This active ingredient is naturally found in ginger, rosemary, camphor, and thyme; Borneol is a common terpene found in Cannabis. It has a distinct aroma that is similar to camphor or menthol. This article will explain what this terpene is and what it can be used for.
If you want to learn what this terpene compound derived from Cannabis can do, keep reading.
Main Keypoints:
- Borneol, also called bing pian, is a well-known and traditional Chinese medicine.
- You will find this terpene has a very distinct aroma, and you might be surprised where you’ll find it in your day-to-day life, such as in essential oils, odor from candles, etc.
- The list of therapeutic benefits is long for Borneol, such as stress.
- Borneol and Cannabis work in harmony together to create what is called the entourage effect.
What is Borneol?
If you enjoy cannabis products, you may have heard the term “terpene” used in describing the different strains of the plant.
Terpenes are organic chemical compounds that give plants their particular palate and scent. Cannabis contains hundreds of terpenes. In particular, Borneol is a cannabis-derived terpene that possesses a woody, camphor-like scent with a sharp but smooth, cleansing, and uplifting fragrance.
It is hated by bugs but loved by humans. Its unique properties are found in natural insect repellents. It may be used in trace amounts in flavoring food, but Borneol is more common in manufacturing air fresheners, essential oil formulations, perfumes, and fragrances.
Where is Borneol Found in Nature?
This terpene has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hundreds of years for its holistic therapeutic benefits [1]. When you start looking deeper into the research, you’ll find it has the potential to assist with everyday daily stress and inflammation, brain activity, and more.
Borneol naturally occurs in ginger, rosemary, camphor, and thyme plants. You may know it best as a common ingredient found in Cannabis.
Since it is not found in high concentrations in the cannabis plant, natural Borneol tends to be referred to as a “minor” terpene.
Borneol was historically harvested by tapping trees, mainly the tree members of the teak family. Today, like many other terpenes, it can also be created synthetically through turpentine oil, which is then ground into a fine powder and used as a compound for health and wellness.
What is the Prominent Aroma of Borneol?
Borneol has a very distinct aroma. It is similar to camphor or menthol. If you have ever used a citronella candle, you likely know the smell of Borneol.
The vast majority of people say it has a comforting minty, and cool scent, but others are not partial to the strong and pungent aroma.
What Are The Benefits Of Borneol?
Not only do terpenes like Borneol give cannabis products their distinctive aroma, but they also play a vital role in the plant’s therapeutic effects. Although much of the research on Borneol is relatively early, there are reasons to believe it has positive therapeutic benefits.
The list of potential Borneol uses is diverse and may support health in specific areas. The same goes for several other terpenes, such as bisabolol, camphene, and eucalyptol, that also exist in the cannabis plant.
Borneol Terpene: What Is It Used For?
- As an antioxidant, Borneol may support cell health by reducing oxidative stress.[2]
- This ancient plant compound has been studied to support respiratory health.[3]
- Recent research finds that Borneol may have other therapeutic benefits, including promoting a healthy digestive system (via the stimulation of gastric juices) and blood circulation while also helping to manage the discomfort of joint pain.[4]
- Animal studies also suggest that Borneol, when combined with other natural ingredients, may support cardiovascular health and stroke patients, specifically as an anti-coagulant for ischemic stroke.[5]
- Borneol appears to possess anti-inflammatory characteristics in early studies when used as a topical analgesic.[6]
- Early research seems to indicate Borneol may have anti-carcinogenic properties.[7]
Is Borneol Safe to Use?
Most cannabis-derived terpenes are generally safe. However, in their pure, concentrated form, some may lead to allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin and eyes.
Although Borneol has little to no irritation when applied to the human skin in a small dose, long-term exposure may irritate the eyes, skin, or respiratory system. Borneol can also be harmful if swallowed.
Is Borneol Legal?
In general, Borneol and all terpenes are legal on their own. However, when terpenes come from Cannabis, they may be illegal under federal law and laws in certain areas.
As a result, cannabis-derived terpenes operate in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, including hemp-derived CBD and terpenes. And some states have legalized Cannabis and its terpenes. You will always want to check to understand the regulations in your state.
How Does Borneol Play a role in the Cannabis Plant?
Since terpenes are aroma compounds produced in the cannabis plant, several natural benefits occur when these two compounds work harmoniously.
On its own, the terpene, or any other terpene, will not get you high. It is when combined with cannabinoids that Borneol has its greatest impact. This is referred to as the entourage effect.[8]
The entourage effect appears to boost cannabis’ therapeutic advantages. In straightforward terms, the entourage effect helps maximize the health benefits of the cannabis plant. This scientific concept suggests that cannabinoids and terpenes are more powerful together than on their own.
Final Thoughts
The Borneol terpene is a natural, aromatic compound found in live plants, including the cannabis plant. Its distinct aroma, similar to camphor or menthol, attracts many people.
At BioWellnessX, we recognize that although Borneol may not be found in high concentrations in Cannabis, it is a terpene rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine that may offer therapeutic benefits with possible medical applications.
Visit our website to learn more about how our wide range of quality products can support your physical and mental health.
References:
- https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1113/jphysiol.1888.sp000276
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23134284/
- https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1113/jphysiol.1888.sp000276
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23700426/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014299914004865
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28396565/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3658975/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By reading this legal information, you agree to release the author of any liability related to or arising from your use of this data. This post contains no legal advice. The legal status surrounding Hemp-derived products is new and constantly changing. We continuously work hard to do our best to give you the most updated information. We recommend checking your current state’s laws or federal hemp laws before purchasing any industrial hemp-derived products (CBD, THC) in Mississippi. The data in this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or give any medical advice. Do your due diligence and seek your doctor’s advice, especially if you are in doubt or are currently taking any prescription medications. Safer than sorry is always a great idea when consuming new products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Borneol offers many health benefits for Cannabis as part of the entourage effect. It supports the digestive system, blood circulation, respiratory health, etc.
Most cannabis-derived terpenes are generally safe. However, their pure, concentrated form may lead to allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin and eyes. Although it has little to no irritation when applied to the human skin in a small dose, long-term exposure to Borneol may irritate the eyes, skin, or respiratory system. Borneol can also be harmful if swallowed.
The Borneol terpene is a natural, aromatic compound found in live plants, including the cannabis plant.
Borneol is a terpene compound found in nature. Ginger, rosemary, camphor, and thyme are natural sources of it as well. It is also a common terpene found in Cannabis and has been part of traditional Chinese medicines for hundreds of years.
