About Terpenes
Terpenes have been used as medicine for thousands of years.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, though many people commonly associate them with cannabis because it contains a higher concentration of them. These aromatic compounds create the characteristic scent of many plants, such as cannabis, pine, and lavender, as well as fresh orange peel. The fragrance of most plants is due to a combination of terpenes. Because terpenes produce vibrant smells, they form the basis of many essential oils and are an integral part of many alternative therapies, such as aromatherapy. Inhaling the scents from some plants and essential oils may affect a person’s mood and stress levels.
MYRCENE
One of the most common terpenes found in cannabis is myrcene. Beyond cannabis, myrcene is found in hops and is responsible for the peppery, spicy, balsam fragrance in beer. It is also expressed in lemongrass, which has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. Some benefits of myrcene include: anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief), anti- biotic, sedative, and antimutagenic.
BETA-CARYOPHYLLENE
The distinctive flavor of beta-caryophyllene contributes to the spicy flavor of black pepper and can be found in cloves, rosemary, and hops. Benefits of beta caryophyllene are similar to myrcene. It is a potent component in anti-inflammatory salves and topicals and has potential anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties.
ALPHA PINENE
Pine trees are heavy in alpha-pinene as well as conifer trees, orange peels, turpentine, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, and parsley. Benefits include anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator (helps open airways), anti-anxiety, pain relief and may help combat short-term memory impairment associated with THC.