Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants. They are aromatic alkaloids that are responsible for the characterizing scent and flavour of many plants, and also may have some therapeutic properties.
Below we are going to break down some of the most commonly known herbal terpenes, along with their potential effects that may produce the different healing benefits you experience with consuming different herbs, fruits, and other plant medicines.
Myrcene
Smell: Earthy, musky notes.
Effects: May assist with pain, sedation, and relaxation. A study by Rao et al suggests this may be due to myrcene releasing the bodies own endogenous opioids. Reported to be useful in reducing inflammation and chronic pain. This is the most abundant terpene in cannabis.
Try out the Terra Terpenes Relief blend.
D-Limonine
Smell: Fresh, citrusy aroma
Effects: May assist in treating depression and anxiety as well as increasing mood and motivation levels.
Try out the OG Kush terpenes or Gelato terpenes.
Terpineol
Smell: Floral-like, reminiscent of apple blossoms and lilacs, hints of citrus
Effects: Heavy relaxant for the whole body and mind. May also have antibiotic and antioxidant properties.
Try out Northern Lights terpenes.
Beta-caryophyllene
Smell: Spicy and peppery notes
Effects: Beta-Caryophyllene has a CB2 receptor agonist action. Studies suggest it exhibits anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), antioxidant, and neuroprotective qualities.
Try out Pineapple Express or Gorilla Glue #4 terpenes.
Humulene
Smell: Earthy, woody, and spicy notes
Effects: The first terpene found in hops, humulene may be anti-proliferative, meaning it may prevent cancer cells from growing. It also proved to be effective in suppressing appetite, making it a potential weight-loss tool. May reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and fight bacterial infections.
Try out Super Lemon Haze terpenes
Linalool
Smell: Spicy and floral notes, found in lavender and mint
Effects: Herbs high in linalool have long been used in traditional medicine traditions for their calming and sedative properties. Tests on mice have demonstrated reduced levels of anxiety and depression-like behaviours.
Try out the Terra Terpenes Unwind blend.
Alpha pinene & Beta-pinene
Smell: Pine trees, rosemary-like
Effects: Found in high concentrations in coniferous plants and is believed to increase memory and focus due to its action as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Alpha Pinene is a bronchodilator with a 60% pulmonary uptake rate. May assist in elevating mood due to its interaction with multiple receptors in the monoaminergic system, along with its retention and focus increasing properties.
Try out the Terra Terpenes Elevate blend.
Sources
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00241/full#:~:text=Classical%20anxiety%2Drelated%20behavioral%20tests,input%20evoked%20by%20linalool%20odor.
https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1990.tb07046.x
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