the mind and reduces stagnant or negative energy.
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Improves skin quality.
When used topically (such as in skin balms or soaps), copal soothes, calms, and heals the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which make it the perfect ingredient in products for issues like dryness, itching, eczema, psoriasis, and more.
Curious About Copal? 6 Ways to Make this Healing Resin Part of Your Self-Care Experience
Pink Moon is proud to carry several copal products from the Mexican herbalism experts at Relato Nativo. Their products use sustainably-sourced copal resin from their home in Oaxaca. Here are a few of our favorites!
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Copal Artisan Soap
Simple, pure, and earthy. This head-to-toe soap is made from just three natural ingredients: saponified pure olive oil, coconut oil, and pure wild copal resin. It’s perfect for any skin type, but especially those that are prone to acne or oily skin.
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Copal Face and Body Balm
This copal balm is one of our favorite multitaskers. Use it all over to nourish dry skin, spots, aftershave, gua sha balm, or as a general stress reliever.
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Smoking Heart Healing Body Butter
This is more than your average body butter. While it does leave dry skin nourished and soothed, the key ingredient of copal also uplifts your spirit and helps you cultivate a peaceful heart. The perfect end to a nighttime self-care ritual.
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Botanical Bath Salts
For an evening bath like no other, use these coal bath salts to transport into the foggy mountains of Oaxaca, Mexico. It’s the perfect remedy for a long day - these salts help you relax, unwind, and enjoy deep, peaceful sleep.
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Relaxing Blend Body Oil
This body oil was inspired by the Bosque de Niebla, or Fog Forest, for its ability to calm and quiet the mind. Relaxing copal is mixed with lavender, clary sage, and sweet marjoram to create a transcendent body oil that can also be used as a meditation oil, natural perfume, or bath oil.
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Copal Tattoo Balm
This lightweight tattoo balm soothes your skin and encourages optimal healing under your new ink.
Ready to try copal for yourself? Shop our full Relato Nativo collection here.
