What Are Terpenes?
Have you ever wondered where the plants around us get their aroma, how each cannabis strain has a unique scent, or how the food you eat has flavor? A lot of what is attributed to those scents are terpenes or terpenoids. Terpenes are naturally occurring fragrant molecules that give plants, trees, soil, and cannabis its scent and flavor profile. Most commonly terpenes are extracted and harvested into a highly concentrated oil that can be added to your food, drinks, dry cannabis, or even CBD oil to enhance the benefits that the terpenes provide.
It is a new trend that is hitting our mainstream knowledge rapidly because more and more cannabis users are becoming familiar with the synergistic relationship between cannabis and terpenes. One thing to keep in mind is that extracted terpenes can be toxic if consumed in large amounts. Currently, there are over 20,000 different types of terpenes in plants and flowers, and over 200 are found in cannabis.
Most Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis
Myrcene
Though it is a small molecule, it is mighty. Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in cannabis and is known as a building block for other terpenes. Aside from cannabis, it can be found in hops, mangos, lemongrass, and thyme. The type of scent it gives off is a real musky, citrusy type of aroma. The benefits that myrcene provides are for sleep aid, but it can also be used for its antibacterial properties to aid with pain.
Linalool
Linalool is another common terpene primarily found in lavender. It gives off a delightful floral fragrance which is why it is popular amongst beauty products, as well as in the cannabis community. Have you ever noticed the feeling you get after inhaling the scent of lavender? You feel pretty relaxed and de-stressed afterward, correct? Like myrcene, Linalool’s main benefit is to aid with sleep issues, but can also help ease stress and anxiety.
Limonene
Limonene is one terpene that we come in contact with every day, but probably don’t realize what it is. It is responsible for the aroma of lemons, limes, oranges, and most citrus fruit. It is a popular scent amongst most cleaning products, soaps, and in cosmetics as well. Limonene is known for its antifungal and antibacterial qualities and even acts as a mood enhancer and stress reliever.
Alpha-pinene
If you had an idea in your head of where alpha-pinene comes from, you are probably right. Alpha-pinene is most commonly found in pine trees and gives off the pine needle scent you are familiar with. Pinene is known for the boost of energy it brings, its anti-inflammatory qualities, and can also be used as a bronchodilator which helps to improve airflow to your lungs. Those with asthma or asthma-related symptoms would benefit greatly from this terpene.
Caryophyllene
One of the more abundant terpenes found in cannabis is caryophyllene. Its unique flavor profile resembles that of the spicy tone of black pepper and is found in cloves, hops, and rosemary. Fun fact, scientists discovered that caryophyllene can directly activate cannabinoid receptors. The activation of these cannabinoid receptors reduces inflammation which can help reduce pain and reduce the risk of brain diseases that are caused by chronic inflammation.
Humulene
Humulene is one of the more versatile terpenes found in cannabis. It gives off a fairly earthy type of scent with hints of wood and herbal aromas. It has many benefits but it works phenomenally against bacteria, inflammation, and appetite suppression. When combined with other terpenes, humulene can amplify the benefits of each terpene or cannabinoid it is infused with.
Terpinolene
Lastly, one of the least common terpenes that still play an important role is Terpinolene. The scent profile of Terpinolene is a smorgasbord of piney, herbal, floral, and citrus aromas that leave your nose feeling refreshed. is found in many cannabis strains but is also found in lilacs, cumin, and nutmeg. It is commonly used as an additive for perfume and soap. The benefits of terpinolene are antibacterial, and antifungal, and acts as an insecticide.
How Terpenes Can Enhance Your CBD Experience
A big way that terpenes can enhance your experience using CBD is the Entourage Effect. The term Entourage Effect was coined by a well-respected cannabis scientist, Ethan Russo. What it is referring to is the synergistic behavior that cannabinoids and terpenes share when infused together. Together, they work to increase the benefits that each compound brings to the table. This is why consumers prefer to have a broad or full-spectrum product. The effect will be much greater because it contains more cannabinoids and terpenes than a CBD isolate product. When infused correctly, you can use specific terpenes to help target specific ailments.
Check Out Health and Wellness Terpene Infused CBD Options
Here at Health and Wellness Botanicals, we have formulated two tinctures that are a harmonious blend of terpenes infused into our 1000mg tinctures to enhance the benefits that CBD can provide us.
Our 1000mg Relax has been infused with the terpenes Myrcene and Beta-Caryophyllene to not only promote anti-inflammatory relief but to aid in stress and anxiety relief. It’s a wonderful option for those who are looking to de-stress from a long day of work, activity or are just feeling over-whelmed through your daily routine.
Our 1000mg Rest was infused with the terpenes Linalool and Terpinolene to promote sleep-aid, anti-anxiety, and anti-bacterial effects. It is a perfect option for those looking to tackle issues with falling asleep and staying asleep. These terpenes work synergistically to complement the effects that CBD has to relax our bodies and mind, therefore giving us a chance to obtain better sleeping patterns.
Check these options out under the CBD Tinctures tab of our store and enhance your daily living with our 1000mg Rest or Relax!
