Over the last several years, terpenes gained a lot of popularity equally among cannabis users and scientists. Although they have been living in the shadow of popular cannabinoids, terpenes are slowly getting the attention they deserve.
Besides numerous cannabinoids available, you can also find terpenes for sale in 2021. You don’t need to consume cannabis to experience them, as they can also be found in other plants. However, cannabis still is among the plants with the highest concentration of terpenes.
If you’d like to know something more about terpenes, how they work, and their benefits, keep reading. Following that, you’ll find out whether you need them or not.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds usually associated with cannabis. Although they can be found in other plants as well, cannabis is among the most concentrated plants in terpenes. It contains hundreds of different terpenes, all varying in their flavor, sensation, and benefits.
Terpenes are responsible for many things in nature, including attracting pollinators to plants and protecting the same ones from predators, and if they are attacked, terpenes aid in recovering from all kinds of physical and infectious damages.
Because of their distinctive and robust aroma, terpenes are also used in various food and cosmetic products as natural flavor and scent determiners.
However, besides providing a pleasant scent and flavor, terpenes come with other benefits. Depending on the terpene, they offer unique properties to aid and help with numerous conditions and issues.
The Most Popular Terpenes
There are over a hundred different terpenes in the cannabis plant. However, some terpenes are used more often than others because of their distinguishable aromas and sensations. So, here is the list of the most popular terpenes alongside their properties and benefits.
Myrcene
Myrcene is among the most widely known terpenes. Besides cannabis, it’s also found in lemongrass, mango, hops, and thyme. It’s known for its relaxing and sedating effects, great for natural treatment of insomnia and other troubles sleeping.
Besides that, myrcene is popular for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, suitable for treating even conditions such as osteoarthritis. Also, it’s used as an antioxidant.
Limonene
Limonene is highly recognizable by its scent. As the name suggests, it has a citrusy aroma typically linked with exotic fruits such as lemons and oranges. As with these fruits, limonene acts as a potent antidepressant known for its mood-elevating effects.
Furthermore, it helps release stress and negative thoughts while providing the user with new-found energy. Also, limonene can have a positive effect on the immune system.
Pinene
Pinene is the most common terpene in the entire world. It’s associated with fresh, natural, and woodsy sensation because, besides cannabis, it’s found in pine needles, basil, and rosemary.
This refreshing terpene has excellent benefits for the treatment of asthma, alongside its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.
Linalool
Linalool is found in lavender, and it’s the reason why lavender is associated with calming effects. Linalool has a natural, gentle, floral aroma, widely used for its sedating and calming properties.
Besides being highly therapeutic, linalool is excellent for treating insomnia due to its sedating effects. It’s also helpful for mood enhancement, treatment of stress, anxiety, and depression.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is the only terpene known to act as a cannabinoid, too, as it responds to cannabinoid receptors in our body. It’s got a strong peppery, spicy, and woody aroma also found in black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
This powerful terpene is commonly used for its antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. People suffering from anxiety or chronic pain might find this terpene useful.
Humulene
Finally, humulene has an herbal, natural, and woody aroma. It can be found in plants such as basil, hops, and cloves. Besides its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, humulene can prevent allergic reactions and asthma symptoms. Additionally, humulene may have protective properties on cells in our bodies too.
Do You Need Terpenes?
Although cannabis is rich in various terpenes, the question still stands – do you need them?
Although you definitely can live a long and happy life without terpenes, they proved to be useful for numerous conditions and issues people crossed paths with.
So, if you’re suffering from any conditions mentioned above, maybe a terpene could be your perfect solution. Even if that’s something insignificant, like occasional pain in a particular area, you’ll be surprised how much terpenes can improve your daily life.
Don’t think you have to suffer from an issue to experience the benefits of terpenes, as using them can enhance your mood and relieve stress after a hard day at work.
Conclusion
In sum, terpenes are entirely natural ingredients safe for you to take. Depending on your overall health, using terpenes can play a significant role in how you feel and complete daily tasks.
Essentially, terpenes are most popular because they don’t have any negative side-effects and only contribute to the betterment of your body and mind.
