What Are Terpenes?
Don’t let the word terpene confuse you. Think of terpenes as the essential oils of hemp and cannabis that produce varying smells, flavors, and effects.
Terpenes are not unique to cannabis. They can be found in other plants like lavender and hops, foods like mangoes, and herbs like pepper, basil, and oregano.
Have you ever used aromatherapy? Maybe spraying lavender on your pillow at night to ease stress and help you sleep, or eucalyptus to open up the lungs and help with focus? Terpenes in hemp and cannabis function the same way. They give off different smells and flavors, and produce varying effects on our bodies as they interact with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS).
Much of the attention has been placed on cannabinoids, but when you use Full Spectrum Oil (FSO) like we do, there are other compounds that are just as important, like terpenes. With well over 100 terpenes that have been identified so far in the cannabis family of plants, we’re barely scratching the surface of these powerful compounds.
To better understand, let’s explore some of the more well known terpenes we find in the cannabis and hemp plants.
Myrcene
– Smells like: earth, musk, cloves
– Also found in: mangoes
– Effects: sedative, calming
Limonene
– Smells like: citrus
– Also found in: citrus rinds
– Effects: stress relief and improved mood
Linalool
– Smells like: spice, floral
– Also found in: lavender
– Effects: sedative, relaxing
b-Caryophyllene
– Smells like: pepper, spice
– Also found in: pepper, hops, basil
– Effects: the only terpene that binds to our cannabinoid receptors, creating huge potential therapeutic benefits.
Humulene
– Smells like: wood
– Also found in: hops
– Effects: appetite suppressant
Terpenes are one of the many reasons Healthy Roots uses full spectrum oil (FSO) in our products. We want you to get the most benefits possible by activating your endocannabinoid system by way of The Entourage Effect – the synergistic relationship among all compounds in hemp that produces enhanced benefits. Terpenes and cannabinoids go together like best friends and work better with each other’s help!
References:
https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/terpenes-the-flavors-of-cannabis-aromatherapy
https://cannacon.org/15-terpenes-cannabis-explained/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terpene
https://www.heylocannabis.com/post/what-are-terpenes
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product.
