Full-Spectrum Effect: New Study Shows Cannabis Terpenes Provide Pain Relief Alongside THC

A new study shows that terpenes, which cause that skunky cannabis smell, might be good for pain relief. The pungent smell and taste of cannabis is caused by aromatic compounds called terpenes (essential oils are also rich in terpenes, which causes their unique scents). Terpenes are distinct from cannabinoid compounds like THC or CBD. Researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences studied the pain relieving effect of 4 cannabis terpenes, used individually, and in combination with a synthetic cannabinoid agonist, which stimulates the body’s natural cannabinoid receptors.

This study found that when the terpenes were given along with the synthetic cannabinoid agonist, they amplified its pain relieving effect. Scientists were interested in the hypothesis of an entourage effect, which suggests that terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to boost the pain relieving efficacy of cannabis. Cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors, which stimulate nerve signals, that in turn trigger physiological changes, including dialing down pain sensitivity.

Interestingly, when the terpenes were isolated and given individually, they mimicked the effect of cannabinoids! All four terpenes activated cannabinoid receptors, which usually bind to THC. In fact, other plant compounds have been found to act on cannabinoid receptors, and these compounds are said to be cannabimimetic. “Cannabimimetic [compounds], can… play a role in immune-mediated inflammatory and infectious diseases, neuroinflammatory, neurological, and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as in cancer, and autoimmunity.”**

This recent study adds support to the entourage effect theory. It builds on previous research, which has has shown that terpenes also have anti-inflammatory properties. If you use cannabis for pain, look for “full spectrum” extracts, oils, edibles or vape cartridges because these include terpenes. Sometimes terpenes are removed from extracts to eliminate the skunky aroma/taste. Of course, if you smoke or use a vaporizer, the original bud is naturally full-spectrum.

Reference:

LaVigne, J.E., et al. (2021) Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity. Scientific Reports.

*https://www.news-medical.net/amp/news/20210714/Research-finds-Cannabis-terpenes-as-a-promising-new-target-for-pain-therapies.aspx

**https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25071567

From Pain to Painless: Resonant Botanicals Lotions Review

Resonant Botanicals Review

I’m excited to share my experiences trying Resonant Botanicals pain relief lotions, including Painless X, Neuro-Soothe and Calm Day,  which they were kind enough to provide free samples of for this product review. I’m even more excited to announce my first giveaway! Read on to find out how you can enter.

Although the products were a gift, all opinions in this review are my own, and I was in no way influenced by the company. This post contains affiliate links which help support the blog. 

As it happened, I was experiencing a severe muscle spasm on the day that the Resonant Botanicals creams were delivered (a crick in my neck, caused by an irritated radial nerve, which made the muscles in my neck and upper back seize up). Since I was in a lot of pain, I decided it was a prime time to try Painless X.

Applying Resonant Botanicals Lotions

When I pumped the lotion into my hand, the first thing I noticed was the lovely citrus-herb scent, which reminded me of key-lime pie. The scent is subtle and doesn’t linger, unlike Bengay, and other menthol based products. I found the process of applying the cream relaxing, with the scent itself acting like aromatherapy. Not surprisingly, the ingredients in Resonant Botanicals creams include essential oils, and terpenes – plant-based aromatic compounds, which are used in aromatherapy, and have been shown to boost health and well-being by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

As I massaged it onto my shoulder, the Painless X cream rubbed in completely, without leaving a greasy residue. It felt more like a quality moisturizer than the usual topical pain cream. When I read the ingredients, I realized the difference is because the lotion contains jojoba oil, Evening Primrose oil, and Sea Buckthorn oil.

Massaging the cream on the places where I feel sore has become a relaxing part of my morning and bedtime routine. None of the Resonant Botanicals creams cause a burning, stinging or tingling sensation like Tiger Balm, capsaicin, Bio Freeze or A535. I also like the the lotions are cruelty-free, paraben free, non-gmo and silicone free!

How Effective are Resonant Botanicals Pain Relief Creams?

After I applied the Painless X cream, I went back to watching my TV show. When it ended, I was surprised to realize that I’d actually forgotten about my shoulder pain, because it wasn’t constantly intruding into my awareness anymore. That’s ultimately how I felt about both the Painless X and Neuro-Soothe products – that they dial down the pain intensity so that I can focus on other things.

Painless X Review

I found the Painless X most effective for muscle aches, such as the hard block of knots in my upper back. It typically reduced the pain from a 6/10 to a 2/10, and lasted for 3-4 hours. Painless-X includes potent natural pain relievers like hemp oil extract (the highest concentration offered by Resident Botanicals of 52.5 mg/oz of CBD), which research has demonstrated is effective for reducing chronic pain. Painless X also includes Arnica extract, MSM and magnesium, which are also natural painkillers. The cream provided significant pain relief and I’ve enthusiastically incorporated it into my daily pain management regimen. Of course, it didn’t act as a total cure – so if I immediately started typing or cutting veggies,  pain and muscle spasm would flare – however, if you have chronic pain, having a reliable source of relief is invaluable.

Neuro-Soothe

The Neuro-Soothe lotion helped with tenderness and tension in locations like my glute muscles, caused by my sciatic nerve pain, or wrist pain caused by radial nerve irritation. I also found it effective for temporary strains and pains, like the morning I woke up with elbow tendinitis after sleeping in an awkward position the previous night. The pain relieving ingredients in Neuro-Soothe include anti-inflammatories like hemp oil extract (37.5 mg/oz of CBD), ginger root powder, white willow bark extract, and magnesium chloride.

Deeper pains that originate in my spine, such as deep abdominal/pelvic neuropathic pain, were not reduced as much as surface muscular pain, but that makes sense because these are topical products. Even in the cases of deeper level nerve pain, Neuro-Soothe helped to relieve the surrounding muscle spasms.

Calm Day Review

Lately, like many others, I’ve been feeling quite stressed and anxious about the daily news headlines, so I find the Calm Day quite helpful. It helps take the edge off about 20-30 minutes later by promoting a relaxed mental state. In addition to essential oils, and a low concentration of hemp oil extract, Calm Day also includes the de-stressing herbs Ashwaganda, lemon balm, passionflower and St. John’s wort. I have also found it useful to apply Calm Day in the middle of the night when my insomnia is acting up. I either apply it where I am sore, or use it on my hands and feet.

Interestingly, I also felt mellow and almost drowsy about half an hour after applying Painless X and Neuro-Soothe, with the stronger hemp extracts concentrations intensifying this effect. This was quite helpful with relaxing before bedtime, so I usually prefer to use the Painless X then, and the Neuro-Soothe in the morning.

If you are interested in trying Resonant Botanicals pain relief lotions, please click here.

Giveaway!

I’m really excited to be doing my first giveaway! The first prize will include all three lotions – Painless X, Neuro-Soothe, and Calm Day – in the largest bottles,  8 oz , worth a total of $205! The 2nd, 3rd and 4th prize will include one large 8 oz size bottle of either Painless X, Neuro-Soothe, or Calm Day.

Update: Congrats to Kyrie, Janice, Kim and Sara on winning the giveaway prizes!