What Are Terpenes? – Their effects and benefits

Terpenes are the natural aromatic compounds found in plants that give them distinctive aromas and flavors. They are incredibly important for a plant’s survival. Terpenes have two main functions in plants; protecting against predators such as insects and animals while also helping the plant cope and adapt to environmental stressors such as high temperatures. 

In order to protect against insects and plant eating animals, plants produce terpenes which are bitter compounds that repel them. At the same time, plants can produce compounds that attract pollinating insects or those that feed on plant eating bugs.

Terpenes and their production increase when a plant is under heat stress. When the temperature rises to a point where a plant is stressed, terpenes are released to increase the hemp plant’s thermotolerance (the ability to withstand hot temperatures). Research suggests that terpene production allows the plant to cool itself and maintain an even temperature. 

When you’re snacking on an orange, you notice the wonderful smell and effervescence that hits your nose as you peel it. Those are terpenes. Or how about fresh mint as you chop it and the fresh smell that envelopes your senses? Yup, terpenes. Or in the morning on a nature walk as the smell of pine hits you as you navigate a path through trees and bushes. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

What’s good for the plant might be good for your body too.

One of the better known classifications of terpenes in the cannabis plant are monoterpenes. They are the smallest of terpenes and are commonly known to be the main component of essential oils. Monoterpenes have also been evaluated as showing strong antiviral activity based on studies, one of many properties that the body may be able to benefit from.

If there’s one resource that can come in handy for learning even more about the benefits of terpenes, a terpenes chart is an excellent place to start. A terpene chart breaks down the terpene profile, in other words the benefits, effects, and aromas of some of the most common terpenes found in nature. These includes: Limonene, Humulene, Pinene, Linalool, Caryophyllene and Myrcene.

Let’s use humulene as an example. According to a terpenes chart, you’ll learn that the terpene profile of humulene consists of its ability to provide anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer properties to the body. While each type of terpene in any given plant has their own unique properties and benefits, a terpene chart can help you determine which speaks to what your body needs.

OUR BODIES AND TERPENES, MORE TO COME

While we know that Terpenes work in conjunction with other parts of the plant, their true powers are uniquely supportive of nature and human health.

More than 100 different terpenes have been discovered in the hemp plant and we know there is much to learn about their impact when working in conjunction with cannabinoids and flavonoids. Science has much work to do in clarifying their exact mechanisms, but for sure, these compounds make our lives possible on so many levels.

Research has revealed that they may boost mood, decrease stress, support sleep, enhance alertness, and reduce inflammation. They may also adjust the strength of individual cannabinoids to enhance other positive effects of CBD.