Sponsored article

Primal Organix is an Australian health brand using terpene therapy to interact with the brain’s endocannabinoid systems to treat a range of issues including anxiety, pain and inflammation.

You might have heard about terpene therapy and the endocannabinoid system before – but let’s take a deeper dive into these topics to find out exactly what they mean and how they can help our health.

How terpene therapy works

Terpenes are a class of phytochemicals and are often responsible for the aroma and flavour of plants.

They’re one of the main ingredients of plant resin and essential oils extracted from many common plants. In fact, it’s the terpenes that make essential oils so beneficial.

One of these terpenes is called beta-caryophyllene – BCP for short.

BCP is found in many plants – black pepper, clove, hops and copaiba oil are a few good sources. BCP is also found in hemp and cannabis.

Because of BCP’s interaction with our endocannabinoid systems (more on that later), it can bring much needed relief in the same way that CBD does. It can also be considered a cannabinoid.

It selectively binds to the CB2 receptor and is also a functional CB2 agonist. However, it does not bind to the CB1 receptor, so it’s non-psychoactive.

Many studies have been carried out on BCP. In one study in particular, it was found to be highly effective for anxiety, depression and mood balance.

Further studies show the BCP is also very effective on inflammation and nerve pain.

Now let’s take a look at the brain chemistry that allows all this healing to take place.

Exploring the endocannabinoid system

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) refers to a collection of cell receptors and corresponding molecules.

Receptors can be seen as ‘locks’. The keys to these locks can be found in chemical molecules called agonists or ligands. The agonists bind to cells, relaying messages and giving the cell a specific direction.

The cell receptors found in the ECS respond to certain types of agonists. An agonist is a substance that initiates a physiological response when combined with a receptor.

The two main endocannabinoid molecules are 2AG and anandamide.

There are two primary receptors in the ECS – the CB1 receptor and the CB2 Receptor. Anandamide has a strong affinity for the CB1 receptor and a much weaker affinity for the CB2, whereas 2AG has a stronger affinity for the CB2 Receptor.

Endocannabinoids are the body’s endogenous cannabinoids. Anandamide is considered the ‘bliss molecule’. It’s released when we feel good and happy. Eating chocolate releases anandamide.

Cannabinoid receptors are found all through the body giving rise to a variety of functions. CB1 receptors are mainly found in the central nervous system, and CB2 receptors are found in the GI tract, immune cells and peripheral nervous system.

The endocannabinoid system helps to control many of the body’s day-to-day functions. Endocannabinoids help to maintain ‘homeostasis’ or balance in the body.

A disrupted ECS leads to central nervous system imbalance and can also disrupt messages from the brain. When the brain can’t communicate with the central nervous system it can’t tell the immune system what to do – causing a long list of issues.

When the body can’t produce enough endocannabinoids, it then can’t regulate the functions mentioned above. This is called clinical endocannabinoid deficiency.

About Primal Organix

Primal Organix is at the vanguard of natural medicine and healing. They’re dedicated to providing 100% naturally-based medicine to enhance and save people lives.

Primal Organix’s all-natural terpene-based products can help deal with a laundry list of medical issues and complaints including pain and inflammation, anxiety and stopping cravings. They’re designed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, bringing balance to the central nervous system and placing the body in a position to heal itself.

Every ingredient in their range of products is an active ingredient, 100% naturally plant derived. All Primal Organix products are 100% free of genetically modified organisms, petroleum-based compounds, emulsified wax, preservatives, additives and colours.

This article was sponsored by Primal Organix, who will be exhibiting at Naturally Good this year at Stand C40.