Perhaps you have never heard of terpenes, but chances are that you have probably smelled them.
Terpenes are the culprit behind the stinky smell of cannabis flower. Once you catch a whiff of potent terpenes, it’s hard to forget them. Terpenes produce a range of scents – everything from floral and spicy to earthy and musky.
Aside from their smell, terpenes also have different benefits. Let’s take a look at the most important facts about cannabis hemp terpenes.
Terpenes Defined: What Is a Cannabis Terpene?
While the smell of bud isn’t something you are likely to forget, these stinky buggers aren’t just responsible for skunky odors. In fact, they compose the delicious fragrances of your favorite fruits and flowers. Terpenes are responsible for the aromas behind essential oils.
So, what are terpenes, exactly? At their most basic level, terpenes are just aromatic compounds. Known as isoprene molecules, they are made up of five carbon atoms with double bonds. But they produce far more than smells and flavors. They also have beneficial properties that may be useful for your health.
Let’s take a deep dive into how terpenes interact with the body. We will also go over the benefits of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids when consumed together, a phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect.
Effects of Terpenes In The Body
Why do plants produce terpenes in the first place? The effects of terpenes are quite useful in the natural world. Terpenes help plants attract pollinators or protect from predators. With their powerful scents and flavors, it’s not surprising that terpenes can benefit your health.
For some people, terpenes may provide pain relief, lower inflammation, and reduce muscle spasms. Other effects include relieving common emotional wellness concerns like occasional stress, anxiety, and depression. Some terpenes also have antibacterial and antifungal properties, while still others have sedative effects that may help insomnia.
You may have also heard of the Entourage Effect. The Entourage Effect is the concept that marijuana compounds like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work better together than on their own. While they each have their own benefits, together they create a synergistic phenomenon. You can encourage this effect by purchasing CBD products that are sold as “full-spectrum” or “broad spectrum.”
Every human body contains a naturally-occurring endocannabinoid system with receptors along the central and peripheral nervous systems. Cannabinoids bind to these receptors to produce effects like reduced pain sensitivity, lowered inflammation, and improved mood. Terpenes may work synergistically with cannabinoids to help them bind better to the CB1 and CB2 receptor sites.
Benefits of Terpenes
The benefits of terpenes have been supported by some clinical studies. Terpenes may have antioxidant, analgesic, antidepressant, anticancer, neuroprotective, and antibiotic properties. Terpenes are commonly added to food and cosmetic products due to their low levels of toxicity.
List of Terpenes Commonly Found In CBD Oil
Now that you know that terpenes aren’t just in cannabis, but in many other plants, you are probably curious which ones you are most likely to encounter. Perhaps you want to know about the most common terpenes found in CBD oil, their effects, and where else you can find them. We’ve come up with this short list of terpenes so you can learn more about their individual properties.
Myrcene
Myrcene is found in basil, mangos, hops, and lemongrass. It has an earthy, fruity flavor. It exhibits sedative and analgesic properties.
Limonene
Limonene is frequently added to household and personal hygiene products. It has a fresh, citrusy scent that is found in the rinds of citrus fruits and plants. Limonene is a frequent addition to medicinal ointments due to its ability to penetrate the skin.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene has a spicy, warm flavor. It is found in black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and basil. It may help cannabinoids like THC bind to the CB2 receptor rather than the CB1 receptor. In doing so, it activates the receptors to increase benefits like reduced pain without increasing the high sensation.
Linalool
Linalool is found in citrus fruits and lavender. It has a spicy, floral fragrance. Because of its pleasant odor, Linalool is added to many beauty and skincare products. It may relieve occasional stress or anxiety.
Fenchyl Alcohol
Fenchyl alcohol (Fenchol)l is commonly added to household and personal hygiene products. It has an herbal scent that you may recognize from nutmeg, eucalyptus, and celery. It may work synergistically with cannabinoids to enhance their medicinal properties. Unlike other terpenes, it does not have sedative effects. It may have antimicrobial benefits.
Terpineol
Terpineol is a monoterpene commonly found in tea tree oil. There are five different isomers of Terpineol, which each have their own effects. Like Limonene, it may increase skin penetration. It is frequently used in pharmaceuticals.
Humulene
Humulene is a terpene that exhibits antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It has a hoppy flavor reminiscent of craft beer. It has a woodsy, spicy, herbal smell. Humulene is found in ginger and ginseng.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol exhibits analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. It is a frequently included ingredient in cough suppressants and mouthwash. Eucalyptol is found in tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and sagebrush.
Camphene
Camphene is an abundant terpene. It is found in rosemary, cypress trees, neroli, and holy basil. Camphene may relieve occasional stress and anxiety. It exhibits anti-congestive, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpene Side Effects
You are bound to encounter small but clinically effective amounts of terps in most CBD oils. Fortunately, terpenes have a low incidence of side effects. Typically, terpenes cause no adverse reactions and have no interactions with prescription medicines. If you have any concerns, it’s wise to speak with your health practitioner. Everyone is different, so your reaction may not be the same as that of the next person.
Takeaway
There are innumerable terpenes, and this list is not exhaustive. To learn more about terpenes in CBD oil visit Cannabiva.com. Their whole-plant cannabis extracts have over 25 different terpenes to help you feel better, naturally. Find balance with Cannabiva and see exactly what you’ve been missing!