Is Your CBD Oil Working? Terpenes and CBD

Is Your CBD Oil Working?

Terpenes and CBD

After having several new customers come to the farm, I heard that their current CBD was not working for them. Is CBD Oil really all hype and just a fad? I wanted more information to why their cannabinoid oil wasn’t working for them. After pouring over articles and research studies I have some interesting clues. When taking CBD you have to look at many different factors including: Terpenes, cannabinoids, strength, and the form of the extracted oil. Today’s article will focus on Terpenes.

Each strain of hemp has specific terpenes. Terpenes like cannabinoids are shiny resinous trichomes which give aromas to plants. You might know that lavender helps with relaxation and that the terpene is linalool, which calms the mind and body. There are over 200 different terpenes in the cannabis plant. Terpenes assist the endocannabinoid receptors absorb the cannabinoids through the blood stream.

Terpenes bond to the same endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the brain and body as cannabinoids. Terpenes are known to help relax tense muscles, induce sleep, improve anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve mood and reduce inflammation.

The entourage effect, is when the terpenes and cannabinoids work together and the therapeutic potentials increase dramatically. Terpenes can also modify how much of each cannabinoid is absorbed. Consequently, a hemp strain of the perfect mix of terpenes and cannabinoids, strength and the form of the extract might treat a particular disease or condition. Now let’s look at the most common Terpenes in relation to hemp and cannabinoids.

At Zenzen Organics all of our cannabinoid products are made from the Cherry Wine Strain which contains the terpenes:

Bisabolol, Caryophyllene, Guaiol, Humulene and Pinene

Alpha-Bisabolol

Bisabolol has a mildly sweet, pleasant floral aroma is also found naturally in chamomile and tea tree oil. In history, it has been known for its soothing effects, contributing for an overall relaxation for those who attempt to deal with the ups and downs of depression, anxiety and insomnia. Bisabolol provides a synergistic effect that can strengthen the medicinal value of other terpenes.

Possible health benefits of the Terpene Bisabolol

Analgesic (pain-reliever)

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-irritant (soothes irrantants)

Anti-microbial (bacterial and fungus)

Anti-nociceptive (inhibits the sensation of pain)

Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta Caryophyllene is peppery, woody and spicy and is found naturally occurring in rosemary, hops and cloves. It is the most common terpene found in the world of cannabis plants. It is a non-cannabinoid that activates the CB2 receptors in our endocannabinoid system.

Possible health benefits of Terpene Caryophyllene

Anti-immuneinflammatory

Anti-inflammatory

Cardioprotective (inhibitor for heart disease)

Hepatoprotective (counteraction of toxic levels of the liver)

Gastroprotective (inhibitor of stomach ulcers)

Neuroprotective (slowing down or stopping nerve cell degeneration)

Nephroprotective (preserving the functions of the kidneys)

Anti-oxidant

Anti-microbial (Bacterial and fungus)

Immune-modulator (boost immune system in relation to AIDS)

Neuropathic pain (Chronic pain of the peripheral and central nervous system)

Neurodegenerative (slowing down the damage or death of neurons in relation to such diseases as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Huntington’s disease)

Metabolic diseases (heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes)

Anti-chronic pain

Anti-nociceptive properties (blocking the stimulus of pain)

Guaiol

Guaiol is naturally occurring in the cypress pine. More research needs to be done on this terpene. There was a study that shows it help in fighting lung cancer. It has been used as a remedy for coughs, constipation and arthritis

Possible health benefits of Terpene Guaiol

Tumor depression

Anti-fungal

Anti-bacterial (bacterial and fungi)

Anti-inflammatory (arthritis)

Alpha-Humulene

Alpha-Humulene is

also naturally occurring in ginseng, sage, Vietnamese coriander and hops and it is widely known to give beer its hop flavor and aroma. It is earthy, woody and spicy in flavor and aroma.

Possible health benefits of Terpene Humulene

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-bacterial (bacterial and fungus)

Anorectic (appetite suppressant)

Analgesic (pain reliever)

Anti-neoplastic (inhibits tumors) by apoptosis (cell death related to cancer) and angiogenesis (inhibits growth of blood vessels related to cancers)

Alpha-Pinene

Alpha-Pinene as the name indicates is found in pines, conifers, balsamic resin, a few fruits in the citrus family, sage, rosemary, frankincense, cypress and peppermint. It is aroma is that of pine, fir and mint.

Possible health benefits of the Pinene

Anti-bacterial

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-microbial

Bronchodilator (Improves airflow to the lungs as in asthma)

Improves memory retention

Anti-carcinogen (inhibits cancer carcinoma)

Analgesic (pain reliever)

Anti-proliferative (decrease in cancerous cells)

Anti-oxidant

Anti-microbial

Bronchodilator (to treat asthma)

Anti-Inflammatory

Anti-Osteoarthritic (helps with inflammation due to arthritis)

Other Terpenes Worth Mentioning

Myrcene

Myrcene is spicy like cloves, earthly, balsamic, and musky. It is also found naturally in mangos, hops, basil, lemongrass, cloves and laurel leaves. This terpene increases the maximum saturation of the CB1 receptor.

Possible health benefits of Terpene Myrcene

Anti-inflammatory

Antiseptic

Analgesic (pain relief)

Antimicrobial (bacterial and fungus)

Anorectic (appetite suppressant)

Antioxidant

Anti-carcinogen (inhibits cancer cell growth)

Muscle relaxant

Antibiotic

Sedative

Anti-mutagenic (reducing the rate of a mutation such as a tumor)

D-Limonene

D-Limonene is found in the peels of citrus fruit, fir needle, Palo Santo, Caraway and Elemi and smells of oranges.

Possible health benefits of Limonene

Anti-bacterial

Anti-depressant

Immunostimulant (immune system enhancer)

Anti-inflammatory

Anti-oxidant

Anti-anxiety

Anti-carcinogen (inhibits cancer carcinoma)

Bronchodilator (Improves airflow to the lungs as in asthma)

Analgesic (pain reliever)

Promotes weight loss

Combats acid reflux and GURD.

Calming (reduces stress)

Fight infections

Destroy free radicals

Acid reflux preventer

Stimulant (Energizing and mood enhancer)

Linalool

Linalool is found in lavender, clary sage, bergamot, rosewood, patchouli, ho wood, thyme, and sweet basil. Its distinctive and powerful scent is that of lavender.

Possible health benefits of Linalool

Anti-anxiety

Sedative (Sleep aid)

Relaxant

Decongestant

Anti-inflammatory

Analgesic (pain reducing)

Anti-nociceptive (blocks feeling of pain)

Anti-bacterial

Anti-fungal

Anti-depressant

Anti-epileptic (decreasing or inhibition of seizures)

Conclusion

Please note, many of the sites referenced are trials and studies on animals, such as mice and rats and have not been tested or studied on humans.

In Conclusion the questions still remains, what is your aliment and what terpenes help in the symptoms of your ailment? This is the question that the FDA, medical providers, CBD companies and dispensaries are trying to answer. As a whole we are in the infancy stage to answer all the questions on how cannabinoids, terpenes, strength and form of extract can help. Many more trials, studies, and research are needed to know the true benefits of the cannabinoids and terpenes on the human body.

With that being said, these statements have not been approved by the FDA. Cannabinoid products and this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or ailment. Consult with your physician before using any dietary supplement.