β-Caryophyllene

Posted on April 19, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Caryophyllene or (−)-β-caryophyllene, is a widespread plant natural product. It is a naturally occurring bicyclic sesquiterpene that is seen as a major composition of many essential oils. This compound is found especially in the oil extracted from the stems and flowers of cloves, the essential oil of rosemary, hemp, cannabis and hops.

It is a FDA approved food additive, and is the first dietary cannabinoid; β -caryophyllene contributes to the unique fragrance linked with plant oils. It’s also highly present in African black pepper. A study in 2008 first identified caryophyllene as a cannabinoid. This study also brought to light the medicinal benefits of the compound.

Biological activities of β-Caryophyllene:

Cannabinoids are a terpenophenolic compound making its sub-set of terpenes. Since cannabinoids and terpenes are related, terpenes trigger the body’s endo-cannabinoid receptors.

Anti-inflammatory – Decreases inflammation and swelling gradually.

Antibacterial – Curtails the growth of bacteria.

Neuro-protective – Restrains harm to the brain and the nervous system.

Anti-proliferative – Hinders the growth of cancerous cells.

Antidepressant – Mitigates various indicators of depression.

Antioxidant – Thwarts oxidative damage to the molecules in the body.

Analgesic – Alleviates pain.

Anxiolytic – Aids alleviate anxiety.

Relative studies on β-Caryophyllene:

As an analgesic:

A study in 2014 was conducted to identify the activity of β-Caryophyllene as an analgesic. It was found that the widespread plant volatile beta-caryophyllene (BCP) was identified as a natural selective agonist of the peripherally expressed cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2), and is found in high concentrations in many spices and food plants.

This study focused on the orally administered BCP which reduced inflammatory (late phase) pain responses in the formalin test in a CB2 receptor-dependent manner, while it had no effect on acute (early phase) responses.

In conclusion of the study, oral BCP was more effective than the subcutaneously injected synthetic CB2 agonist JWH-133; meaning that the natural plant product BCP may be highly effective in the treatment of long lasting, debilitating pain states. The results have important implications for the role of dietary factors in the progression and inflection of chronic pain conditions.

As an anti-carcinogenic:

β-Caryophyllene also seems to have a play in the role as an anti-carcinogenic constituent in essential oils. A study that focused on beta-caryophyllene that analyzed the anticancer properties of alpha-humulene, Isocaryophyllene and paclitaxel was carried out in the year 2007.

The study’s focus was on the potentiating effect of beta-caryophyllene on the anticancer activity of alpha-humulene, Isocaryophyllene and paclitaxel against MCF-7, DLD-1 and L-929 human tumor cell lines was evaluated. During the study, the intracellular buildup of paclitaxel-oregon green was determined in combination with concentrations of beta-caryophyllene ranging from 2.5 to 40 microg mL(-1).

This effect was due to beta-Caryophyllene, which significantly increased the intracellular build up to 64%. Another aspect understood during the process is that, beta-caryophyllene induced intracellular buildup of calcein but not verapamil, which is an inhibitor of P-glycoprotein.

These two constituents are multidrug resistance related protein transporters, indicating that beta-caryophyllene encourages drug accumulation by a different mechanism of action. These results indicate beta-caryophyllene allows the passage of paclitaxel through the membrane and thus potentiates its anticancer activity.

As an anti-depressant:

A study was carried out on mice to check the activity of β-Caryophyllene as a remedy to depression. It was performed to understand how β-Caryophyllene, a CB2 receptor agonist produces multiple changes in behavioral patterns in accordance to depression and anxiety seen in mice.

The aim of the research experiment carried out was to determine capabilities and actions of the CB2 receptor potent-selective agonist β-caryophyllene (BCP) in animals subjected to models of anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects.

These preclinical results suggest that CB2 receptors may provide alternative therapeutic targets for the treatment of anxiety and depression. Recent evidence suggests that the cannabinoid receptor subtype 2 (CB2) is in co-ordinance with anxiety and depression disorders, and the study also proved the same.

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Ayurvedic Essential Oils For Pregnant Women

Posted on April 19, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

Ways to enlighten your senses and let your mind develop with your fetus with these sweet-smelling essential oils.

Pregnancy is always special in a number of ways and if it is going to be your first pregnancy then trust me you’ll be greeted with a red carpet wherever you go. You’ll become the angel of your family and for your husband, you’ll be the ‘apple of his eye’. Ayurveda considers a pregnant woman as a divine symphony where ‘The God’s Gift (Baby)’ is growing within her. According to Sushruta Samhita, ‘A pregnant lady should stay happy, be hygienic, wear clean outfits, take part in meditation, prayers, put on accessories (like bangles, anklets etc, the melodious sound of which is trusted to enrich the baby’s harmonious growth) and simple exercises. The loving science of Ayurveda suggests plenty of natural herbs, nutritious food items, fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables and the use of Ayurvedic essential oils to make your pregnancy unforgettable, leading to a safe and easy childbirth along with a happy post-pregnancy period with your little one.

Ayurvedic essential oils for pregnant women: Ayurveda has a magic in it to treat the extremely sensitive pregnant woman with healing and harmonizing essential oils. It is for more than ever to make her comfortable with the changes in her body while tackling mental stress, depression, mood fluctuations and the fear about her labor. Such healing essential oils that can make your pregnancy phase a real ‘Sweet Dream’ forever are mentioned below according to your trimester:

First trimester: This is the initial period for the development of your fetus where it starts developing head, limbs, heartbeat, reproductive organs, ears and other sensory faculties. This is the most challenging period of pregnancy for most women as they struggle with morning sickness, nausea, headache, acidity, heartburn and more. The safe essential oils during your first trimester are citrus oils like Tangerine essential oil, Orange essential oil and Neroli essential oil. You can also use Grapefruit essential oil and Lavender essential oil to lift your senses and reduce the difficulties during the first three months of pregnancy.
Second trimester: The baby at this stage starts building up muscles, blood, all the five senses, skin, hair, fingers, veins, nails, teeth, bones, eyelids, mind and he/she becomes even stronger at this stage. At this juncture you may face challenges like constipation, itchy skin, stretch marks, anxiety, nervousness, nightmares and few more. Essential oils that can help you overcome these impediments during your second trimester are Sandalwood essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Frankincense essential oil, Palo Santo essential oil and Grapefruit essential oil. Gently massage your abdomen using Lavender oil with jojoba oil or sweet almond oil to get rid of stretch marks and stay gifted with mark-free skin even after pregnancy.
Third trimester: You will be extremely eager to meet your baby and now that you’ve started to feel the movements of your baby. You may even see the impressions of your baby’s hands or feet on your abdomen externally. By the end of the third trimester your baby attains its full growth and becomes even stronger. It is at this phase you’ll start experiencing insomnia, difficulties in sleeping, fatigue, swollen ankles, lower back ache and other complexities in your day to day living.

The best essential oils at this stage are Frankincense essential oil, Ylang Ylang essential oil, Mandarin essential oil, Lavender essential oil, Lemon essential oil and Bergamot essential oil. Smooth massage with these essential oils either as a blend or taken individually with carrier oils, as a diffuser or in a warm bath tub can enrich your senses, relieve your stress and fatigue while soothing your painful muscles.

Pregnancy takes you to a wonderful world filled with fun, fantasy, fear, fragility and ultimate fascination. This time better you take pregnancy to a soothing, serene, calming, energizing, rejuvenating and reviving world with these Ayurvedic essential oils.

It is always good to avoid certain essential oils that are emmenagogue, skin sensitizing, irritant and toxic in nature during your pregnancy. Few such oils are Aniseed, Angelica, Clary Sage, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Cedarwood, Basil, Elecampane, Jasmine, Ginger, Fennel, Thyme, Marjoram, Lemon Grass, Peppermint, Sage, Pennyroyal, Juniper, Melissa, Wintergreen, Sassafras, Wormwood, Thuja and certain other essential oils due to their tendency to harm either the mother or the fetus.

Note: Be precautious while using essential oils as they can directly affect the nervous system. Never use it directly as it is highly concentrated and dilute it in safe carrier oils. Use a minimal amount or 2 to 3 drops and strictly avoid ingesting any of the essential oils during any stage of your pregnancy.

Thought for the day:

A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside… when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone. – Unknown

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Ayurvedic Essential Oils For Back Pain Treatment

Posted on April 19, 2025 by AyurvedicOils

‘Ouch! It pains’ was my anthem till four years back and it was my partner’s irritating statement as I persistently sing the back pain song every single day without fail. Be it a long drive or hours together of passionate writing accompanying my gadget or a social event, everything ends impartially by gifting me with the excruciating back pain. Wondering about what had happened in the last 4 years? Will you trust me if I say that I’m in a revolutionized cosmos that is free of this agonizing ache? Yes! You should trust as millions of people have already benefited by the use of the extraordinary essential oils that have been proved effective for back pain treatment, which I came to know only before the fairy four years time.

Possible reasons for back pain: Back pain could screw your life if you fit into any of these criteria:

Injury to bones, spinal nerves or muscles in the back. It can also occur due to anomalies in the pelvic, chest or abdominal areas with kidney disorders, bladder or pelvic infections etc.,
Strenuous work for long hours without any break.
Lifestyle influences like smoking, lack of water intake and physical exercises, improper diet, ingestion of alcoholic drinks and weak immune system failing to support the body while fighting against such conditions.
Excess weight gained due to irregular food habits.
Any trauma, strain in the back or any accidents in the past can also cause you pain in your back region.
Pregnancy and postpartum can also be the solid reasons for pain in the lower back.

‘Okay, what should I do now?’ Will be your next question as back pain is as common as a cough or sneeze in today’s hectic living as William Henry Davies said in his renowned poem Leisure:

‘A poor life this is if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare’.

Secret of my rescue and myriad people as well: Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines may grant you temporary relief but might worsen the situation with their irreparable and off-putting side effects. Using Ayurvedic essential oils for treating your acute or chronic pain in the back has been proven safe and powerful. Few such essential oils for back pain treatment are:

Peppermint essential oil: Peppermint oil is widely used in Ayurvedic massage therapies for improving blood circulation in the body aiding in smooth supply of blood to the affected parts of the body. This oil helps in rejuvenating your mind and helps you to recover from your ache at ease. With its analgesic, therapeutic and anti-inflammatory qualities it’s used effectively for getting rid of acute back pain.

Clary Sage and Chamomile essential oil: Clary sage is known for its relaxing, cooling, antispasmodic, nervine, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties that assist in reassuring the stressed muscles and eliminating the actual pain in your back and joints. Chamomile essential oil is mainly used for treating muscular spasms and relieves tension in the muscles.

Ginger Essential Oil: Ginger is a legendary herb in the history of Ayurveda and is the worst enemy of diseases and abnormalities. The essential oil of Ginger has its use since the ancient period in treating skeletal and muscular problems. It tones the muscles and soothes extreme pain in a matter of minutes when it is gently massaged on the affected area.

Frankincense, Lavender, Rosemary and Yarrow essential oils are also used in treating back pains and save your head from this slow-killer with the help of a proficient Ayurvedic massage expert.

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