What are Terpenes? That new “it” word that everyone is talking about lately. When I first heard the word terpenes, I was confused just like some of you. Terpenes are awesome. Simply put they are the oils that give the Cannabis plant and it’s flowers their smell. That lovely aroma that makes your spine tingle.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are fragrant oils that are found in many fruits, herbs and plants. Do you love the smell of Lavender? Then that smell is a terpene. There are over 200 terpenes in Cannabis. They are often grouped in either minor or major categories due to their volume within Cannabis.
Terpenes bind to receptors in our brains, tissues and cells in our body and enhance numerous effects. These receptors are part of what is called the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate bodily functions which includes sleep, anxiety, cognition and appetite. Terpenes helps provide relief to help us deal with abnormal functions.
Here are six Common Terpenes
- Myrcene
- Pinene
- Linalool
- Caryophyllene
- Humulene
- Limonene
Myrcene
Myrcene is a terpene found in mangoes, hops, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. Users of Myrcene strains found that it gives a sedative (Indica) feeling. Being that Myrcene is found in mangoes, evidence suggest that eating a ripe mango prior to consuming CBD will help extend the effect of CBD. Myrcene benefits range from anti-biotic, analgesic, to anti-inflammatory.
Pinene
Pinene is a powerful terpene that helps combat asthma and paranoia. It has a pine aroma. The smell that you receive from standing below spruce trees. Two varieties of pinene is alpha and beta. Alpha aroma is that of pine needles and rosemary. Beta aroma reminds you of parsley, basil or hops.
Linalool
Linalool is another powerful terpene that helps opioid addiction. It has been showed to be an anti-inflammatory which helps those of us with arthritis and others with cancer. Linalool produces a floral, sometimes spicy aroma. It can be found in a variety of mints and herbs.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is found any many plants such as cloves, cinnamon leaves, Thai basils, and black pepper. It has a woody, spicy aroma. Research shows the Caryophyllene binds to the CB2 receptor and that it is a CB2 agonist.
Humulene
One of the most popular CBD strains is Gorilla Glue. Humulene terpene is very high in Gorilla Glue. Humulene is an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-bacterial, appetite suppressant and an insecticidal. Humulene is the terpene that gives beer its “hoppy” aroma.
Limonene
Limonene like its name gives off a citric aroma. It is found in strains such as Super Lemon Haze, Chernobyl and Tangie. Limonene is found in many cosmetic and cleaning products. Limonene helps elevate your mood and provides stress relief. It also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
There are many other terpenes like Terpinolene, Camphene, Terpineol, Phellandrene, Carene, Pulegone Sabinene, and Geraniol.
As you see terpenes are everywhere. They help us not only in flavor but help us in our journey of healing our body.