Ever wondered what gives spices and herbs like cloves, pepper, oregano, and rosemary their distinctive aroma? It’s a terpene called beta-caryophyllene (BCP), one of the most common cannabis terpenes. How common, you ask? It can make up over 25% of a cannabis strain’s terpene profile!
If you’re new to our blog, you should take a moment to read up on the many benefits of BCP—pain relief, inflammation, anxiety and more—all without any known side effects because it’s completely natural. BCP really can be a powerful ally in your wellness routine. But combine it with CBD, and it can pack a serious punch! And that’s what we want to explore in this blog.
BCP and CBD – The Entourage Effect
Imagine you and a trusted colleague are tackling a project together. Your combined strengths lead to better results, right? That’s the core concept behind the entourage effect.
When CBD and BCP work together, it results in a synergistic effect. It means they work better together than on their own. It’s like a team effort, with each part boosting the others’ effects for a stronger overall outcome.
The Synergy Within: The Entourage Effect Explained
Here’s the interesting part: both BCP and CBD target inflammation, but in different ways. You have something called CB1 and CB2 receptors in your body. Here’s how the two compounds interact with it:
- BCP directly interacts with your body’s CB2 receptors, which are involved in pain signaling and the immune response.
- CBD, on the other hand, doesn’t directly impact CB2 receptors but can indirectly influence their function.
Together, they create multiple pathways to combat inflammation and conquer pain. Think of it like having two different keys to unlock the door to feel better—more keys, more ways to access relief!
The Effects and Potential Benefits When You Combine BCP and CBD
Studies have shown that combining CBD and BCP can be a powerful tool to:
- Manage Inflammation: A study tested CBD and BCP on inflamed human skin cells. It showed that while both helped calm down the inflamed cells on their own, they worked even better when used together. It’s like having two firefighters instead of one to put out the flames of inflammation.
- Soothe Chronic Pain: When scientists gave CBD and BCP to rats with spinal cord injuries, a condition that causes chronic pain, they found that both helped reduce the pain sensitivity on their own but worked significantly better at easing the pain when used together. Plus, the combined use was not only safe but also helped reduce the impulse to seek opioid medication for pain relief.
- SAFELY Ease Pain: Research shows that when used together, BCP and CBD offer stronger pain relief than when used alone. Plus, they ease the pain without causing any side effects linked to a specific receptor in the body. So, CBD and BCP work together to fight inflammation and reduce pain safely.
BCP & CBD in Managing Various Conditions
This powerful duo can be a great option for people dealing with various conditions:
- Arthritis Discomfort: BCP’s anti-inflammatory properties (and its impact on CB2 receptors) help reduce joint pain and stiffness tied to arthritis. Combining CBD with it can help increase its effectiveness.
- Anxiety and Depression: Both BCP and CBD are effective against anxiety and depression. Combining them could potentially offer a natural approach to managing the symptoms of these mental health conditions.
- Muscle Recovery: Both CBD and BCP can aid muscle recovery and alleviate soreness on their own. Together, they can be more effective, especially after a tough workout!
- Daily Pains & Inflammation: These natural allies have anti-inflammatory properties and are especially helpful in managing everyday discomfort and pain caused by inflammation.
Finding the Right BCP and CBD Combination
Since BCP is a terpene, you might not need cannabis products to reap its benefits. That said, if you want to take them in combination, you can consider a wide-spectrum CBD product and strains with BCP in it. Here are some ways you can incorporate BCP and CBD into your routine:
- BCP in Your Diet: The good news is that BCP is found in everyday plants like cloves, black pepper, and even rosemary! Consider adding these spices to your meals to increase your BCP intake. You can also choose full-spectrum CBD oils, BCP topical creams, oils, and BCP-specific CBD oil to increase your BCP intake.
- CBD Products: CBD comes in various forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. If you’re interested in trying CBD, look for reputable brands that offer lab-tested products. However, remember the legal hurdles surrounding CBD, which brings us to…
The Question of Legality
Laws and regulations surrounding CBD vary by state and country. To know where CBD is legal, check out this blog post. But generally speaking, here’s what you need to know:
- BCP: As a terpene found in many plants, BCP is generally unregulated and legal to purchase and consume in most countries.
- CBD: CBD is a trickier story. In some regions, CBD derived from hemp (when it has less than 0.3% THC) is legal, while CBD derived from marijuana might be restricted or illegal.
Choose BCP to Dispel All Your Doubt
If you’re unsure about the legal status of CBD in your area, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and stick with BCP. Here’s why:
- FDA Approved: BCP is recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA.
- Widely Available: You can find BCP in various spices and dietary supplements.
- Travel-Friendly: Because BCP is not a controlled substance, you can travel with it internationally without any legal issues.
- GRAS-Status: BCP is graded Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities which basically means it’s just as safe as eating foods.
- Safe for Drug-Tested Individuals and Athletes: BCP is completely natural and does not have any THC in it.
Note: It’s always best to speak with your healthcare professional before starting any new supplements or treatments, including BCP and CBD. They can guide you toward safe and effective options to manage your health concerns.
Embrace a Natural Path to Wellness with BCP and CBD
To sum it up, the dynamic duo of BCP and CBD holds a lot of promise for your physical and mental health and wellness. Thanks to the entourage effect, these two powerful players work together effectively, offering a natural approach to managing pain, inflammation, and several other health concerns.
As research continues to explore the combined effects, new health benefits may emerge. For now, given how regulated CBD is, BCP is certainly the safer and more travel-friendly option.