Standing at the forefront of holistic therapies, plant-based medicine offers a unique, natural approach to health and well-being. Derived directly from plants, this type of natural medicine harnesses the therapeutic properties of nature to address various health conditions.

Key components like cannabinoids and terpenes are known for their potential health benefits. Working together, they potentially provide relief in areas such as pain management, anxiety reduction, and improving sleep. In turn, providing a promising option for those seeking natural healthcare alternatives where conventional treatments have failed.

Basics of Plant-Based Medicine

Derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, this holistic therapy is recognised for its natural therapeutic properties. The primary active components found within the plant are compounds like CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). 

These interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to potentially offer relief from various symptoms. Additionally, the plant also contains terpenes, aromatic compounds that contribute to the plant’s scent and have their own therapeutic properties. 

The synergy between these compounds and terpenes is believed to enhance its overall effectiveness, making it a valuable option in natural medicine when looking to treat a variety of conditions.

A Closer Look at The Different Terpenes 

When looking at plant-based medicine, terpenes play a crucial role. These aromatic compounds, abundant in nature, are key contributors to the therapeutic properties of natural medicinal treatments. Each terpene offers unique benefits, influencing the overall effect of treatment on the body and mind. 

• Alpha-bisabolol: Known for its sweet, floral aroma, alpha-bisabolol is reputed for skin-healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, making it a common component in cosmetics.
• Alpha-pinene: With a refreshing pine-like aroma, alpha-pinene is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, act as a bronchodilator, and may enhance cognitive functions, potentially improving alertness and memory.
• Beta-pinene: Similar to alpha-pinene in its piney scent, beta-pinene is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties, contributing to the overall calming effects of cannabis.
• Borneol: With its minty scent, borneol is known for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anti-insomnia properties, potentially aiding in pain and sleep management.
• Camphene: With a piney, earthy odour, camphene may offer cardiovascular benefits alongside anti-inflammatory properties, potentially playing a role in heart health.
• Caryophyllene: Recognisable by its spicy, peppery aroma, caryophyllene may offer anti-inflammatory benefits and is unique in its ability to bind to CB2 receptors, influencing the body’s pain and immune responses.
• Delta 3 Carene: Sweet and piney, delta 3 carene is thought to contribute anti-inflammatory properties, potentially beneficial in treating inflammation-related conditions.
• Eucalyptol: Present in eucalyptus, this terpene offers a minty aroma and is utilised for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving potential, often used in aromatherapy.
• Geraniol: Floral and rose-like, geraniol is researched for its potential antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, adding to the therapeutic potential of cannabis in neurodegenerative conditions.
• Humulene: An earthy, woody terpene, humulene is believed to offer anti-inflammatory effects and might act as an appetite suppressant.
• Linalool: This floral, lavender-scented terpene also found in lavender, is reputed for its calming effects, offering potential relief in conditions like anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It’s known for its role in aromatherapy for stress relief.
• Myrcene: Primarily found in cannabis Sativa, myrcene emits an earthy, clove-like aroma. Known for its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties, it’s also believed to enhance THC’s psychoactive effects, potentially making the medicines effects more intense.
• Terpineol: This terpene, with a sweet, lilac-like aroma, is potentially useful as an antioxidant and sedative, contributing to the relaxation effects of cannabis.
• Trans-nerolidol: This terpene, with a floral and woody fragrance, is known for potential anti-fungal, anti-cancer, and sedative effects, adding to the therapeutic diversity of cannabis.
• Valencene: Found predominantly in Valencia oranges, valencene has a sweet, citrusy aroma and may offer skin-protective and anti-inflammatory properties.

More than just an aromatic compound, each of these terpenes contributes to the unique effects and potential health benefits — enhancing the plant’s therapeutic profile.

Potential Beneficiaries of Plant-Based Medicine

Plant-based medicine may offer relief for a variety of health conditions and symptoms. It’s commonly explored for managing chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and aiding in sleep disorders.

Additionally, natural medicine has been studied for potential benefits in mental health, specifically in managing anxiety and depression. Its holistic therapy approach is also considered for neurological conditions like epilepsy and for alleviating symptoms in cancer treatments, such as nausea caused by chemotherapy.

This versatile, natural approach offers a potential alternative for those seeking complementary treatments to conventional medicine.

Distinction Between Plant-Based & Other Types

Plant-based medicine and its recreational form differ significantly in their use, legal status, especially in Australia, and composition.

Plant-based medicine is prescribed for health conditions, adhering to strict medical and legal guidelines. It’s characterised by a controlled composition, often with specific ratios of compounds like CBD and THC for therapeutic purposes.

Recreational use, in contrast, typically refers to the use of the cannabis plant for non-medicinal purposes and is not subject to the same medicinal standards or legal permissions.

In Australia, plant-based medicine is legal strictly under prescription only, while recreational use remains illegal, underscoring the importance of understanding these distinctions.

Applications of Plant-Based Medicine

Holistic treatments are increasingly recognised for their roles in pain relief, mental health treatment, and chronic condition management. They are used to alleviate chronic pain, including conditions like arthritis and neuropathy.

In mental health, such natural medicine shows promise in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Additionally, holistic medicine approaches are being explored for managing symptoms of chronic diseases. These include multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, offering potential improvements in quality of life.

From sleep disorders to lack of appetite during chemotherapy, and anxiety to arthritic aches and pains, holistic medicine could potentially improve the individual’s quality of life. The key here is to have a consultation with a qualified medical professional to ascertain the best next steps to take.

Learn More at My Green Medical

My Green Medical Clinic is committed to providing relief for those with chronic conditions where conventional treatments may not have been effective, utilising medicinal plant-based products as a key therapeutic option.

Our focus is on offering holistic, natural solutions to enhance your health and well-being. For further personalised care and guidance in this innovative field of medicine, please feel free to book an appointment with one of our experienced doctors.