Bisabolol Terpene Effects & Benefits Overview
Cannabis enthusiasts looking to experiment with different flavors, aromas, and health benefits may be interested in the effects of the bisabolol terpene. Terpenes are chemical compounds found in plants that give each one its unique smell, flavor, and even color.
Bisabolol is a terpene found in cannabis and some other common plants. It is also used in cosmetics and medications due to the host of therapeutic benefits it offers; this makes it an interesting component to look out for when searching for new cannabis strains.
What Is the Bisabolol Terpene?
Bisabolol—or alpha-bisabolol (α-bisabolol)—is a naturally occurring terpene found in cannabis plants as well as chamomile and sage. In cannabis, terpenes are thought to work synergistically with other organic elements like cannabinoids to increment the psychoactive and/or therapeutic effects of marijuana. This is called the Entourage Effect.
What Does Bisabolol Smell Like?
Bisabolol smells like chamomile with hints of honey. It is a fragrant chemical compound with a distinctive, mild, sweet, and floral aroma reminiscent of a comforting cup of chamomile tea.
Weed flavor profiles are influenced by the terpenes contained in each strain. For example, a strain with a sweet aroma or flavor will contain different terpenes, or different ratios of terpenes, than one with an earthy or skunky scent.
Where Can You Find Bisabolol in Nature?
The bisabolol terpene is found in several different plants and trees. The best-known plant that produces bisabolol is chamomile. Chamomile essential oil is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Bisabolol is also present in sage as well as lesser-known plants like the candeia tree.
Bisabolol is produced in the trichomes of some cannabis strains. This makes them appealing to people searching for strains that can give therapeutic effects as well as a high.
Bisabolol's Potential Health Benefits
Bisabolol offers several potential health benefits. Its properties could be effective in relieving ailments ranging from skin complaints to osteoarthritis.
Skin Health
Bisabolol is widely used in skincare products due to its ability to help certain skin disorders:
Sensitive skin: Bisabolol offers soothing effects for sensitive skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Its soothing effects could also be applied to the treatment of other problems like sunburn or insect bites.
Melasma: Patients noted better facial texture, reduced oiliness, and improved brightness, hydration, and overall appearance when using bisabolol-based creams to treat melasma (p. 342 of the PDF).
Dry skin: Bisabolol is a common ingredient in products that moisturize the skin. This can be useful for conditions like psoriasis or chronically dry skin.
Acne: The soothing effects of bisabolol can help treat acne by reducing inflammation. It may also be able to reduce the appearance of acne by reducing scarring and blemishes.
Antioxidant
Evidence suggests that bisabolol has great potential to improve the antioxidant network and restore the redox balance. It does this by antagonizing oxidative stress.
Oxidative stress can lead to the progression of different diseases including cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and hypertension. Indeed, one study reported that alpha bisabolol protected against myocardial infarction (heart attack) in mice by reducing inflammation.
Other Potential Benefits of Bisabolol
Studies have shown bisbobol's potential to treat a wide range of ailments. The following are some notable findings about the terpene's effects:
One study revealed that bisabolol combined with ozonated oil helped to heal venous leg ulcers.
Another study showed bisabolol to be effective in wound healing by offering a cicatrizant effect that closes and heals open wounds.
Alpha-bisabolol's potential to halt neurodegeneration that leads to Parkinson's Disease was also studied. It was found that alpha-bisabolol reduced oxidative stress and offered neuroprotective effects that combat neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
Bisabolol's ability to reduce inflammation may be helpful in the treatment of osteoarthritis.
α-bisabolol has pro-apoptotic properties, meaning it could kill acute leukemia cells.
Bisabolol also has fungicidal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties.
Strains that Include Bisabolol
Bisabolol cannabis strains include:
Headband
(Hybrid, 20% THC)
Headband offers powerful cerebral effects, creating pressure across the forehead reminiscent of a headband. Expect euphoria, a burst of creativity, and a spacey feel with undertones of lemon and diesel. Headband is anecdotally said to offer a slow onset of effects, so go easy with this strain—at least until you become firm friends.
Gorilla Girl
(Hybrid, 25% THC)
This cannabis strain offers euphoric, calming, and uplifting effects, perfect for consumers with elevated stress levels. It can also be great for a social occasion when the munchies kick in.
Afghani Hash Plant
(Indica, 21% THC)
Like many indica cannabis strains, Afghani Hash is great for relaxation and evening enjoyment. This strain offers a potent high with a skunky, earthy aroma and taste.
Relax With Bisabolol-Rich Strains
There can be many different reasons for choosing one strain over another, including your preferred flavors and effects. Various strains go further than just providing a blissful high or a delicious flavor or aroma by providing therapeutic and healing properties thanks to the cannabinoids and terpenes they contain.
Bisabolol-rich strains, in particular, appear to be excellent for skin health, cell health (thanks to bisabolol’s antioxidant qualities), relaxation, and reduced inflammation. If you're interested in these potential health benefits, the staff in our Seattle, WA dispensaries will be more than happy to point out the best bisabolol-rich cannabis strains.