Have you ever heard of terpenes? Cannabis is not only composed of cannabinoids, but also of many other natural substances rich in beneficial and healing properties. Maybe you have never heard of terpenes, but if we ask you what rosemary smells like, we are sure you know exactly what we are talking about.

This scent, an aroma we could call it, is due to the presence of the terpenes.

Terpenes impart a distinctive and unmistakable scent to most plants and even some animals. They also happen to be present in the cannabis plant. Therefore, you may be able to recognise it even without seeing it, simply by its smell.

But this is only part of what terpenes do.

We decided to tell you about them because they are one of the most important natural compounds of the cannabis plant as they have so many healing properties. CBD oil is so powerful precisely when all the natural substances that already work synergistically in nature are gathered in the final product.

But now let’s find out what terpenes are, what they are used for and what their properties are.

What are terpenes 

Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds, volatile molecules. They are found in most plant species and also in some animals, such as insects.  

They do not possess a single aroma, but rather a wide range. That is why each aromatic plant has its own unmistakable scent. This aroma is perceived both by the sense of smell, first of all, and by taste.

Aromatic plants, citrus fruits and, of course, cannabis contain a large amount of terpenes.

Their presence in cannabis has gone somewhat unnoticed, as researchers have focused more on cannabinoids. Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, and CBD, have always been a magnet, with their countless properties.

Actually, terpenes also have many beneficial properties, which is why they are gradually gaining fame. They are produced in the same way as THC and CBD, and it even seems that they can enhance their effects.

In addition, terpenes generally do not have a psychoactive effect, so they do not make you feel high.

What are they for 

Terpenes in plants have a very important function. They produce these pungent odours for two reasons:

• Attracting pollinating insects and encouraging production;
• Defending themselves by repelling potentially harmful insects;
• Protect plants from high temperatures, during which more terpenes are released. 

It is therefore also thanks to terpenes that these species can survive and proliferate. Their function in nature is basic for plant survival. For some animals they are attractive, while for others they function as bitter substances that drive them away. In some cases they even have the same effect as a pesticide.

As for their function in relation to the organism, answers are still lacking because further studies are needed.

We all know that natural products have numerous medical benefits for an organism, and terpenes are certainly no exception. On the contrary, medical evidence suggests that terpenes have a wide range of medicinal uses. In fact, many terpenes were used in folk medicine in the past.The properties of terpenes have made them an excellent basis for pharmacology and aromatherapy, as well as for the production of essential oils such as CBD oil. But it is also important to know that each terpene has its own specific function, so let’s take a look at the most popular ones.

The types of terpenes 

There are hundreds of terpenes; it would be unthinkable to mention them all. Let us therefore concentrate on the main types found in most plants:

• Myrcene: found in cannabis as in other plants, it has an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, relaxing, almost sedative action, as well as antifungal and antibacterial properties; it also promotes the penetration of cannabinoids into the central and peripheral nervous system, increasing their effectiveness;
• Caryophyllene: found in cannabis as well as in rosemary, hops, pepper and many other plants, it has anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties and also defends against fungal infections, in addition to the fact that it seems to trigger gastric protection;
• Limonene: another extremely popular terpene found in citrus fruits and ginger, it is widely used cosmetically in perfume production and as an acne remedy, it also seems to decrease depression and is able to kill cancer cells;
• Linalool: present in large quantities in lavender, it is used as a fragrance, as an insecticide and also to alleviate skin burns and insect bites; it also has anxiolytic, anti-epileptic and sedative properties;
• Eucalyptol: as the name implies, it is the terpene found in eucalyptus, it acts as an insect repellent but is also used in cooking to flavour, it has immunosuppressant, anti-leukemic properties, and helps in the treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases; 
• Pinene: found in the resin of pine and other conifers, it has antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator effects and also appears to increase the absorption of cannabinoids by enhancing their effects.

Now that we have mentioned the different effects they can have, let’s take a look at them specifically.  

The beneficial effects of terpenes 

A common mistake is to think that CBD oil produces beneficial effects due to the presence of cannabinoids. Certainly, these are important because, in themselves, they possess many healing properties.

However, cannabinoids are even more powerful when combined with naturally occurring substances also found within the cannabis plant. These components already work in synergy, meaning that they reach their maximum effectiveness when they are together.

If you think about it, even Ayurveda, an alternative folk medicine that originated thousands of years ago in India, is based on the skilful use of medicinal plants.

This is called the “entourage effect” and is what happens in Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD oil, where all the components of the cannabis plant are grouped together.

Let’s take a detailed look at what the effects of terpenes are.

Relieves inflammation 

We have already mentioned this when discussing the different types of terpenes. One of the main effects is certainly the anti-inflammatory one.

Cannabis, in fact, has anti-inflammatory properties precisely because the terpenes it contains prevent inflammatory diseases and also improve skin penetration.

But let’s discover other terpenes with this characteristic. For example, curcumin has so many properties including antioxidant, anti-cancer, digestive, diuretic, antiseptic and even anti-inflammatory. This is why it has become increasingly popular not only as a supplement but also in food preparation. Pinene also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Furthermore, diterpenes, which in nature regulate the flowering and reproductive cycle of plants, also have anti-inflammatory properties among their many therapeutic properties. Diterpenes are also found in the oil extracted from coffee beans, as coffee lowers liver enzymes in the liver that are produced in response to inflammation.

They relieve pain 

The use of cannabis as a painkiller is, along with anti-inflammatory use, among the most widespread. It is in fact used to treat arthritis, neuralgia, back or headaches, and many other pains, including chronic ones.

But let us look at some terpenes. The pain-reducing one is limonene, which also works as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. Then there is beta-carotene, found for example in goji berries, which has many properties such as improving eyesight, circulation, fertility and also reducing pain. For joint pain, pinene is also effective.

The efficacy of terpenes in the treatment of pain is again found in Ayurveda. Cloves, for example, are widely used to treat pain in the teeth and digestive tract. This happens because cloves improve blood circulation and consequently also metabolism.

They strengthen the immune system 

Of all the terpenes, the monoterpenes are those that have the most antiviral properties. This is so true that terpenes are also being studied as an alternative to anti-malarial drugs. On the other hand, monoterpenes are already involved in protecting plants in nature.

Numerous studies have been conducted on the antiviral properties of terpenes, one of which was carried out in vitro on essential oils of Lebanese plants. Their efficacy in treating certain viruses was tested and the results were extremely encouraging.

Cannabis also has this property. Thanks to the terpenes it contains, it has an antiviral and immune-protective effect. It is effective both when there is already an illness in the body and to keep the body healthy.

Triterpenes, particular types of terpenes found in plants as well as in some animals, also have antiviral properties.

Many bioactive terpenes have powerful antiviral properties, from which scientists have deduced that more plants should be used in the treatment and strengthening of the immune system. 

They help the good mood 

Many terpenes, and therefore also plants containing them, have antidepressant properties. We live in an age in which depression has become a very widespread disease and also very dangerous to health, as it causes countless mental and emotional disorders. Depression also leads to a general weakening of the organism and creates fertile ground for the onset of other illnesses.  

Antidepressant drugs are often very heavy, addictive and addictive. This is why scientists are constantly searching for natural remedies that can cure the disease without triggering a new one.  

Amazingly, they found that terpenes are among the best natural compounds for treating depression. They interact with the release of serotonins, the feel-good hormones, and with adrenergic receptors that modify stress-induced behaviour.  

Monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, such as caryophyllene, have significant antidepressant effects. It does this by binding to the CB2 receptor of the endocannabinoid system in the brain, just as CBD does, and activating it. The endocannabinoid system regulates a lot of functions of the body such as sleep, appetite, movement, and of course mood. 

Discover products containing terpenes 

Now that we’ve talked about cannabinoids and terpenes, you also know that they have plenty of potential health benefits.

Plants rich in terpenes are many, and cannabis certainly stands out among them. It is a plant with innumerable pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, anti-psychotic, antiseptic, antidepressant, anti-cancer and so on.

If you want to fully enjoy the properties of terpenes and their joint action with cannabinoids, you should turn to CBD oil Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum. These two variants contain all the natural substances of the cannabis plant. Thanks to their entourage effect, they allow you to resolve ailments at their root, instead of simply eliminating symptoms as conventional drugs do.

Remember that nature already has everything you need to live healthy and well.

As scientists have discovered, these products are not addictive. They are therefore safe for the body, as well as being extremely beneficial.Discover all our terpene-rich products now and choose the one that suits you best.