What are terpenes and how can they help you?
Smells and aromas, although extremely fleeting, can transport us in time, evoke memories, and also improve the mood. It is impossible to pass by indifferently to those extracted from hemp. In every person, and almost always, they evoke specific, though different, feelings.
Responsible for this state of affairs are terpenes, and that's what we decided to look at today.
The magical world of terpenes.
Terpenes are natural, volatile chemicals that are found in many plants. They can be found in various configurations and concentrations. They are formed from the combination of carbon and hydrogen particles.
They are often obtained as a semi-finished product, for the production of e.g. perfumes. However, in the plant itself, they are not created to serve the human sense of smell! Nature has equipped the world of flora with terpenes to repel pests, parasites and predators that might want to eat them!
The smell, aroma and taste of terpenes can be roughly divided into:
sweet
bitter
spicy
sour.
Interestingly, during cynological training, police dogs are taught to recognize terpenes. And it is "thanks" to them that your pockets are not safe
Over 150 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis so far, and each of them has a completely different effect on the human body.
Some relax, others stimulate. Most of them have properties such as:
anticancer
anti-inflammatory
antifungal (including helpful in the treatment of candida overgrowth)
antiparasitic
painkillers.
What is important – terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids present in hemp (such as CBD, THC, CBG, CBC, CBN), which means that they work together to improve your health.
The greatest benefits are seen in the potential for increased production of neurotransmitters in the brain, thanks to which an increased supply of dopamine and serotonin is observed. Therefore, terpenes can bring extraordinary relief in therapy:
antidepressant
anxiolytic
mood disorders, compulsive behavior
against addictions
ADHD.
Research also shows increased blood flow in the brain and improved activity of the cerebral cortex, which can translate directly into improved cognitive functions such as memory, concentration, focus.
Learn about the properties of individual terpenes.
To bring you closer to the possibilities of these volatile chemical compounds, we will look at a few selected ones.
Alfa pinien is a terpene with a very characteristic, spicy aroma with a hint of pine. It is the most common terpene found in nature. It exhibits a wide range of therapeutic properties.
Studies conducted on Alpha Pinen have shown that it has a strong bronchodilating effect, reduces chronic inflammation, and also has antibacterial properties.
In addition, it calms and soothes the course of anxiety, which will be appreciated by patients struggling with the disturbed economy of serotonin in the body.
Beta-caryophyllene. In its case, numerous studies suggest that it can strongly stimulate the endocannabinoid system. That is, the one that is also activated by cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG or THC.
Beta-caryophyllene will be appreciated by all people who seek relief from the stresses of the 21st century man. Stimulated, tired, living in constant tension.
But these are not the only properties of this relaxing terpene.
It reduces chronic inflammation and pain.
It also has properties that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, as it can reduce the sediment that accumulates in human arteries.
Limonene covers inflammation, so wherever they appear, limonene will work. It has antioxidant, analgesic and anti-cancer properties. It helps to effectively fight diabetes, allergies, as well as pathogens such as viruses or bacteria. It also eliminates unpleasant heartburn or reflux, and has a strong anxiolytic effect, as it significantly increases the level of serotonin in the body.
Linalool is the best known terpene. Scientific research reports that Linalool is one of the most calming and mood-enhancing terpenes. It is also found in lavender. It stimulates our body to produce melatonin, the "sleep hormone", thanks to which it brings a deep and relaxing night's rest to all those who suffer from insomnia.
Myrcene is a terpene with a very relaxing effect. It will bring relief after a day at work, allow for a deep and regenerating sleep. However, all available research suggests its strong anti-cancer, as well as analgesic and skin-protecting properties. Therefore, it is often obtained for use in the cosmetics industry, as it has UVB protection properties.
Myrcene is considered to be the terpene that opens the possibility for other substances from the same family to enter the human body via cell membranes. Therefore, it significantly increases the bioavailability, and thus the bioavailability of other terpenes.
Fenchol, similarly to borneol, is a strongly antibacterial and antifungal terpene that has the potential to reduce inflammation. People struggling with parasites or Candida will benefit from it.
Terpineol, on the other hand, offers a wide range of therapeutic properties as a local anesthetic and analgesic. In addition to the anti-cancer effect, it can boast of blood pressure lowering properties. In combination with CBD, it brings interesting results in this respect.
As you can see, dear reader, terpenes exhibit a number of properties on many levels.
Their therapeutic potential may lead to the day when they will be as popular as cannabinoids.
In our opinion, it is worth combining them, because it enhances the health-promoting effect, especially against the background of the nervous system. Together, they can do more, and we owe this to the entourage effect, which is the joint, combined action of individual compounds present in the plant.
In our rich offer you will find oils that can boast the content of both cannabinoids and terpenes.
