The more acquainted you become with CBD, the more you begin to understand all the different components that play a part in your CBD experience. Even with a good deal of expertise in the CBD realm, many still wonder what terpenes are and how they affect your overall experience. If you’re one of those seeking to learn more about terpenes and CBD, you’re in the right place! We’re going to discuss all things surrounding terpenes, including what they are and how they can help you.
Let’s get to it!
What Are Terpenes?
There are tons of compounds found in plants, and one such group is terpenes. These compounds are responsible for giving plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs their distinct aroma.
Have you heard of aromatherapy? Well, terpenes are the compounds responsible for those well-known aromatherapy benefits, like relaxation and mood enhancement.
Can you believe there are over 200 types of terpene compounds found in cannabis plants and over 20,000 terpenes discovered in other plants?
They also play a big part in the flowering process of some plant varieties. They help plants during the pollination process, enhancing their overall strength and immunity.
But plants aren’t the only ones reaping all of the benefits of terpenes — humans do, too.
How Terpenes Affect Your Body
Terpenes have a lot to do with how your wellness product makes you feel, with each one affecting you in a unique way. Each terpene has its own chemical makeup, and can present the body with a particular type of effect.
When you consume terpenes, they bind to receptors in the brain to produce a physiological response. When this happens, certain neurotransmitters are released, like serotonin and dopamine.
This helps reduce bothersome issues, like mental fatigue, anxious thought patterns, and discomfort in various areas of the body.
Let’s look at how they interact with cannabidiol (CBD).
The Role of Terpenes in Your CBD Product
Most of us are oblivious to the terpenes in our CBD products until we come across some literature that brings it to our attention.
As mentioned above, there are over 200 terpenes found in the cannabis plant. These terpenes each have their own unique set of capabilities. The terpene profile of your CBD product is just another compound layer that enables the “entourage effect.” This is when all of the compounds found in the cannabis plant are present and can work together to produce a more profound level of therapeutic effects.
So, when you partake in your favorite CBD gummy or tincture, the unique blend of cannabinoids and genetically available terpenes creates a specialized effect. Cannabinoids have their own special abilities, of course. For example, CBD is one of the many non-psychoactive and therapeutic compounds, while CBN encourages sleep and relaxation. And there are other cannabinoids, each with its own special properties.
The “entourage effect” gets all of those compounds to work together, and enhance each other.
Superstar Terpenes
Since we’re on the subject of terpenes, we thought it’d be helpful to highlight some of the most popular terpenes and their benefits.
Linalool
This terpene is most known for embodying tranquil, relaxing effects. You can typically find linalool in lavender and chamomile, so it’s no surprise it’s a top choice for reducing anxiety and melting stress. Many companies add it to their formulations for the soothing vibes it embodies.
Linalool is capable of this because it blocks excitement chemicals in the brain, specifically glutamate, thus encouraging a calm, relaxed state of mind. It also blocks a chemical called acetylcholine, and this blockage ultimately leads to muscle relaxation and pain relief.
Limonene
Limonene is responsible for the refreshing citrus scents we all know and love. It’s known to provide a boost in mood, also reducing anxiety and inflammation. Limonene enhances your CBD product by increasing the overall absorption level of other terpenes, as well. This means a deeper level of therapeutic relief.
Pinene
Pinene is found in a variety of pine trees, eucalyptus plants, oranges, and rosemary. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and memory-enhancing properties, which is why many people love to take advantage of its therapeutic advantages.
Humulene
Humulene is commonly found in hemp, as it naturally grows. It’s beneficial for its anti-inflammatory effects, but it also curbs your appetite, which is excellent for weight-loss goals.
Final Thoughts
Terpenes are an integral part of your CBD experience, even if you didn’t know it before. They bring a little something extra to your experience, adding another helpful layer to the famous “entourage effect.”
So, the next time you walk through a forest and smell fresh pine needles, or take a whiff of soothing lavender, just know it’s all thanks to terpenes!