What Are Plant Terpenes and What Are They For?
CBD oil is popular for its therapeutic benefits without the high. Did you know that terpenes present in cannabis are also non-psychoactive? Terpenes reveal analgesics and anti-inflammatory properties. Advocates claim that terpenes can help in treating medical conditions ranging from depression to Alzheimer’s.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are commonly found in herbs. They give the herb distinctive taste and smell, just like flavonoids give color to plants. You may have inhaled marijuana whiff hinting lavender or orange. Terpenes are naturally present in natural plants besides cannabis. There are more than 20,000 terpenes amongst which more than 100 are available from cannabis.
Terpenes are plants’ natural defense systems to stop getting damaged by severe temperatures or eaten by herbivores animals. They even attract pollinators like bees. In humans, different terpenes work differently.
Are terpenes safe?
As terpenes don’t induce high like THC, they are recognized to be safe even by the FDA. Terpenes are consumed and used daily. For example, the citrus scent fruit you eat early morning, and the essential oils used to improve mood indicates how you benefit from terpenes. The breathing of pine, while walking in the woods reduces inflammation and improves your mood. It’s the terpenes that are enhancing your health!
Few cannabis terpenes used for health benefits
- Myrcene – It is also popular as a couch-lock terpene. It reduces inflammation, relaxes muscles, and treats insomnia.
- Pinene – It has potent anti-inflammatory properties and helps to promote airflow as well as improve mental alertness, memory, and energy.
- Limonene – A great anti-depressant, boosts energy, relieves stress and improves mood. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help to treat the bronchial infection.
- Alpha Bisabolol – Its anti-bacterial properties assist in healing wounds and combat inflammation.
- Linalool – It helps in sleep disorder, calms anxiety, promotes neural functions, and regulates gross motor skills.
There are many more varieties of terpenes having their own potential but in cannabis, they are available in high concentration. You can also buy terpenes enriched strains online but ensure to check your state’s legalities first.
Reasons terpenes are important
- As scientific knowledge increases, terpenes can be used in products to target specific health problems.
- Cannabis breeders are interested in the terpene profile. If used carefully, they can improve a high as well as influence the aroma and tang of the product. It also hints at charging a premium price.
