7 Surprising Health Benefit Of Terpenes
All plants get their unique aroma from organic compounds called terpenes. Terpenes can be defined as organic non-psychoactive, pungent hydrocarbons secreted from hair-like trichomes found in the buds of plants. Terpenes have been mentioned more frequently with cannabis users each year.
Terpenes protect plants against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It prevents pest infestation and protects the plant during high temperatures. In fact, terpenes evaporate rapidly. The smell of fresh flowers or dried leaves on a sunny day is actually the smell of terpenes released through evaporation.
1. Terpenes Have Therapeutic Effects
Terpenes are associated with flavour and distinct aroma and serve a good purpose in aromatherapy. According to a study, fragrance can help to induce a sense of calm and reduce depression. It could very well be a safe substitute for antidepressants in the near future.
2. Terpenes Can Reduce Pain and Inflammation
Terpenes is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. It can help to increase circulation, reduce pain and swelling when applied topically. It is also known to relax muscles and soothe cramped muscles.
3. Terpenes Can Alleviate Skin Ailments
When topically applied, terpenes are very effective for treating a range of skin problems. They are shown to have antibacterial properties that can help with psoriasis, eczema and other severe skin diseases. Additionally, it can be mixed with vitamin c and used as an antioxidant to fight skin ageing.
4. Terpenes Can Help Eliminate Nausea
Most terpenes have a sweet, relaxing aroma that can help get rid of nausea and dizzy headedness. They are also being used in the fragrance industry because of their wide variety of pleasing scent. Cannabis terpenes can also help to eliminate the pungent, earthy smell of pot which is disliked by many of its users.
5. Terpenes Can Help With Stomach Ailments
Terpenes can be mixed with tea or food, to help with indigestion or stomach ailments. It can help to kill harmful bacteria in your digestive tracks. Terpenes also act as diuretics and help in relieving flatulence and gastroesophageal reflux. It is also known to soothe menstrual cramps.
6. Terpenes Can Improve Neural Health
Terpenes are known to increase cognitive functions among patients. It has a great potential for nephropathy. It is also known to possess anticonvulsant properties that can reduce epileptic seizures and muscle spasms. It also stimulates the neuron receptors and increases cognitive abilities.
7. Terpenes Act As A Bronchodilator
Terpenes act as a bronchodilator and clear congestion in the respiratory organs thereby increasing airflow to the lungs and facilitating proper breathing. This is useful in nose blockage, sinusitis and even snoring and sleep apnea.Terpenes are more popularly used among medical or recreational cannabis consumers. Some of the common terpenes found in the cannabis plant are as follows:
1. Myrcene- This is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis that comes with a flavour combination of grapes, peach and balsamic vinegar. At the same time, it has a peppery, clove-like smell.Known for its sedative effects, it also has anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antibiotic effects.
2. Limonene- After myrcene, limonene is the most abundant terpene found in cannabis. It has a lemony, tangerine smell and tastes like grapefruit. It has anxiolytic and anticancer properties. It also works as an antidepressant. Shining Haze is a popular cannabis strain that is rich in limonene.
3. Linalool- Linalool has a very pleasant tropical, fresh floral smell. It has Anti-anxiety, Anti Depression, Antiepileptic and Analgesic properties. Linalool has been used for centuries as a sleep aid. Cannabis strains currently producing high concentrations of linalool include Master Kush, Pink Kush, and OG Shark.
4. Alpha-Pinene and Beta Pinene - These terpenes has the smell of fresh pine that can make you feel like you’re in the middle of a coniferous forest! They have an anti-inflammatory effect on humans and also help with respiratory issues. These terpenes have shown promising results in treating arthritis, Crohn’s disease, asthma and cancer. Popular strains rich in pinene include Strawberry Cough and Blue Dream.
5. Caryophyllene- Caryophyllene has a mix of woody, spicy, and peppery flavours. Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to interact with the endocannabinoid system (CB2). It has analgesic and anti-anxiety properties and has shown promising results in alcohol rehabilitation.Terpenes, unlike cannabinoids, are responsible for the aroma of cannabis. Many marijuana products have a complex scent and flavour because of terpenes, such as citrus, pine, and mint. Not only do they help create a diverse selection of cannabis flavors, but they also play a contributory role in the effect of cannabis. The aroma of terpenes can help users to identify different strains and their effects.
CBD oil has been well liked and socially accepted owing to its numerous health benefits. They contain terpenes as well that works to further enhance their medical benefits.
Moreover, hemp creams and ointments contain pure CBD oil that is rich in terpenes as well. Hemp products generally do not have a flavour of their own. Terpenes can help in making them more flavourful and aromatic.
Terpene products are available in three distinct varieties- there are high terpene extracts with little cannabinoid content, high terpene full spectrum extracts with higher cannabinoid contents and finally, isolated terpenes with no cannabinoid content.
Just be careful to purchase cannabis products from a legal store and from a reputed brand. Also, remember to consume CBD oil in the right dosage to receive its full benefits.
From adding flavor and scent to providing a wide array of health benefits, terpenes are an essential part of any plant or herb. Research is yet to determine and prove the exact health benefits of terpenes.
Many studies are underway to prove the benefits of terpene and possibly uncover its hidden benefits. It is being extensively used in the fragrance industry as well as in many beauty products owing to its ability to provide a distinct and unique aroma. Terpenes have desirable properties for use in food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
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●AuthorBio/Credentials
Sara O Brown is a working mom, lives with her dentist husband and her adorable dog, Casper. She is passionate about traveling and cooking. Find her recent writing on herbs- https://cannabisowl.com/cannabis-among-the-fundamental-herbs-of-tcm/