Terpenes are becoming more popular for medicinal use each passing day. Like Cannabinoids, each comes with its own wide array of medicinal benefits. In this article, we will be going over certain terpenes that can provide an uplifting effect on your spirit and give you a mood boost.
But first, let’s briefly review the definition of terpenes.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic molecules produced from the resin of plants. Along with flavonoids, terpenes are the scents/smells that we associate with plants. Different cultivars of Cannabis have their own combinations of terpenes which causes each strain to have their own unique scent. Conversely, cannabinoids do not produce scents.
Cannabis terpenes are not only responsible for the smell of the plant, but also the taste when it is consumed. But terpenes deliver much more than just distinct smells and flavors. A study done by Dr. Ethan Russo, MD, the Director of Research and Development at International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute and a Senior Medical Advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals, demonstrates that terpenoid content offers “complementary pharmacological activities that may strengthen and broaden clinical applications and improve the therapeutic index of cannabis extracts.” This indicates that terpenes have synergistic effects when combined with cannabinoids and other plant compounds.
Let’s cover 3 terpenes that can help boost your mood and help you reach higher vibrations.
Terpenes for an uplift in mood
Limonene
Research supports that limonene can boost the immune system and may help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It also has been shown that it has powerful antioxidant properties and may reduce the incidence and aid in the treatment of some cancers. Limonene’s benefits also include pain and heartburn relief, improvement in skin repair and the healing of wounds, along with reducing inflammation in the gut. It also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, indicating that can aid in recovering from a cold or the flu.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Not only can this terpene help heal and protect the body, but it also positively influences the mind. A study was conducted on mice, showing the potential of beta-caryophyllene as a treatment for anxiety and depression. The authors propose beta-caryophyllene as a novel compound that has beneficial pharmacological effects over existing benzodiazepines and SSRIs. The study demonstrates that this terpene is effective in producing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. The results also demonstrate that the CB2 receptor is involved in the modulation of emotional behavior and might be a plausible therapeutic target when it comes to anxiety and depression.
Linalool
It’s been said that humans have used linalool since ancient times to help reduce stress levels, fight inflammation and repel depression/anxiety. A recent study was performed in which lab rats were exposed to a stressful condition while simultaneously inhaling linalool. Results included that mice exhibited to linalool vapors spend more time in fear-inducing situations, and they’ll continue to work to flee from a seemingly futile situation instead of becoming submissive to the stress. It’s not particularly like testing anxiety and depression in the clinic, but in these well-validated measures, linalool appears to help. Stress is the cause of anxiety and depression, after all.