These are the most frequently used in essential oils and are often referred to as caryophyllene and humulene. Humulene is also very widespread in oils such as sage, ginseng and ylang-ylang. Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene found in Cannabis. This terpene is among those that have been known to ease pain and can be used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory.
Humulus lupus, Cannabis also produces high amounts of this sesquiterpene, as hops and Cannabis have similar traits
and fall into the same taxonomical
category called Cannabaceae.
And last, but not least, terpineol is one of the major characteristics of the many essential oils found in plants. It has a sweet aroma and is used in different fragrances. The process by which nature produces the chemicals it needs is called biosynthesis.
The infinite variety of terpenoids that is produced in nature is such an elegant process and is amazing when we view the wonderful universe that we live in.
-Sue De Gregorio-Rosen RN, CLNC
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