Borneol Terpene and its Medical Benefits

Borneol terpene is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of plants. Its earthy flavor, aroma, and therapeutic benefits contribute to the appeal and uses of many popular cannabis strains.

Borneol's role in traditional medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic has long been recognized. Modern scientific research is increasingly exploring the specific mechanisms and potential medical benefits of this fascinating compound.

What Is Borneol Terpene?

Borneol is a naturally-occurring terpene present in many different plants including the cannabis plant. This compound has been used in traditional medicine for more than 1500 years and has a wide range of applications in the medical field as well as in the food, tobacco, fragrance, and cosmetic industries.

Despite its many fascinating uses, borneol is often overlooked in cannabis due to its status as a secondary terpene. However, its deep flavor and aroma profile plus its wide-reaching medical applications make borneol-rich strains an interesting addition to many treatment programs. 

Where Is Borneol Found in Nature?

Borneol is present in many kitchen staples such as rosemary, thyme, ginger, and sunflowers. It's also present as a secondary terpene in some cannabis strains. Many people will also encounter borneol in essential oils like thyme oil, a natural remedy used by many over the years as an antiseptic and a natural insect repellent.

What Is Borneol's Flavor and Aroma Profile?

Borneol's fresh and woody menthol smell may remind you of eucalyptol and camphor. This scent is typical of popular cannabis strains like Amnesia Haze, which offers a pungent, earthy aroma and flavor.

Medicinal Benefits of Borneol

Borneol is linked to a wide range of medical and therapeutic benefits. Modern scientific research has extended our understanding of how borneol works and the array of therapeutic properties the terpene offers:

Analgesic Effects

Borneol has been recognized anecdotally as a pain reliever for some time. This was confirmed in a clinical study of topical use of borneol as pain relief in which 122 post-operative patients reported significant pain reduction after topical borneol use compared to a placebo.

How to Use Borneol-Rich Strains for Pain Relief

Borneol-rich cannabis strains offer an interesting prospect for MMJ patients suffering from qualifying conditions like chronic pain. MMJ patients in states like Arizona can purchase strains high in borneol or other great cannabis strains for inflammation from a specialized medical marijuana dispensary, where staff will be happy to make recommendations.

One great way to treat localized chronic pain—for example from arthritis—is to make a cannabis tincture and apply it topically to the affected area. Remember you need a valid medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis from a reputable medical dispensary and take advantage of other benefits like no excise tax and greater possession limits.

Anti-Inflammatory

Borneol plays a role in reducing the body's anti-inflammatory response, like many other terpenes including bisabolol terpene. This has a large number of practical applications for people suffering from a wide range of inflammatory diseases:

Treatment of Acne

Borneol's anti-inflammatory properties can improve the symptoms of acne, an inflammatory skin condition. A 2020 study found "significant" anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that facilitate the treatment and healing of existing acne.

Anti-Cancer

Several studies have shed light on borneol's ability to reduce cancer cell growth. For example, a 2013 study demonstrated that borneol synergizes with selenocysteine to reduce the spread of liver cancer. A 2020 study also discovered that borneol may inhibit the spread of malignant glioma and tumor volume. 

Improves the Efficacy of Other Medications

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, borneol guides other medications to their target organs and the brain. This was confirmed in a 2024 study that demonstrated that borneol helps other drugs pass through the blood-brain barrier, thus enhancing drug delivery. 

Borneol could also offer a crucial solution to cancer cell drug resistance. It’s thought that borneol could hold the key to increasing the transdermal absorption of insoluble drugs and increase their bioavailability. Scientists hope that this will lead to a greater higher delivery volume to tumor tissues.  

Qualifying Conditions that May Benefit from Borneol

Borneol’s wide range of therapeutic properties make strains containing the terpene a great choice to integrate into your treatment plan for the following AZ qualifying conditions: 

• Severe and Chronic Pain: Borneol’s analgesic qualities make it a great choice for conditions that cause severe and/or chronic pain. Use a salve for localized pain or consider edibles for longer-lasting effects than smoking or vaping. 

• Cancer: Borneol-rich cannabis products are a great bet for cancer sufferers. Smoking or ingesting a tincture sublingually are highly effective ways to get almost instant relief.

• Crohn’s Disease: This inflammatory disease may react well to borneol’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Choose the Right Strains and Products for Your Condition

It’s essential to get expert guidance when consuming cannabis for its medical or therapeutic benefits. The different ratios of cannabinoids and terpenes found in the various cannabis strains influence their effects and how useful each will be for your condition. A specialized doctor can tailor a treatment plan that meets your needs and relieves your symptoms.

Will a Borneol Isolate Be Effective for Treating Qualifying Conditions?

A borneol isolate (or any isolated terpene) isn’t likely to offer the same effects as a full- or broad-spectrum cannabis product that contains borneol. This is because the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds are thought to work together synergistically to produce each strain’s unique effects. This is referred to as the entourage effect. 

Choose Borneol Strains for Earthy Relief

Borneol terpene is an intriguing yet little-known terpene that packs a punch. Its range of therapeutic benefits makes it an appealing terpene for patients suffering from a range of different qualifying conditions.

Borneol’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a particularly interesting option for patients suffering pain caused by inflammatory conditions. Consult a medical professional to formulate a treatment plan containing borneol-rich strains to experience its many benefits for yourself.