More About Phytochemicals (Terpenes)

[Michelle KochStudent]

This article I’m about to post the link to is pretty technical, but it does give a pretty good overview about the different terpenes (sort of like essential oils) in various plants, and the medicinal effects they have on our bodies.

I don’t know about you, but I would like to know a little bit more about WHY lavender is good at calming and helping us sleep, and WHY lemon grass makes us feel more upbeat and positive, and WHY a cup of pine needle tea might be good when you feel a chest cold coming on!

I guess what I’m really looking for is a book that explains plant pharmacology, lol. And I’m pretty sure one has been written already… But I digress– here’s the article that will give us a taste (excuse the pun) of the top ten or so most common terpenes found in so many of our favorite herbs. Be patient as the first paragraph talks about cannabis, but as you scroll down you will get to the “good stuff.”

EDIT: I should edit this to add, though this article is mainly talking up all the great things about marijuana, that’s NOT why I’m sharing it. Rather, through reading articles like this, I am learning about other plants with the same properties, and how they do what they do. Until I started reading about marijuana, I had never heard of terpenes!

[Dr. Patrick JonesHomestead Instructor]

David Hoffman wrote a good book called Medical Herbalism that covers some of these topics.

Doc

Don't use herbs or combine herbs with medications or use them during lactation or pregnancy without talking with your healthcare provider.

[Michelle KochStudentTopic Author]

It’s on my wishlist at the Amazon bookstore. :big grin:

[Author]

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