The Secret Healing Power of Plants (what the pharmaceutical industry WONT tell you)

The Science Behind the Healing Powers of Plants

The discussion of Terpenes has gained in popularity recently due to the legalization of Marijuana in some states in the USA. While most people discuss Terpenes, especially in the CBD and cannabis space, they have been around for a very long time. Did you know ALL plants contain Terpenes? The Terpenes found in all plants are what gives them their healing power!

In recent years using Food as Medicine has gained in popularity and why if you suffer from certain ailments, you should avoid certain foods, while other foods may actually improve your condition. The study of terpenes present in all plants tells us why dietary changes could improve your overall health and help prevent disease. 

This is also the secret science behind the use of essential oils for mind body and soul wellness. When people think of essential oils they envision a diffuser and a pleasant scent in the air but essential oils are so much more and that is all due to the terpenes in the plants from which the oils are extracted. The right combination of essential oils can act as anti-fungals, anti-virals, anti-inflammatory aids, anti-anxiety, pain relief, skin healing and so much more. 

Here is an example, Black Cumin Essential Oil (Nigella sativa L.)  is a supplement that has often been promoted throughout history as the "cure for everything but death", but why does it work? The main active Terpenes in the seed are as follows;

Monoterpene Thymoquinone (2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1,4-benzoquinone; TQ): Studies have shown thymoquinone to be a potent anti-cancer agent, helpful in improving cardiovascular health, improves insulin resistance, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, improve reproductive health, reduce antigen production, improve liver health, anti-arthritic, treat auto-immune disorders/symptoms, and help treat some lung diseases. 

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.2070

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/thymoquinone

 Cymene: commonly used for medicinal purposes as it has been shown to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, anticancer, anti-fungal, anti-candida and antimicrobial properties.

https://labeffects.com/terpene-glossary-para-cymene/#:~:text=p%2DCymene%20is%20also%20commonly,anxiolytic%2C%20anticancer%20and%20antimicrobial%20properties.

Alpha-Pinene has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory effects, which could impact diseases like arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and Multiple Sclerosis. Also, studies suggest that due to its impact as a bronchodilator, pinene may help manage symptoms related to bronchitis, asthma, and even COPD.  

Pinene also exhibits a broad spectrum of antibiotic properties, which could be useful in preventing MRSA. Additionally, because of its ability to enhance memory function, researchers are studying pinene’s applications to prevent and treat neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Interestingly, pinene is unattractive to insects, highlighting its potential insect-repelling benefits. 

 https://link.springer.com/article/10.2478/s11756-013-0230-2#page-1

BENEFITS OF TERPENES

Different terpenes are known to provide different benefits both to the mind and body. Some may offer cleansing and cosmetic benefits while other can alleviate pain. Similarly, some can provide stress relief while others can improve appetite as well. Basically, think of terpenes as natural compounds you may have never heard of, that can boost your health.

Similar to the way aromatherapy works, inhaling the aroma of certain terpenes are known to boost the emotional well-being. For instance, the floral scent of linalool terpene, found in lavender, has a soothing effect that helps you sleep better. Likewise, another terpene like limonene, which is found in peppermint and citrus fruits can elevate your mood.

Terpenes have a wide range of health benefits and have been studied for numerous medical applications. Terpenes are known to be studied for their antiviral characteristics. It is also believed that certain terpenes have shown potential for treating cancer and diabetes. Apart from these benefits, terpenes are known for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, and anti-depressant properties.

Here are more examples of helpful Terpenes found in essential oils, plants, seeds and herbs:

*Antioxidant benefits mentioned in the table indicate that the terpene has demonstrated antioxidant activity in controlled laboratory studies.

HISTORY OF TERPENES

Throughout history, terpene applications have been identified with Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, Greeks, Hebrews, and even the Chinese. The common ground among all these cultures is their use of essential oils and terpene elements medicinally. Their usage can be traced back to Ancient Egypt, where they were used as fragrances in religious ceremonies. It is also believed that the chemists in that era, used to mix the terpenes into blends for creating fragrances and also for feminine hygiene purposes. Terpenes are the organic compounds that give flavors and aromas to all kinds of plants. They are the fragrant oils found in plants that produce a unique smell and taste. These are more common in coniferous varieties, as well as the citrus plants. The chemical compounds they secrete give fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers their distinctive scents. In general, their function is to promote the well-being of the plant. For example, by attracting pollinators or protecting it from pathogens and predators, but they also possess biological properties that are believed to support human health. Terpenes are also a major component of the essential oils, which are the crux of aromatherapy. While terpenes are increasingly trending today, they do have a history that spans civilizations. Scientists have been studying terpenes for ages in order to understand their properties and to figure out ways to implement their aromas in different applications. Terpenes can be found in food and beverage flavorings and also in medicines and disinfectants, serving as natural cleaners. Of late, terpenes are rapidly gaining popularity in the cannabis industry for their variety of flavors on offer and also for their reputed entourage effects. Regardless of their applications, terpenes are a fascinating subject that you may already be appreciating without prior awareness.

 There are traces of terpenes in the 11th century, with the introduction of camphor in Eastern Europe by the Arabs, primarily for the treatment of pain and illness. Its strong aromatic properties were also used for fumigation during the Black Death Era. Camphor was known to be mixed into rosewater and sprinkled onto the dead, before burying them. Later, in the 17th century, a German chemist named Otto Wallach identified the structure of many terpenes. The rich aromas of the variety of spices found in Indian food are because of terpenes. This proves that no matter where in the world you are, terpenes are omnipresent, be it in vegetables, fruits, herbs or spices.

Terpenes are the organic compounds that give flavors and aromas to all kinds of plants. They are the fragrant oils found in plants that produce a unique smell and taste. These are more common in coniferous varieties, as well as the citrus plants. The chemical compounds they secrete give fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers their distinctive scents. In general, their function is to promote the well-being of the plant. For example, by attracting pollinators or protecting it from pathogens and predators, but they also possess biological properties that are believed to support human health. Terpenes are also a major component of the essential oils, which are the crux of aromatherapy. While terpenes are increasingly trending today, they do have a history that spans civilizations. Scientists have been studying terpenes for ages in order to understand their properties and to figure out ways to implement their aromas in different applications. Terpenes can be found in food and beverage flavorings and also in medicines and disinfectants, serving as natural cleaners. 

ESSENTIAL OILS CERTIFICATE OF ANALYSIS (COA)

The information about terpenes present in essential oils can be found on a "Certificate of Analysis". Most reputable essential oil companies include a certificate of analysis in the description of the product either in the local shop or online. The certificate can be helpful in choosing which oils are right for what ails you, as well as aiding you in creating essential oil blends that will heal your mind body and soul!