Terpenes
THE BOSS
Quick Overview
What are terpenes?
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Terpenes are 100% natural organic compounds (made up of hydrogen and carbon) found in plants and most of nature's
byproducts. Terpenes are responsible for creating the unique aroma and strong flavors of their host.
You can find terpenes in flowers (like lavender), leaves, black peppercorns, hops, citrus fruit rinds, pine needles, tree sap, and even some insects. In lavender for example, sticky resin glands secrete a specific terpene called linalool, which makes up lavender's unique aroma and flavor.
Terpenes do more than determine the scent finger print however, they also provide therapeutic and health benefits to anyone who consumes them or applies them topically.
How do terpenes work?
Terpenes bind to the same cannabinoid receptors located throughout our body and brain as CBD. Depending upon which receptors they react with, different terpenes may help to induce sleep and relax muscles, while others reduce stress and elevate mood, or reduce inflammation and increase energy.
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Furthermore, terpenes have a positive synergistic relationship with cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN, etc.). When we ingest
terpenes alongside cannabinoids, they help produce different and stronger effects inside our body and mind than if we were to ingest each individual compound on its own.
This mutually beneficial relationship is called 'The Entourage Effect' - if you were already guessing that term then you're way ahead of the game!
Terpene Therapeutic & Physical Effects
Linalool
SEDATIVE
ANTI - ANXIETY
ANTI - CONVULSANT
ANALGESIC (pain-reliever)
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Linalool is a popular
terpene that has a floral and slightly sweet smell with a hint of mint to taste.
It is best known for its sedative and stress-reducing effects, especially when combined with myrcene.
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Sources: lavender, basil, mint, rosewood
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Beta - Caryophyllene
ANTI - BACTERIAL
ANTI - ADDICTION
ANTI - INFLAMMATORY
ANALGESIC (pain-reliever)
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Beta-caryophyllene is a sweet and spicy flavored terpene (like Chai), appearing in large quantities in traditional medicinal plants.
It is the only terpene known to behave like a cannabinoid when ingested, binding directly to our CB2 receptors to initiate a physiological response. Our CB2 receptors are critically involved in the modulation of inflammatory and neuropathic pain responses.
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Sources: black pepper, cloves, oregano, black caraway, cinnamon
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Myrcene
SEDATIVE
ANTI - OXIDANT
ANTI - INFLAMMATORY
ANALGESIC (pain-reliever)
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Myrcene has an earthy yet sweet, clove-like smell, with a fruity and balsamic-like taste.
It is known for increasing the saturation level of your body's CB1 receptor in the brain, which enhances the effects of CBD when combined.
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Sources: hops, mango, bay leaves, lemongrass
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D - Limonene
ANTI - DEPRESSANT
ANTI - INFLAMMATORY
HELPS REGULATE: MOOD/ SLEEP/ DIGESTION
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D-limonene is a popular citrus-y terpene. It is known to have appetite-suppressing qualities, in additional to the beneficial effects listed above.
Expect powerful mind and stress relief or enhanced focus when combined with the right amount of other terpenes and CBD.
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Sources: citrus fruit/rind like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit
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Alpha-Pinene
AIDS MEMORY
ANTI - BACTERIAL
BRONCHODILATOR
ANTI - INFLAMMATORY
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Alpha-pinene has a woody flavor with an herbal scent.
It is one of the only terpenes that's a known bronchodilator, meaning it allows for more oxygen to enter your lungs and bloodstream.
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Sources: the oils of cone-bearing trees like pines, conifers, and rosemary
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Eucalyptol
AIDS MEMORY
ANTI - BACTERIAL
ANTI - INFLAMMATORY​
COGNITIVE ENHANCER
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Eucalyptol has a strong, cooling, minty fragrance and taste. It has been used in everything from cough drops, to cosmetics, to pain-relieving massage balms.
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Studies have found it can help improve memory and alertness. Research also indicates eucalyptol is effective against numerous bacteria. And finally, its abundant anti-inflammatory properties have even been found to help reduce respiratory inflammation associated with asthma.
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Sources: eucalyptus trees, tea trees, mint, rosemary, sage, sweet basil
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