Myrcene - a terpene found in mangoes helps with sleep!?

Derived from the Brazilian shrub Myrcia sphaerocarpa, myrcene is a highly-fragrant terpene that is an intense partnership between spice and citrus. It smells profoundly earthy, woody, and you’ll get distinct notes of cloves, cardamom, fruit, and musk.

Myrcene is commonly found in lemongrass, thyme, basil and yes, juicy, ripe mangos. You can also find it in tons of beer. Out of the hundreds of oils that are found in hops used to make beer, it’s usually the most dominant. It directly impacts a beer’s flavor, too. Hops that are high in myrcene are usually found in dry-hopped beers that are floral and fruity. If a beer smells “hoppy,” it probably has a lot of myrcene in it.

It smells great, tastes wonderful and feels even better. Similar to a strong Indica, myrcene is known to relax and promote deep sleep. You’ll feel a wave of positivity overwhelm you before you decide on your next extended stay: the bed or the couch.

What Are The Benefits of Myrcene?

Myrcene Can Help Reduce Pain and Inflammation

For years now, studies have supported the powerful analgesic properties that myrcene can provide. In a study on mice, scientists found that myrcene can help block feelings of pain. Some suggest that it also can mimic the same peripheral analgesic activity as lemongrass tea, and may serve as an alternative to aspirin.

Myrcene has also been shown to help treat inflammation. In one study, myrcene’s anti-inflammatory properties helped treat osteoarthritis by halting or slowing down cartilage destruction. Scientists even found that myrcene could be used to treat kidney inflammation and injury.

Myrcene is Known For Its Sedative Effects and Can Help Treat Insomnia

Need some Zzz’s? One of the biggest benefits of myrcene is its sedative effects and the ability to induce sleep. To this day, holistic doctors in Germany will use hops heavy with myrcene as a sleep-aid for patients. Scientists have literally said that when combined with THC, the sedative properties found in myrcene could create “couch-lock.” Yes, that’s a scientific term.

In a study with mice, myrcene was found to provide sedative effects, increase sleep time and help with motor issues. If you suffer from insomnia, you may find that myrcene can help you fall asleep.

Myrcene is an Antioxidant and May Help People With Cancer

Not only can myrcene actively help with pain and sleep, it can help heal and protect, too. Research has found that myrcene is a great antioxidant and can potentially treat peptic ulcer disease by increasing levels of gastric mucosa defense factors. Studies have also shown that myrcene has induced antioxidant enzymes in fish, helped pancreatic injury in mice and eliminated certain oxidative stress in rats.

Oh, and this is huge: myrcene might be beneficial to people with cancer. A recent study found that myrcene as an essential oil has significant cytotoxic effects on breast, cervical, lung and colon cancer cells.