In the 1960’s researchers began to take a keen interest in the therapeutic benefits of chemical compounds found in plants. During this time, terpenes (once thought of solely as aromatic compounds) began to stand out as having distinct medicinal properties. Scientists quickly concluded that the use of terpenes for pain and other medical conditions should be taken into consideration. Fast forward decades later and the word terpene has jumped into the limelight.
Terpenes are compounds present in ALL plants. However, they are found in particularly high concentration in Cannabis. Furthermore, there are over 200 known terpenes that occur in Cannabis alone. Varying combinations of terpenes contribute to each strain having it’s own unique smell, as well as specific medicinal properties.
Terpene profiles can be manipulated to produce distinct smells and tastes, but also to elicit specific therapeutic usages. Cannabis enthusiasts like the folks at Canna-Fusion are doing just this. In addition to naturally occurring terpenoids found in the full spectrum cannabis oil used to produce their cannabis topicals, they add more terpenes to their products. Adding specific terpenes for pain and inflammation helps to heighten the therapeutic effects of the cannabinoids found in cannabis. The combination of cannabinoids and terpenes has a great entourage effect. Theses compounds work closely with one another to decrease inflammation and pain. Moreover, natural terpenes complete the therapeutic picture by increasing transdermal absorption.
3 of the Best Terpenes For Pain Management
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis. It is a highly fragrant terpene also found in plants such as laurel, lemongrass, basil and thyme. Myrcene has a powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect that relaxes muscles. Studies have shown that this terpene significantly inhibits nociception, which is pain from physical damage. Studies show it may also significantly enhance transdermal absorption of topical products.
Limonene
Limonene is the second most commonly occurring terpene in all of nature, and is found in all citrus fruits as well as many cannabis strains. It possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It has been successfully used to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain, one of the main symptoms of Fibromyalgia. Like other terpenes, it greatly enhances skin penetration. The uplifting aroma of limonene may also reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Delta-3-Carene
Think about the pungent and somewhat sweet scent of rosemary, citrus and pine. Delta-3-Carene is produced by many plants including cannabis. Like other terpenoids, it is a powerful anti-inflammatory. It’s known as a highly effective bone-repairing terpene making it ideal for treating conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis.
So you see, the term “terpene-rich” is much more than just a catch phrase. Topical cannabis products with high terpene content are more readily absorbed and they have many other perks as discussed here. We touched on 3 of the best terpenes for pain, but there are many more out there that make ideal additions to cannabis salves and oils. To learn more about Canna-Fusion’s unique formula visit www.Canna-Fusion.com.
Nature itself is the best physician.
Hippocrates
