Health
The Scent of Healing
By: Kim Cargile
Terpenes- The Common Connection Between Cannabis,
Grapes, Black Pepper and Perfume
Do you find the smell of lavender relaxing or pine
invigorating? Well, many people do. This is because the molecules that you are
smelling in lavender and pine actually produce pharmacological effects on your
body. These molecules are terpenes. According to the Merriam-Webster online
dictionary, terpenes are “any of
various isomeric hydrocarbons C10H16 found present in essential oils (as
from conifers) and used especially as solvents and in organic synthesis; broadly :any of
numerous hydrocarbons (C5H8)n found especially in essential oils,
resins, and balsams.” That is for the
science buffs out there. For everyone else, terpenes are the scent molecules
naturally occurring in essential oils of citrus, herbs, pine, black pepper,
hops, grapes, and yes cannabis. Each
terpene has a distinct smell and causes different effects on the body’s
chemistry.
A 1997 study by
the Swiss Federal Research Station for Agroecology and Agriculture entitled “Essential
oil of Cannabis sativa L. strains” distinguished 16
terpenoid compounds in the essential oil of different cannabis strains. The most common of these terpenes are: pinene, myrcene, limonene, beta-caryophyllene and linalool. These same molecules are found in a variety
of other plants, flowers, fruits and herbs.
They are widely used as additives in perfumes, cosmetics and foods. They provide scent, flavor and color as well
as medicinal effects.
Pinene has a pine smell as its name implies. It is found in conifers, rosemary, basil,
parsley and dill. It provides an
invigorating effect on the body producing a feeling of alertness. Michael Backes the genius author of Cannabis
Pharmacy, The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana writes about its effects on
enzyme inhibition in the brain which helps counteract short term memory loss, a
negative side effect of THC. Pinene also provides relief of asthma by way of
bronchial dilation and is used as an antiseptic.
Myrcene is the most
common terpene in cannabis. It emits a musky,
earthy and herbal smell with notes of tropical fruit. It is present in found in mangos, lemongrass, thyme and
hops. Myrcene is found in vary high levels
in cannabis indica and produces sedating effects. It helps patients relax and
is good relief for muscle tension. The Complete Guide to Natural Healing website providing expert advice
on alternative medicine, health, fitness and beauty provides evidence that myrcene is the most important terpene for treating insomnia.
Limonene has a citrus aroma. It naturally occurs in fruit rinds,
rosemary, juniper, peppermint, a variety of flowers and of course cannabis. Its effects provide mood elevation and stress
relief. It has been found to have
antifungal, anti-bacterial and anti-carcinogenic properties. Steephill Laboratory’s website states, “Limonenes have antidepressant, anxiety-relief,
immuno-stimulant (similar to garlic), anti-tumor, and anti-fungal/bacterial properties, and also aid in treating gastric reflux including
treatment of esophageal ulcers.”
Beta-Caryophyllene has a pungent pepper and clove smell. It
originates in black pepper, cloves and cotton and again cannabis. It is spicy and woody. It has been shown to
have anti-inflammatory effects and is helpful in treating arthritis and
gastrointestinal complications. It is
also a Federal Drug Administration approved food additive. This and more
information on this terpene’s medicinal effects can be found at
www.medicaljane.com.
Linalool is floral and sweet with hints of citrus. It is found in lavender and cannabis. It provides
the same effects of relaxation and anxiety relief in each of these herbs. Linalool is one of the most widely researched
terpenes because of its use in aromatherapy.
You can find a large wealth of information about linalool online
including it’s role in cannabis at www.alchimiaweb.com.
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