What is B-Caryophellane & How Does it Benefit the Body
We don't often discuss components within essential oils that make them work the way they do. B- Caryophellane is a chemical component found in many plants and essential oils and has great therapeutic actions.
to clarify, essential oils are made of chemical components which can be present within the oils anywhere from 20-200. These components are what gives an oil its therapeutic actions. How well these components work depend on how strong they are present within an oil. When formulating I’m looking at the top five components with the highest percentage. In some cases, citrus for example, the component can nearly make up the whole oils ‘make-up’. The component d-limonene within citrus make up 90 plus % of their chemical makeup. There are usually 3-5 components that have the highest percentage within an individual oil. This is where the GC/MS analysis report from the company you buy your oil from comes in handy. It’s these reports that give you the breakdown of components.
Looking at B-caryophyllene, we will find this component in many oils. It’s, in my opinion, one of the best components for pain and I try to institute it into my pain blends. This particular component can ease inflammation, it works as an anti-spasmatic, analgesic, antibacterial, antiviral, anxiolytic, immunomodulatory, local anesthesia, neuroprotective and more. You can see why it would be so effective on pain.
A quick science fact: B-Caryophyllene happens when there is a combination of a-caryophyllene (humulene) and iso-caryophyllene.
Back to the topic, it also has been found to possibly influence libido.
B-Caryophyllene may be a remedy with fewer side effects for women with decreased libido. The hypothesis needs to be tested by further clinical studies. (1) But it does offer us some hope.
Our mental and emotional state of mind influences us overall, including the libido. B-caryophellane to the rescue again. It is excellent in easing mental stress and emotional loads. (2)
Note: Since this study there may have been further clinical trial regarding the component and libido that I am not aware of.
Some of what I consider safer oils that contain this component and average percentages include but certainly not limited to Ylang Ylang-1.1-21.5%, Copaiba-24.7-53.3%, Black Pepper-9.4-30.9%, Hemp 13.7-19.4%, Lavender 1.8-5.9%, and Immortelle (Helichrysum) italicum-5.0. The list goes on but may come with safety precautions. (3)
To get exact percentages of the oil you purchase, as stated above, check the GC/MS report. The analysis report lists the components and percentages within each oil. As a reminder, these percentages will vary from oil to oil. Also keep in mind that the components with an oil will have a slight percentage difference from batch to batch.
All this said, components need to be capable of penetrating the skin’s protective barrier. This same scenario is kept in mind when, for example, making pain patches that you can purchase.
Now here's the "thing" about this component, unfortunately, b-caryophyllene like a few other select components, is not a good skin penetrator and needs a component that can enhance permeation of components across the skin barrier. Other components that cross the skin barrier easily can help other components along and that is what B-caryophellane needs; a little hand holding.
The first good skin penetrator is the component Linalool (Linalol). Linalool can be found in many oils including but not limited to HoWood-95%, Ho Leaf (ct. linalool) 66.7-90.6%, Rosewood 82.3-90.3%, Thyme (ct. linalool) 73.6-79.0%, Neroli 31.4-54.3%, Lavender 25.0-45.0%, Ylang Ylang 30.0%, Clary Sage 9.0-19.3% and more. (4)
The next component to look for is Terpinen-4-ol which can be found in Sweet Marjoram 16.4-31.6%, Frankincense Boswellia neglecta-12.5%, Frankincense Boswellia papyrifera 0.-8.0%, Frankincense Boswellia sacra 0-6.9% and Peppermint 0-5%.
Other good component skin penetration enhancers include d-limonene, cineole, nerolidol, cedrol and bisabolol.
You can combine an oil with B-Caryophyllene and one or more with Linalool and/or Terpinin-4-ol. Some oils may also contain both B-caryophyllene and good penetrating component so be sure to check those GC/MS analysis reports.
Having an idea of the chemistry behind essential oils and understanding the components therapeutic actions will give you more confidence that you are blending the best possible, therapeutic blend for yourself and others. This is what makes formulating fun.
1. Olfactory Exposure to β-Caryophyllene Increases Testosterone Levels in Women's Saliva - PubMed (nih.gov)
3. Essential Oil Safety 2007; Tisserand and Young pg. 520-521
4. Essential Oil Safety 2007; Tisserand and Young pg. 584-585
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