As you’ve done your research on CBD, you’ve probably come across mentions of terpenes and their benefits when included in a CBD product. But what exactly are terpenes and how beneficial are they?
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the compounds found in the oils of all plants that affect the flavor and smell of that plant. They evolved in plants to both attract pollinators and to defend against predators.
Terpenes are something that CBD oil and essential oils have in common. They give hemp extracts and essential oils their smell and their healing properties.
There are more than 20,000 of these compounds in existence – and hemp and cannabis plants produce at least 100 of them!
Climate, weather, plant age, fertilizers, soil type, and more can affect and influence how a plant develops terpenes. That’s why it’s so important to know the source of your CBD’s hemp.
Some of the most common terpenes you’ll find in CBD products are Caryophyllene, Linalool, Myrcene, and Pinene.
How Beneficial are Terpenes?
Research into aromatherapy has shown that inhaling certain terpenes is associated with a boost in emotional well-being. Lavender, for example, contains Linalool. This terpene has a calming effect and is great for stress or drifting off to a peaceful sleep. Limonene, found in peppermint and citrus, helps you wake up and feel more alert. Most terpenes are associated with some aromatherapy effects.
In addition to these benefits when inhaled, some terpenes have been found to have further benefits when ingested as well. For example, the terpene beta-caryophyllene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and pain-relieving benefits. This terpene is found in basil, oregano, black pepper, and hemp plants. This study showed promising results in this terpene’s ability to treat Alzheimer’s disease by helping curb inflammation in the brain.
So, terpenes have a wide variety of benefits from boosting mood and potentially helping treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s!
The Entourage Effect
As early as the 80s, studies have shown that terpenes work together with cannabinoids like CBD to pass through the bloodstream easier. Cannabinoids combined with terpenes lead to more benefits than cannabinoids alone – and this outcome is known as The Entourage Effect.
The addition of certain terpenes helps you find the perfect CBD for your needs. If you’re looking for help relaxing, CBD extracted from a plant high in Linalool may help you feel even calmer than CBD would alone. Alternatively, beta-caryophyllene can boost the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, making it a great choice for joint pain and other inflammation.
Overall, terpenes offer additional benefits that can help boost the effectiveness of your CBD supplements. Look into which ones your favorite CBD products have and see which extra benefits you can feel!
