Terpenes are aromatic compounds available in almost all plants. Most of the time, people associate them with cannabis, as cannabis plants include high concentrations of them. Terpenes produce the characteristic odor of many plants, including pine, lavender, fresh orange peel, and cannabis.
There are several factors that make plants, such as cannabis, hemp, and CBD, stand out, but one of the essential elements is terpenes. Usually, they play a unique role in protecting plants from infectious germs or animal grazing.
If you want to know more about terpenes, continue reading this post.
What Are Terpenes and Where Are They Found?
Also called isoprenoids, terpenes belong to the most extensive class of naturally producing substances that are mostly found in plants. But, larger groups of terpenes such as squalene and sterols can be found in animals as well. They are responsible for the smell, pigment, and taste of plants.
There are more than 23,000 different terpenes in existence, and the cannabis plant alone has around 100 terpenes. They give cannabis its unique flavor and aroma. Not only this, but terpenes are also known to provide several incredible health benefits for the body as well as mind.
6 Most Commonly Found Terpenes in Cannabis
Terpenes have different effects on taste and flavor, and it varies from one terpene to another. Though there are many terpenes, here, you will find a list of the most common terpenes found in cannabis.
- Limonene: This is a citrus-oriented terpene, which provides fragrance of oranges and lemons while relieving stress and lifting mood. Apart from being relaxing, it also has antibacterial, anticarcinogenic, and antifungal properties.
- Borneol: Smells like menthol, borneol can help you in relieving stress. It is used in TCM and well-known to keep insects far away.
- Pinene: This terpene is used as a topical antiseptic, bronchodilator, and expectorant. Pinene can also help people in boosting their alertness.
- Delta-3-Carene: Red eyes and dried mouth are linked to using cannabis, and Delta-3-Carene generates similar reactions. It has a cedar and sweet smell but is mainly used to drain excess fluids such as running nose, tears, and menstrual flow.
- Myrcene: This is a musky and earthy scented terpene. Myrcene can also be found in wild thyme, hops, parsley, ylang-ylang, and bay. It is famous for its sedative features, its use as an anticarcinogenic and antioxidant, and for lowering pain inflammation.
- Eucalyptol: It is a stimulating and balancing terpene that produces a minty and spicy fragrance and is also found in eucalyptus and rosemary. Eucalyptol is used to increase blood circulation and relieve body pain.
What Do Terpenes Do?
Like cannabinoids, terpenes also work with the endocannabinoid (ECS) system of the body. This system stretches all across the body and mind. It is basically a system of receptors that makes a significant impact on all critical functions of your body, such as sleep, pain, and mood. Terpenes enable these receptors to activate the right response. Different types of terpenes have different effects on the body. For example, limonene can invigorate the senses, linalool can relax the body, and pinene can boost alertness & memory retention.
Moreover, terpenes are versatile and can be used in aromatherapy or to create personalized products. They are famous for modulating and altering the effects of cannabinoids. Also, they have a significant influence on the therapeutic effects of varying marijuana strains.
If you want to know more about terpenes and its effect on plants like cannabis, CBD, or hemp, consider visiting Apotheca. Here, you can find all-natural materials that can help you take a new perspective on health.
