These days, more and more people are searching for natural remedies to heal their ailments. In fact, 2018 alone saw a 94% increase in herbal supplement sales. That’s why it’s no wonder so many people are turning to the health benefits of terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbon compounds found in nature. They’re present in many plants, including hemp and cannabis. Over 120 terpenes have currently been identified in the hemp plant.
You likely already know that hemp and cannabis have a plethora of health benefits of their own. But do you know about the incredible benefits of terpenes? Some terpenes have medicinal effects you’ve got to take advantage of.
Wondering which terpenes offer these health benefits and what else these tiny compounds can do for you? Then you better keep reading because we’re telling you our top 9 favorite benefits of terpenes.
1. The Entourage Effect
Perhaps one of the most exciting and well-studied properties of terpenes is their participation in the entourage effect. The entourage effect describes how, when combined, cannabinoids and terpenes enhance each others’ benefits.
For example, linalool is a terpene commonly found in cannabis. It’s recognizable by its lavender and citrus scent. When combined with the cannabinoid CBD, linalool improves the cannabinoid’s relaxing effects.
2. Pain Relief
Usually, terpenes and cannabinoids act on the body in completely different ways. That’s not the case with the terpene caryophyllene. Caryophyllene binds CB2 receptors, just like CBD and THC.
CB2 receptors live outside the central nervous system (CNS). They play a large role in regulating pain, which is why it’s no surprise that caryophyllene has anti-inflammatory effects.
In fact, one animal study showed that caryophyllene was also effective at improving inflammatory conditions like anxiety and depression. The same study even found that models of Alzheimer’s disease find pain relief with caryophyllene.
3. Sleep Benefits
What’s that skunky smell coming from your hemp or cannabis? Odds are it’s the terpene myrcene—the most common aromatic compound found in cannabis. But myrcene isn’t only responsible for the distinct smell of hemp, it also contributes to the plant’s sedating effects.
Inhaling myrcene helps get you off to sleep faster. Studies also show that this terpene can help relax your muscles. (Adderall) Both of these factors contribute to myrcene’s anti-insomnia effects.
4. Stress Relief
The terpene limonene has a long history of use in common household cleaning products. That’s because it has anti-bacterial effects and a lemony-fresh scent. Since limonene is a component of lemon rind, that should be no wonder.
Limonene isn’t just good for cleaning, though. In high doses, this terpene also shows anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties. Limonene isn’t usually found in high enough doses in cannabis, so search for a strain with high concentrations.
5. Clears Your Airways
Even if you haven’t heard of the terpene pinene, you’ve definitely smelled it before.
Myrcene may be the most abundant terpene in cannabis, but pinene is the most common terpene in nature period. It’s found in pine needles and coniferous trees as well as herbs like rosemary and basil and so much more.
Studies show that pinene is highly-effective as a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators are compounds that improve airflow, especially in people with asthma.
6. Aromatherapy
Did you know that terpenes are often the main ingredients in essential oils? Considering their beneficial effects on mood, it’s no wonder.
Limonene, for instance, offers mood-boosting effects in addition to its anti-anxiety and stress-relieving properties. Bronchodilator pinene also serves as a memory booster and helps you feel more alert.
Linalool is another terpene with aromatherapy benefits. Similar to limonene, linalool is relaxing and a mild anxiolytic. This terpene tends to be milder, though, perfect for relaxation without any added drowsiness.
7. Anti-Convulsant Effects
One of the most well-studied benefits of cannabis is its effects on epilepsy. Epilepsy is a condition notorious for its treatment-resistance. The good news is that many treatment-resistant epilepsy patients respond to cannabis-containing medications.
While CBD and THC have a role to play in cannabis’ anti-convulsant benefits, the terpene pinene assists. A study of epileptic mice revealed that pinene could significantly reduce convulsions and seizure markers in the brain.
8. Anti-Bacterial Properties
We’ve already discussed that limonene is coveted by household cleaning companies for its anti-bacterial effects. But this isn’t the only terpene known to fight microbial life. Alpha Bisabolol is another anti-bacterial terpene.
Alpha Bisabolol occurs naturally in cannabis and the calming herb, chamomile. It’s known to assist in wound healing, especially since this terpene also doubles as an anti-inflammatory aid.
9. Antihistamine Activity
Histamine is a naturally-occurring substance in the human body. It gets released when an infection or other foreign substance invades the body, resulting in the expansion of blood vessels and swollen skin.
These compounds are also responsible for some of the most annoying allergy symptoms. Antihistamines are medications that help reduce histamine response, thereby fighting many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Delta 3 Carene is a terpene known for its antihistamine activity. It not only prevents allergy symptoms but also dries up runny noses and teary eyes. Despite being relatively unknown, Delta 3 Carene
See the Benefits of Terpenes for Yourself!
If you want to take advantage of the benefits of terpenes, you’ve got to try one or more of the terpenes on our list. You can get help for everything from boosting your mood and improving your airways to reducing epileptic seizures and fighting insomnia.
So, what are you waiting for? Try terpenes and see the benefits for yourself!
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