9 Plants that Contain Healing Cannabinoids, Besides Marijuana

For many of us, cannabis is the first thing that comes to mind when we hear of cannabinoids. This makes perfect sense, since cannabis contains many cannabinoids that have not been found in other plants.

However, marijuana actually isn’t the only source of cannabinoids. Below are other plants that contain cannabinoids, which can ease your anxiety and relieve pain.

PLANTS THAT CONTAIN CANNABINOIDS

1. Black Pepper

Adding black pepper to your diet can help ease pain, thanks to beta-caryophyllene (BCP), a compound that functions as a cannabinoid. In fact, the cannabinoids and anti-inflammatory properties in black pepper are helpful to arthritis and osteoporosis patients, according to research. 

2. Cacao

It’s not just the sugar in chocolate that makes you feel good, the cacao in it contains anandamide, an endocannabinoid that makes you feel happy and relaxed. It’s also worth mentioning that cacao is a good source of magnesium, which also helps ease anxiety.

3. Kava

If you’ve ever drunk kava tea, you know that it makes your mouth numb. That’s because it contains natural pain relievers. Additionally, it contains a compound called yangonin that binds the same receptors as THC.

4. Echinacea

This herb was traditionally used for medicinal purposes and now research shows it contains cannabimimetics that can relieve migraines, fatigue, and anxiety. Cannabimimetics are compounds that mimic the biological activities of cannabinoids.

5. Flaxseed

There are many reasons to love flaxseeds. One is that they’re a good plant source of omega 3s. Second, they contain compounds that mimic CBD, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties, recent research says.

6. Liverwort

In olden days, this plant was used to treat bladder, gallbladder, and liver problems. Now we know that it mimics THC in the body. Liverwort contains perrottetinenic acid, which interacts with CB1 receptors like THC, but researchers say that liverwort doesn’t have any psychoactive effects.

7. Electric Daisy

The pain-relieving properties of this plant have earned it the nickname “toothache plant“. It eases pain by blocking pain receptors in your body. Electric daisy extracts have many medicinal benefits thanks to its antioxidant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

8. Black Truffles

Did you know that dogs and pigs love the smell of black truffles? Researchers suspect that this could be because they contain anandamide, a molecule that is similar to THC. Anandamide helps release mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain, just like THC.

9. Labrador (Rhododendron)

This plant has very strong antimicrobial properties. The essential oil extracted from it can treat infections and even kill cancer cells, according to research. A recent study found two cannabinoid-like compounds called anthopogocyclolic acid and anthopogochromenic acid in this plant.