There Are Other Plants Like Cannabis
Whaddayaknow! Cannabis is not the only one! We were intrigued to learn that marijuana is not the only plant with cannabinoid-like compounds, all with their own unique and healthful properties. What's more—most of these plants are legal in the U.S. So, read on to learn about compounds similar to cannabinoids (including CBD), plants that contain them, and their health properties.
First, let's get the science straight.
Cannabinoids can be defined, at least in terms of their function, as compounds that bind to specific receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Until a couple of decades ago, it was thought that they were produced only in the human body (yes, our own bodies make these compounds!), and by theCannabis Sativa L. plant, aka marijuana or hemp.
Yet in the past few years, research has discovered several constituents that bind to and functionally interact with the same ECS receptors as cannabinoids. They all have a different molecular structure than cannabinoids, however.
Some Medicinal Plants With Cannabimimetics
1. Flaxseeds
So, this is the other plant with CBD-like compounds! Flax is a good source of fiber, oil, and linseed, with many known health properties.
A 2012 study conducted in Poland revealed the presence of CBD-like compounds in flax tissues of various kinds. It demonstrated possible ability to influence your immune system on a cellular level, but its mode of action is slightly different from CBD. The researchers concluded: "These findings might open up many new applications for medical flax products, especially for the fabric as a material for wound dressing with anti-inflammatory properties."
2. Black Pepper
B-caryophyllene is the cannabimimetic compound found in black pepper, mostly in the essential oil. Interesting fact—B-caryophyllene is also the component that sniffer dogs pick up in marijuana!
Black pepper essential oil is known to offer relief for a wide range of ailments, including pain management, high cholesterol, and circulation issues.
B-caryophyllene is the cannabimimetic compound found in black pepper, mostly in the essential oil.
B-caryophyllene is also found abundantly in hops essential oil and many other spices and herbs like cloves, rosemary, lavender, and cinnamon.
3. Hops and Mangoes
Apart from B-caryophyllene, hops essential oil is also a superb source of a terpene called myrcene (or β-myrcene), another cannabimimetic. In fact, hops contains more of it than cannabis and is known for its sedative properties. So, it is not only the alcohol in beer that relaxes us!
Hemp seed is a superior source of both B-caryophyllene and myrcene.
Another excellent source of myrcene is mangoes. Some even suggest that if you wish to potentize the effect of any cannabis product, such as whole-plant CBD oil, eat a mango before you take it.
4. Echinacea
Echinacea, or cornflower, needs no introduction. As a medicinal plant, it is well known for its immune-supportive properties, especially in tincture form.
Recently, a new class of cannabimimetic was identified in echinacea, called alkylamides, and it seems to work with anandamide, the first-ever endocannabinoid to be identified. Together they appear to control inflammation in the body.
5. Liverwort
Another plant credited for its own unique cannabinoid-type compound is the New Zealand liverwort, orRadula marginata. Called perrottetinenic acid, it is similar but not identical in molecular structure to tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. It does not have any of THC's psychoactive effects.
Indigenous to New Zealand, liverwort is traditionally used to treat bronchitis and alleviate liver, bladder, and gallbladder issues.
6. Rhododendron
This pretty Tibetan medicinal plant is yet another source of two brand-new cannabimimetics—anthopogocyclolic acid and anthopogochromenic acid.
The plant is being researched for its insecticidal properties and is traditionally used to treat bronchitis, asthma, fever, inflammation, and coronary heart disease. Studies have also shown that the essential oil can inhibit the growth of bacteria.
7. Keeribos
Native to southern Africa, the Helichrysum umbraculigerum hails from the sunflower family and was a subject of study for cannabinoids as early as 1979. The cannabimimetic constituent is called cannabigerol. Helichrysum is known for its antidepressant and mood-stabilizing effects.
The plant has hallucinogenic properties and is putatively used in African ritual ceremonies.
8. Cacao
Yup! It's for real—chocolate is good for youand it’s a real mood lifter. Natural chocolate interacts with the ECS by, among other functions, breaking down anandamide, the body's own naturally produced THC. However, it causes only a sense of relaxation and happiness, not the “high” associated with marijuana consumption.
9. KAVA (PIPER METHYSTICUM)
Most people know kava from the drink that is frequently made from its leaves. Native to the Pacific Islands, it has long been used as local natural medicine. Its popularity has gradually grown in the West.
The tea has a mild sedative effect and is known to ease anxiety and even chronic pain. The scientific explanation for this? There is a compound in kava that appears to bind to the CB1 receptor. Kava is full of compounds called kavalactones. One in particular, called yangonin, interacts directly with the receptor. Beyond the CB1, kavalactones also bind to similar brain locations as cannabinoids associated with addiction and cravings.
10.CHINESE RHODODENDRON
Essential oils extracted from the Chinese Rhododendron are powerful medicines that have long been included in the repertoire of traditional herbal remedies.
Rhododendron anthopogonoides, as the plant is known scientifically, is found in Southern China. Even more interesting? Chinese Rhododendron extract can kill anything from staph infections to cancer cells. A fascinating study from 2011 conducted by Nihon University in Japan even found that folic acids in Chinese Rhododendron act very much like cannabinoids. Crude drug extracts even contain several flavonoids, triterpenes, and tannins.
11. BLACK TRUFFLES (TUBER MELANOSPORUM)
Italian researchers recently made a major discovery. Black truffles create the same anandamide as cacao. When eaten, they also release this bliss molecule into the body where it binds to the CB1 receptor.
Black truffles are also biologically older than even cannabis. The black truffle has been around for the last 156 million years. Cannabis is “only” about 70-110 million years old.
12. Strawflower (Helichrysum)
Not many individuals will know of the strawflower, mainly because Helichrysum is a genus that has over 600 species of plant linked to it. Belonging to the broader sunflower family, visually, all of the Helichrysum genera are similar in appearance, despite growing in different environments all over the world. The leaves grow oblong to lanceolate, while the flowers look similar to that of a carnation in bloom. Colours vary from deep purples and reds to vibrant pinks and yellows.
Although mainly used as an ornamental plant, strawflower is also harvested for its aroma. Burnt sugar and ham may not sound like an appealing perfume, but blended with other scents, the aromatic oil from strawflower is very popular.
