Have you ever wondered why some foods taste differently than others? Or how other spices, such as cinnamon and basil, each have such a unique flavor and smell?
The answer? Terpenes. In the case of spices like black pepper and cloves (among others), the more specific answer is beta-caryophyllene or BCP. BCP is commonly found in certain spices and essential oils.
Let’s take a look at what this means and why people have started using BCP. Chiefly, why have they been using it to relieve their pain?
What Is Beta-Caryophyllene?
Most people have likely encountered beta-caryophyllene and not even realized it. This compound is found in many products. If you enjoy spicy food, you have probably tasted BCP while remaining completely unaware of its presence.
Beta-caryophyllene is also a terpene—one of many existing today. But what is a terpene?
Terpenes are found almost everywhere in nature. They are responsible for the specific smells and flavours humans experience throughout their lives. For example, black pepper’s unmistakable smell and taste are determined by its terpene profile.
BCP offers a spicy, peppery taste and is known for its woodsy smell. In addition to being found in black pepper, this terpene is also common in:
- Basil
- Hops
- Oregano
- Lavender
- Cinnamon
- Clove oil
- Rosemary
Beta-caryophyllene, in addition to its signature taste and smell, also offers many benefits to its users. BCP is known for having potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties.
Using BCP Products
Because of its multiple beneficial properties, many people are starting to turn to BCP products for more than food. Some products contain high amounts of BCP. These are made to ease pain, calm anxiety, and boost your mood.
Today, we’ll be focusing on why users are starting to use BCP for pain relief. It is important to note that BCP is not a cure or medical treatment of any kind; users should instead think of it as a part of a regimen.
Because of the way BCP works (we’ll dive deep into that below), beta-caryophyllene is an option for people who struggle with opioid addiction. BCP can enhance the effects of morphine, which means you’re able to use a lower dose.
BCP is also naturally occurring in nature. As people around the globe start to look for more sustainable and natural remedies, it makes sense that they are willing to try using BCP products for general pain relief.
How Beta-caryophyllene Works
Beta-caryophyllene is unique because it works with the body. It is one of the first non-cannabinoids that science has found able to bind directly to cannabinoid receptors to activate them.
BCP functions by binding to a specialized receptor in the body called cannabinoid receptor type 2, or CB2. These receptors are found in the immune tissues throughout the body. These receptors are quick to get into gear following an event such as an injury.
The activation of CB2 reduces inflammation, which in turn lessens pain from injuries or even chronic inflammation.
BCP actively reacts with these receptors to boost their effects. Combined with the body’s natural response, it’s no wonder BCP has become a popular terpene.
Users can ingest and use beta-caryophyllene in a few ways.
You can find strains in which this terpene is dominant.
You may use topical products that contain BCP, such as oils, creams, salves, and ointments.
You can also use gummies with high amounts of beta-caryophyllene.
Other Uses of Beta-Caryophyllene
If trying beta-caryophyllene as a natural way to soothe sore muscles surprised, you’ll be amazed at some of the other ways that beta-caryophyllene can be used. In addition to pain relief, beta-caryophyllene has been used to repair the signs of aging! Because of it's balance proliferation and balance of sebum (which is the oil production in sebaceous glands), beta-caryophyllene is effective at fighting off the effects that time brings on the skin. In you are interested in using beta-caryophyllene for skin repair, you can check out Nature Mary's revolutionary Revive & Repair - Age Reverse Serum. BCP is also effective for on the go pedicures! Because of it's ability to bind CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it has a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect. BCP combined with hydration and antifungal products create the perfect conditions for a speedy foot pedicure!
Another way that beta-caryophyllene is being used today is for insect repellent. Many are unaware of the harmful chemicals found in insect repellents. Most include a chemical called DEET, which has been linked to skin problems and even neurological conditions like memory loss and other physiological issues. Most do not know that they do not need to use a product with these harmful chemicals and that beta-caryophyllene can help! Beta-caryophyllene helps repel mosquitoes by inhibiting the smell receptors. If you have already gotten bitten, it can also help reduce swelling.
The uses of beta-caryophyllene are much more far reaching than most know and can help with a variety of issues that we experience daily! And although BCP may not be listed as the dominant terpene profile of a plant, the specific plant can still contain high amounts of it, lending to the effects BCP is known to provide.
You’ll want to be sure to research the product you’re purchasing beforehand to see what terpene profile it will likely contain. The best place to look is on the grower and retailer’s actual site(s), as they will have information specific to that plant rather than general information on different strains.
In Summary
Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the flavor and aroma profile found in various natural products. These include plants. There are hundreds of different terpenes out there, and plants can contain multiple terpenes. The dominant terpene profile is what will determine the product’s most prominent taste and smell. Still, all terpenes work together to give strains their unique taste and smell and even play a role in deciding the effects it offers users.
Beta-caryophyllene is best known for its spicy, peppery taste and woodsy scent. BCP is also dominant in spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and oregano. Most people have experienced BCP at some point in their lives.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties and unique working method, BCP is often used as a natural way to manage various aches and pains. Many people also enjoy the other benefits cannabis has to offer, which are often complemented by BCP’s effects.
With thousands of different products on the market today, all with different compound makeup and terpene profiles, finding a strain that has explicitly higher amounts of BCP can be difficult. Our list is here to help you get started, but don’t be afraid to contact your online retailer for assistance in finding the strain you want with the terpene profile you desire.
Even with all that we know about it already, more research on BCP is needed for us to fully understand all this terpene has to offer. But you can’t deny, the early results are exciting.