5 Ways Terpenes Can Improve Your Health
You may not be aware of it, but you come into contact with terpenes every day. Even if you aren’t a cannabis consumer, terpenes are found in everything from plants to food to body products and perfumes.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for giving things their unique smell and taste – but there’s more to terpenes than meets the nose. Along with providing fragrance and flavor, they also have proven medicinal properties.
If you are looking for a natural, safe, and holistic way to aid certain health ailments, terpenes can provide therapeutic relief. Here are 5 ways incorporating terpenes into your routine can improve your life:
How can terpenes improve my health?
Terpenes are the largest and most diverse group of botanical compounds. In plants, they play a vital role in survival; some terpenes attract pollinators, while others ward off insects and foraging animals. But their benefits extend beyond the plant, and they are powerful tools that humans can utilize to boost health.
There are many ways terpenes already improve our lives that most do not notice. If you ever wondered why trips into nature can be so refreshing, terpenes are partially to thank. Some of the compounds from trees, such as pinene and borneol, improve breathing, which is proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It gives the saying, “stop and smell the roses” a whole new meaning.
That being said, there are plenty of other ways to harness the benefits of terpenes. It’s important to note that not all terpenes have the same properties, so if you are looking to treat certain health issues, keep reading on.
Terpenes for Inflammation and Pain
Over 50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. This can be debilitating and can make doing the smallest things feel impossible. Fortunately, new research provides hope for treating pain in a safe, effective, and non-addictive way.
Myrcene, one of the most abundant terpenes, has been proven to help target pain. One 2019 study showed that myrcene activates TRPV1, a group of receptor channels targeted for treating pain. You may be familiar with it already, as it’s the compound that gives lemongrass, wild thyme, and bay leaves their earthy, musky smell.
Another promising terpene for pain is linalool, which is naturally found in mint and lavender. Research shows that linalool has anti-inflammatory properties and the ability for pain relief. More specifically, linalool increases adenosine in the brain, a central nervous system depressant. It has also been shown to reduce “the excitability of spinal cord cells that transmit pain signals to the brain.”
Mood Enhancing Terpenes
Anxiety and depression are at an all-time high. In times like this, everyone could use a little natural boost of happiness. One terpene that could aid in this is limonene. In 2013, researchers found that limonene had the ability to reduce stress and be used as an “anti-anxiety agent.”
Another one that earns a spot as the best terpene for anxiety is beta-caryophyllene. This distinct terpene, commonly found in rosemary and black pepper, was shown to have antidepressant properties in pre-clinical research. The study concluded that beta-caryophyllene not only “improved chronic stress” but also that it “may be effective in treating depression and stress-related mental illnesses.”
Terpenes for Memory and Focus
In a modern world, it’s becoming harder and harder to focus. Our screen time and constant stream of notifications fight for our attention, and as a result, our brains have been less trained to stay alert and in flow. Terpenes may be a solution and have been shown to give us a boost in both short-term memory and alertness.
One of the best terpenes to boost your brainpower is pinene. This fragrant compound is commonly found in conifer trees, pine needles, dill, parsley, and a myriad of other plants. In humans, pinene aids concentration and can boost your attention span. The reason for this is pinene acts as an inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase, which leads to better communication of nerve cells. This results in feeling more lucid, with better memory and concentration. Research is still being conducted to see if this can help those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
Terpenes for Sleep
If you are one of the 70 million Americans who suffer from sleep problems, you may want to try out myrcene. Along with treating inflammation and pain, the common terpene also has sedative effects which can aid sleep. Similarly, linalool, the compound in lavender which is commonly used in sleep aromatherapy, has also been shown to help regulate sleep.
Terpinolene, although rare, is also worth mentioning. Not only has it been shown to have strong sedative effects, but research also concluded it had anticancer and antioxidant potential.
Bottom Line
Terpenes can be an incredible tool to use for improving your life. Incorporating them into your daily routine can be anything from taking a walk into nature, lighting up your favorite strain, or adding them into your diet. Our menu online makes it easy to see the terpene content of each strain and the effects so you can find the best products for your needs.
Have any additional questions? We’d be happy to help. At Green, our budtenders have the knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the menu. Visit us in-store or contact us online. You can also follow us on Instagram to stay up to date on the latest Green news, events, and products.
