Hey everyone! It's hard to believe it is August already and the school year is about to start back up. The summer has passed quickly here! I'm looking forward to the coolness of fall for a break from all this heat! Today we're going to pick back up where we left off on the terpene list and have a discussion about the terpenes carene, terpinene, and fenchol. These are fascinating terpenes with the potential to help in several areas. In the realm of medicine, natural compounds have the potential to unlock healing like never before. As a cannabis nurse with a passion for holistic well-being, I'm here to share valuable insights from both the world of cannabis and mainstream healthcare. Join me as we explore these remarkable terpenes and their potential to transform cannabis into a powerful medicine. Let's get right to it!
Carene: Nurturing Inflammation and More
Imagine finding a cedar-like scent interwoven with refreshing citrus notes—that's carene.1 Derived from sources like rosemary, lemon, and pine trees, as well as cannabis, this terpene holds a world of benefits waiting to be tapped into.
Anti-Inflammatory Ally: Carene boasts anti-inflammatory properties that may help soothe acute inflammation. This makes it a potential contender for conditions linked to inflammation, including Alzheimer's Disease.2
Microbial Guardian: Studies have explored carene's antimicrobial properties, particularly in cedar tree essential oils. By affecting microbial cell walls, it could offer support in maintaining a healthy environment.3
Battling Fungal Foes: Like its antimicrobial prowess, carene may also have anti-fungal capabilities, providing a multi-faceted defense against various pathogens. Of note , the studies that have been completed to understand carene's antimicrobial and anti-fungal have looked at carene coming from cedar trees.3
Master of Balance: Carene's unique ability to draw out liquids contributes to phenomena like cotton mouth and red eyes, while also potentially aiding conditions like ALS by reducing excessive saliva production (drooling).2 However, for individuals already experiencing dry mouth due to medications, caution is advised with cultivars high in carene.
Bone Health Booster: Carene's potential impact on calcium absorption into bones suggests a role in supporting bone health, which is crucial for overall well-being as we age.2
Look to cultivars such as Super Silver Haze, Jack Herer, AK-47, Skunk, and OG Kush to harness the potential of carene on your wellness journey.1, 2
Terpinene: The Symphony of Aromatics and Effects
With a fragrance that marries citrus-y and woody notes - terpinene offers a refreshing scent. Found in cardamom, eucalyptus, tea tree, cinnamon, cloves, and more, this terpene dances with possibilities, thanks to its multiple subtypes.
The Subtype Spectrum: Terpinene has four subtypes—alpha, beta, gamma, and delta-terpinene—with each contributing to a symphony of effects. The combination of these subtypes creates what's known as the entourage effect, amplifying cannabis's therapeutic potential.4
High amounts of the delta-terpinene subtype in a cultivar, may be more likely to produce euphoric effects. Delta-terpinene along with the terpenes limonene and pinene may also give a more uplifting effect.4
Slumber Serenade: Terpinene's alpha, gamma, and delta subtypes could be your ticket to better sleep, potentially aiding those with sleep issues by inducing a sedative effect. Alpha-terpinene, myrcene, and linalool also may cause more of a sedative effect.4
Peace from the Forest: Pine tree-derived terpinene might evoke the tranquility experienced during "Shinrin-yoku" or forest bathing, making it an unexpected but promising anxiolytic agent.5
Warrior Against Free Radicals: As an antioxidant, terpinene joins the fight against oxidative stress, reducing the damage inflicted by free radicals.5
Guardian Against Fungi: While ongoing research explores its interactions with fungi, terpinene shows potential as a defender against fungal threats.4
Trials of Healing: Terpinene's anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antifungal attributes are still under scrutiny, holding promise for diverse therapeutic applications.4
It's important to remember that high doses of terpinene can pose risks such as kidney pain, inflammation, and tachycardia, especially in its isolated form. Strains like Lemon OG Kush, Blue Dream, Ultra-Sour, and Warwick #1 offer an array of terpinenes to explore.4, 5
Fenchol: A Versatile Healer with a Story to Tell
The aroma that fenchol gives off is like blending basil, pine, lemon, and camphor.6, 8 Found in plants like basil, eucalyptus, and citrus fruits, this terpene adds a unique layer to cannabis's potential healing properties.6
Aromatic Chameleon: Fenchol's fragrance is so captivating that it finds its way into products like laundry detergent and perfumes, showcasing its versatile nature.7
Supporting Antimicrobial Forces: Fenchol is a team player, bolstering the effectiveness of other antibacterial medicines in the fight against a wide array of bacteria.7
Partner in Antioxidant Defense: By interacting with free radicals, fenchol aids in minimizing their detrimental impact on the body.7
A Comfort for Pain: Fenchol may take on the role of an analgesic by blocking the effects of the TRPA1 receptor, a key player in the pain reception process.7
Neither Sedative Nor Stimulant: Fenchol's balance sets it apart—it's not a sedative, nor does it act as a stimulant, making it an intriguing choice for a wide range of needs.6
When exploring strains like OG Kush, Banana Kush, and Sherbet, you're delving into the realm of fenchol's potential healing magic.6, 7
Embracing cannabis as medicine requires a delicate blend of knowledge and guidance. By partnering with primary care providers and your cannabis nurse, you're ensuring a holistic approach that taps into the incredible power of terpenes like carene, terpinene, and fenchol. Remember, your wellness journey deserves the best of both worlds—the ancient wisdom of plants and the expertise of modern medicine. So, if you or a loved one has questions about taking cannabis as a medicine, please reach out to me and we can discuss your particular situation.
References
1. Carene (2021) Leafly. Available at: http://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/carene (Accessed: 03 August 2023).
2. Leafwell (2023) Delta 3 carene: Benefits, uses, and where to find, Leafwell. Available at: http://www.leafwell.com/blog/delta-3-carene/ (Accessed: 03 August 2023).
3. Shu, H. et al. (2019) Antimicrobial activity and proposed action mechanism of 3-carene against Brochothrix thermosphacta and pseudomonas fluorescens, MDPI. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/18/3246 (Accessed: 04 August 2023).
4. Leafwell (2023b) What is terpinene? benefits, uses, and risks, Leafwell. Available at: http://www.leafwell.com/blog/terpinene (Accessed: 05 August 2023).
5. Cho, K.S. et al. (2017) ‘Terpenes from forests and human health’, Toxicological Research, 33(2), pp. 97–106. doi:10.5487/tr.2017.33.2.097.
6. Everything You Need to Know About Fenchol And Its Benefits. www.trulieve.com. Accessed August 6, 2023. http://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fenchol-and-its-benefits/
7. What Is Fenchol? Benefits, Uses, and Risks. Leafwell. Accessed August 6, 2023. http://www.leafwell.com/blog/fenchol/
Comments