Terpenes Create The Characteristic Scent Of Many Plants, Such As Cannabis, Pine, And Lavender
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, though many people commonly associate them with cannabis because cannabis plants contain high concentrations 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. However, terpenes may also offer some health benefits to the human body.
Terpenes can also change affect when they are vaporized at different temperatures. Check out our ultimate temperature guide for more information.
1. Terpenes play a vital role in plants. In some plants, terpenes attract pollinators, while in other plants, they cause a strong reaction to repel predators, such as insects or foraging animals.
2. Manufacturers use isolated terpenes to create the flavors and scents of many everyday products, such as perfumes, body products, and even foods.
3. Some terpenes play a protective role in the plant, helping the plant to recover from damage; others act as a part of the plant’s immune system to keep away infectious germs.
4. Terpenes are primarily responsible for the smell of most plants and some animal compounds. However, some may also act on the endocannabinoid system in the body in a similar way to cannabinoids. The key difference is that the body absorbs and uses these compounds in different ways.
5. Terpenes will affect or enhance the effects of cannabis. This is known as the entourage effect, and it entails that terpenes enhance or alter the effects of THC and CBD in the body.
6. The flowers of the cannabis plant contains Myrcene. Myrcene is a terpene commonly found in plants such as hops, lemongrass, and thyme. Myrcene is known as a powerful antioxidant.
7. The terpene Beta-caryophyllene exists in many herbs and vegetables, such as cloves and black pepper. Similarly to other terpenes, beta-caryophyllene may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body that could reduce pain levels in some people.
8. Pinene is another terpene. There are two forms of Pinene: a-pinene and b-pinene. Pinene provides the fresh, bright scent of many plants, including pine needles, rosemary, and basil. Pinene may also have some therapeutic benefits.
9. Shirin-yoku, which means “forest bathing,” is a Japanese therapy that involves taking leisurely walks in the forest, soaking up the atmosphere, and enjoying the Pinine scent. Shirin-yoku may have preventive and restorative effects on a person’s psyche and physiology.
10. Humulene is a key component of the hop plant. Other plants such clove and ginger, also contain this terpene. One study in Frontiers in Pharmacology notes that terpenes, including humulene, may have potential in preventing allergic reactions and asthma. In animal models, humulene reduced allergic inflammation in the airways. This could make it a helpful compound for natural asthma treatments in the future.