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Caryophyllene terpene is an aromatic compound found in, but not limited to, the cannabis plant. It is only one of many such compounds. Yet it is unique, as it offers potential health benefits similar to the cannabinoids we know and love. And this raises some interesting questions.
Does this mean that it has a role to play in health, alongside THC and CBD? Does it produce the ‘high’ THC is so well known for? Is it as beneficial as CBD? These are common questions asked about this aromatic compound, and our comprehensive guide to caryophyllene terpene explains it all.
Caryophyllene terpene is a natural compound that gives plants their scents. It is just one of over 100 known terpenes found in the cannabis plant. Also known as beta-caryophyllene (BCP), it is not a cannabinoid, like THC or CBD, yet it can have similar effects to some cannabinoids.
Like cannabinoids, Caryophyllene is believed to interact with cannabinoid receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system. However, besides any potential benefits from this interaction, it remains a terpene. As such, it has a distinctive aroma.
The flavor of caryophyllene terpene has been compared to peppercorns and for good reason. This terpene is found in this popular spice, too. Other aromatic plants like basil, black caraway, cinnamon, cloves, hops, oregano, and rosemary also contain this terpene.
Caryophyllene is also found in abundance in the cannabis plant, where its peppery aroma distinguishes it from other terpenes. All terpenes have unique aromas. But other factors make caryophyllene even more unique.
Caryophyllene is distinct from other terpenes because it can interact directly with the human body’s endocannabinoid system, targeting the CB2 receptors.
But unlike the cannabinoid THC, which also directly targets the endocannabinoid system, it does not produce psychoactive effects that result in a “high.” So if you’re planning on getting high and listening to music with friends, this alone will not do it. You need THC for that.
Caryophyllene terpene is viewed much like CBD oil, which similarly affects the endocannabinoid system. This means that like CBD, the caryophyllene terpene can play a role in health.
Another unique feature is that, unlike the cannabinoids, BCP only binds with CB2 receptors, and no other receptors in the body. This allows for a slightly more targeted approach to health than with CBD. So, let’s look at the two side-by-side.
When the potential health benefits of CBD became known, its popularity soared. But there’s a new contender in the realm of cannabis health products, BCP. As beta-caryophyllene’s potential benefits for mental and physical well-being become more widely known, people are wondering “Which is better?”
The claims for BCP are not just anecdotal. Science backs many of them up. For example, studies have shown that it produces measurable analgesic effects. BCP may even be a more effective analgesic than CBD.
That aside, both CBD and BCP offer similar potential benefits for health and well-being. You may want to give both a try before deciding which one is right for you and your needs. So, let’s move on to the known potential benefits of caryophyllene.
Just like the cannabinoids THC and CBD, users of BCP may not all experience it the same way. However, some common potential benefits of the caryophyllene terpene have been reported. As more studies explore this compound, scientists are likely to uncover additional benefits.
When discussing the benefits of caryophyllene terpene, people often highlight its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties as its greatest advantages. Studies have shown that BCP can alleviate long-lasting, chronic pain caused by severe inflammation.
This finding is significant for people battling with debilitating conditions such as arthritis, which often leads to severe joint inflammation and pain.
This can be especially life-changing for people with debilitating conditions that are associated with severe pain, like arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes severe pain due to inflammation in the joints. Therefore, sufferers of this condition may gain much-needed relief from both inflammation and pain, with BCP use.
BCP isn’t just good for your physical health. It’s good for your mental health, too.
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are rife across the world, and cause of great concern in the US. If you are looking for an alternative to heavy anxiety drugs, this could be the answer. However, always discuss any changes to a mental health treatment regimen with your primary caregiver first.
If you need a natural treatment for mild anxiety, BCP may be right for you. Through its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, it produces an anxiolytic effect (reduction of anxiety) on many users.
Free radicals are compounds that cause harm when levels get too high in the human body. Environmental pollution, excess UV exposure, and even poor lifestyle habits subject us to free radicals. They’re linked to multiple illnesses, but there’s something you can do about them. Take antioxidants.
Antioxidants are molecules that fight the free radicals in your body, restoring your health. Your body naturally produces some of them. And the foods you eat can supply the rest. But if your health is already not in the best shape, and you don’t follow a balanced diet, you can get antioxidants from BCP.
Beta-caryophyllene not only has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, but it serves as an antioxidant too. A scientific study also found it to have antimicrobial potential. This means it could play a role not only in overall health but in promoting wound healing as well.
Cancer treatments, while crucial in battling the disease, take a major toll on those enduring them. Side effects from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can range from physical discomforts such as nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and pain, to more severe complications like organ damage, and weakened immune system.
It is these debilitating side effects that lead many people living with cancer to look for alternative treatments.
The good news is that researchers have shown that beta-caryophyllene has anticancer properties, which impact the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. This could be the natural anti-cancer breakthrough so many are waiting for.
Researchers need to conduct more studies before they can recommend this as an anti-cancer treatment, but it may serve as a good supplementary treatment for people with cancer. As always, speak to your primary healthcare provider before commencing with any new treatment regimens, even all-natural ones.
Just as only you can decide whether BCP or CBD is right for you, you’re the best judge of how to take BCP. It’s much the same as when you’re using weed. Your lifestyle and preference will dictate your choices in how you use it.
Some users prefer to isolate compounds like CBD and BCP for use on their own. Others like to mix things up, with products like terpene-infused cones or rolling papers that enhance their weed-smoking pleasure. However, there are several popular ways that caryophyllene is used.
Edibles allow you to have your cake and eat it too, metaphorically speaking. By combining BCP’s potential health benefits with a tasty treat, you enjoy well-being on a new level. Edibles often take a while to ‘kick in’ and produce effects, but they’re an excellent way to enjoy BCP’s relaxing effects with friends.
If making and eating BCP edibles aren’t your thing, tinctures may be the way to go. A BCP tincture can make getting the right dosage easy. You may need to experiment a bit before you find the right dosage for you. It is also easy to administer a few drops as part of your daily routine.
BCP topicals are the ideal solution for people who don’t like ingesting substances. Used in lotions, body oils, balms, and similar products, BCP can offer fast and targeted relief for pain and inflammation. This is easily introduced into your daily self-care routine.
If you’re a fan of vaping, you may be interested in adding BCP to your vaping repertoire. Caryophyllene has one of the lowest boiling points of any terpene, but it can be successfully vaped. Because BCP can have a calming, relaxing effect, it’s a great addition to your vape sessions.
Is caryophyllene all it’s claimed to be? There’s mounting evidence that it can play a role in the natural treatment of pain and inflammation, and even some chronic conditions. It is just as promising as an aid to mental well-being. Best of all, you can use it in various ways to suit your lifestyle.
At Embarc, we offer more than weed flowers and prerolls. We also sell tinctures, topicals and edibles, and terpene-infused products that offer all the benefits of the cannabis plant’s plant’s compounds. Explore our great deals online or stop by one of our dispensaries, and find the cannabis product that’s right for you.
