Terpenes are natural compounds that give plants their distinctive aromas and flavors. They are also found in some animals, such as insects and marine organisms. Terpenes have many medicinal benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiviral, and antiplasmodial effects. Some terpenes can also modulate the activity of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, in the endocannabinoid system.
One of the most studied terpenes for its medicinal properties is curcumin, which is derived from turmeric. Curcumin has a wide range of therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, antiplasmodial, astringent, digestive, diuretic, and more. Curcumin can also enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of other drugs.
Terpenes can be consumed in various ways, such as isolates, strains, essential oils, extracts, or pesticides. They can also be used as fragrances and flavors in consumer products, such as perfumes, cosmetics, food and drink products. Terpenes are an important and diverse group of natural compounds that have many potential applications in medicine and industry.
About The Author
Patrick Blanchard MD
Meet Dr. Blanchard
Dr. Blanchard’s medical practice is an embodiment of Integrative health which brings conventional and complementary approaches together in a coordinated way. Conveniently located in sunny Florida and over the internet with ValiseMD’s secure HIPPA compliant telXmed servers. Since 1994, patients with a wide range of challenging medical problems have achieved optimum health using the best of natural medicine, judiciously combined with high-tech innovations. Breakthroughs are often achieved even after patients have consulted mainstream specialists and holistic practitioners.
Dr. Blanchard is founder and CEO of ValiseMD, Inc. He is board certified in Family Medicine since 1994 and awarded Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians in 2001. He received the ‘Teacher of the Year’ award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine at completion of his residency in Family Medicine. He completed a fellowship at Wake Forest University in the field of vascular neurosonology. He holds a medical patent in the field of Gastroenterology. He holds an unrestricted license to practice medicine and surgery in Florida. He started his medical career as a Emergency Medical Technician, then as a Paramedic and later a Medical Doctor.
