Do Terpenes Have Effects On Human Health?
Cannabidiol CBD health and wellness products are popping up everywhere, and people are using them to treat the symptoms of various ailments. They are used for treating many common ailments like joint pains, muscle pains, headaches, skin issues like rashes and dryness, etc. The most popular cannabidiol product used for these purposes is a full-spectrum CBD oil due to its effectiveness because of the entourage effect. This is due to the synergistic effect of compounds contained in it like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. In this article, we will investigate terpenes and their effects on your health.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, and those belonging to the cannabis family like hemp and marijuana produce high concentrations. There are different types of it having a distinct smell, and the scent of essential oils is due to them. For example, the strong smell of the orange peel is due to the terpene limonene.
Apart from the smell, terpenes have therapeutic and medical effects. It is important to know about their potential effects on your body when using cannabidiol products like CBD oil. The terpene profile of plants gives them their unique aroma, and this is true for different varieties of hemp plants.
The terpenes, as well as cannabinoids in the hemp plant, are secreted in the trichomes. Apart from cannabis plants, terpenes are produced by other plants and trees like pines, citruses, and spices, etc. Different factors affect the development of terpenes by a plant like the time of the day, climate, soil, maturation, age, and fertilizers. Besides, cannabis plants have more than 100 different kinds of terpenes. Furthermore, researches are conducted to understand how each terpene is developed as it remains a puzzle. It is assumed that this is due to complex interaction happening inside the plant because the terpene profile changes according to the cannabinoid profile.
What Is The Relationship Between Terpenes And Cannabidiol (CBD)?
Users prefer full-spectrum hemp oilto treat ailments due to its entourage effect. The different cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytochemicals interact synergically to enhance the individual effect of each of them. Besides, terpenes alter the way CBD binds with its receptors and thereby complements its effect. For example, research has shown that the terpene caryophyllene binds to the cannabinoid receptors affecting CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This can either increase or decrease the effectiveness of CBD.
Terpenes Commonly Found In Hemp Plants
Alpha-Pinene
Also known as pinene, this is an aromatic compound that has a pine scent, and it is found in different strains of cannabis plants. It is also found in parsley, rosemary, orange peels, basil, dill, and conifer trees.
Myrcene
Beta-myrcene, or simply known as myrcene, is commonly found in plants belonging to the cannabis family like the hemp. It is also found in mangoes, hops, lemongrass, basil, bay laurel leaves, and thyme. It makes you relaxed, as well as it produces joyful euphoric effects.
Limonene
Limonene is a terpene that has a citrusy aroma, and it is found in certain strains of hemp plants. Apart from this, it is also found in pineapple, citruses like lemons and oranges, juniper, rosemary, peppermint, and fruit rinds. It has an anti-inflammatory, stress-reducing, antioxidant, and diseases preventing effects.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene, commonly known as caryophyllene, is a terpene that has a woody, spicy, and peppery aroma. It is found in herbs like basil, oregano, rosemary, hops, and spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves. It combines with CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Linalool
Linalool is a terpene that has a floral smell, and it is found in the cannabis family of plants like the hemp. It gives lavender its taste and scent, and we use it in many edibles in the form of lavender essence. The central nervous systems like hypnotic, hypothermic, and anticonvulsant effects are positively impacted by this.
Humulene
Humulene is a terpene that has a woody and earthy smell like hops. In addition to Cannabis Sativa plants, it can also be found in hops, coriander, cloves, and basil. It reduces pain, inflammation, treats bacterial infection, promotes weight loss, and is useful for inhibiting tumor growth.
Ocimene
Ocimene is a terpene that smells sweet, woody, and herbal, and because of this, it is often used in perfumes. Apart from this, this fragrance protects the plant from predators in their natural surroundings. It is found in parsley, orchids, basil, pepper, mint, and kumquats. It has good anti-inflammatory properties, and it is useful for treating the symptoms of diabetes.
Terpinolene
The terpene terpinolene has a herbal, floral, and piney fragrance, and it is used in lotions, soaps, and perfumes. It is found in tea trees, nutmeg, apples, cumin, lilacs, and conifer trees. It has a sedative effect when a sufficient dose is consumed, and hence it is useful for treating insomnia, anxiety, and panic attacks.
These are some of the important ways the terpenes found in full-spectrum hemp oilare useful for health.
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