terpene talk: pain relieving terpenes
By: Cbd Handbook
Tags: Cbd, Health, Cbd Oil For Pain, Cannabis, Wellness

Living with pain? Don’t let it be your weakness. Get to know the pain-relieving terpenes that can create an enhanced anti-inflammatory effect and relieve an array of aches and pains.

First of all, Myrcene. This is one of the most common terpenes in the cannabis plant and can be considered as ‘the mother of all terpenes.’ Fun fact, the first high-CBD strains of medical cannabis, used to make full-spectrum CBD oil, were actually high in Myrcene, which is believed to have given those strains a calming, sedating effect. But, before we get ahead of ourselves, what does this terpene smell like? Well, it may come as a shock that myrcene, is in fact responsible for the peppery, spicy, balsam fragrance in beer! Beyond cannabis, Myrcene is found in hops, eucalyptus, mango, thyme and lemongrass, the latter of which has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries!

Now, more about the medicinal benefits of Myrcene. A common question asked is if this terpene can relieve pain and reduce inflammation? The first published claim for myrcene reducing pain was generated in 1990 by scientists in Brazil. It was concluded that myrcene reduced pain by increasing the brain and spinal cord’s own opioid chemicals. Studies on rodents back up these claims, as Myrcene has been shown to reduce the perception of pain, which is further supported by anecdotal evidence. One of the better-known studies of Myrcene, published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, revealed that Myrcene has analgesic properties, again supporting it as a candidate for pain relief! This is a terpene to look out for.

If you’re not already totally sold on Myrcene, I have another amazing terpene for you to get to know, B-Caryophyllene. This terpene is a favourite for use with symptoms that have an inflammatory component, such as arthritis, and also for headaches. Thai basil, or holy basil, is also high in this terpene — another favourite for well-being and fighting inflammation and stress. As well as cannabis and basil, this terpene is found naturally in cinnamon, cloves, oregano, and rosemary. B-Caryophyllene has a strong wood odour and is actually one of the chemical compounds that contributes to the aroma of black pepper!

This terpene gained the attention of scientists when it was discovered to be one of the first non-cannabinoids to directly activate cannabinoid receptors. Caryophyllene-rich cannabis strains may therefore have specific medicinal effects due to this terpenes effect on our endocannabinoid system. So, how exactly does this help you? CBD receptors are found in immune tissues throughout the body and are increased in the brain in disease or following injury. Their activation reduces inflammation, which lessens pain and reduces the damaging consequences that chronic inflammation has on brain function and the risk for developing brain diseases.

So, there we have it. This article concludes our series of ‘terpene talk’ articles. Whether you are suffering with pain personally, or know someone that is, the terpenes you have discovered today should be able to put a stop to that! You may have just found the solution you’ve been looking for.