How to Use Terpenes

There seems to be an outrageous sense of passion regarding hemp extracts in recent years. This may be accredited to the legalization of hemp in 2018, which consequentially redefined hemp according to the Controlled Substances Act and removed it from the legal definition of marijuana. These hemp extracts include cannabinoid (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), flavonoids, and today's subject: terpenes.

There seems to be a growing concern surrounding terpenes' safety, especially due to their association with cannabis. Furthermore, more questions linger around how to use terpenes properly and any possible side effects if consumed in excess. For one to maximumly reap the benefits, one must be able to comprehend how to use terpenes fully. This article aims to delve deeper into that topic. Learn more about what do terpenes look like

What are Terpenes?

According to Cox-Georgian et al. (2019), terpenes can be defined as naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and animals. The characteristic scent given off by certain plants, such as lavender and sage, may be attributed to the high presence of terpenes. Furthermore, terpenes also aid in attracting insects for pollination. Singh et al. (2015) noted that terpenes protect plants from harsh weather conditions and foraging animals.

Terpenes can be extracted from hemp, a plant strain of the cannabis plant. It is worth noting that terpenes are also present in certain cannabinoids (CBD) types, such as the full spectrum and broad spectrum. Cho et al. (2017) suggested terpenes are key in treating mood and anxiety disorders, relieving muscle pain and spasms, relaxing the mind, and easing body tension. Furthermore, terpenes have anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-depressant properties that aid in reducing muscle stiffness and improving mood and are key in cancer and diabetic treatments.

Are Terpenes Safe?

Several people have expressed their doubts concerning the safety of terpenes, with many quick to presume that it is intoxicating due to its close association with cannabis. It is worth noting that tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive chemical compound present in hemp. Therefore, it is largely responsible for the "high" feeling experienced by the user and not terpenes as commonly mistaken.

High-quality terpenes are safe to use through tinctures or vaping since they have therapeutic effects. However, the recommended dosage is 500mg and nothing more than 1500mg per day. According to McGrath et al. (2018), the possible side effects of overdose include diarrhea, nausea, drowsiness, migraines, and vomiting.

How to use Terpenes

There are several ways of using terpenes. Furthermore, there are a variety of common terpenes such as linalool, myrcene, caryophyllene, pinene, and limonene. These terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties that help in reducing muscle aches and rigidity. Furthermore, they have anti-depressant properties that improve mood and reduce anxiety.

Vaping

It is important to understand that you cannot exactly vape terpenes directly. Terpenes must be added to any e-liquid base, such as vegetable glycerin or propylene glycol.

Vaping is a popular way of consuming terpenes due to the small, discreet, and light nature of vape oil cartridges. It is important to ensure you purchase a high-quality vape oil pen by confirming the product's label and ensuring that it does not contain any toxic inorganic chemical compounds. To achieve the desired effects, conduct proper research about the terpenes you prefer, and add small drops of these terpenes to the vape juice. This also aids in increasing its aromatic effects.

Topical Use

CBD topicals refer to CBD oil infused with terpenes and other essential oils to produce ointments, balms, lotions, salves, and creams. Topical CBD is usually applied to the skin and is not absorbed into the bloodstream. However, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the brain through endocannabinoid receptors in the body.

CBD topicals are popular for their anti-inflammatory properties. Athletes and workout enthusiasts apply topical CBD before workouts to warm the muscles and reduce muscle pains and stiffness.

It is important to distinguish the strength of the terpene oil you opt to use before using it. For example, full-strength CBD contains more terpenes; therefore, applying a topical product with the full-strength CBD oil can have detrimental effects on the skin. While purchasing topical CBD, always check the label to ascertain the strength of the terpenes you intend to consume.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the practice of incorporating essential oils into your regular schedules, such as sleeping, to improve the aura of your surroundings. Aromatherapy involves spraying essential oils such as sage and lavender, which have an exquisite scent. Using terpene oils would give your surroundings an attractive and relaxing scent that calms the mind and eases body tension.

Certain terpenes such as linalool offer an aromatic scent that freshens the room, while limonene often provides invigorating effects.

Cooking

For most new users, it may shock them that terpenes can be used for cooking. However, for avid terpene oil users, terpene oil can be part of their cooking regimen. Terpene oil can be blended with CBD oil to make CBD-infused creations which may be an integral part of the cooking process.

Using terpenes for cooking offers you various benefits: you can dramatically improve the taste and aroma of your food while reaping its several benefits and anti-bacterial properties.

Cosmetic Use

Due to their aromatic scents, terpenes can also be used in manufacturing skin care products and perfumes. Looking good is important, but smelling good is even more important. Perfumes containing terpenes have an extra "feel good" scent, further bolsters your confidence. Moreover, skincare enthusiasts highly recommend purchasing skin care products containing terpene oil, as you are guaranteed smooth, supple skin. Learn more about what are terpenes used for

Precautions

While purchasing terpene oil, it is important to keep a few precautions in mind:

Always purchase products that have undergone intensive third-party testing to ascertain the purity levels

Purchase terpene oil from reputable brands. Read the product label and customer reviews to get more insight into the brand's authenticity.

Always use small amounts of terpene oil. Also, it is advisable to purchase broad-spectrum CBD instead of full-spectrum CBD to avoid any possible harsh effects on your skin.

Conclusion

There are several ways to use terpenes. Terpenes can be used for cooking, aromatherapy, the manufacture of topical CBD, and vaping. It is important to ascertain the amount of terpene oil you use daily and the quality of the product to minimize any possible health risks.

References

Cho, K. S., Lim, Y. R., Lee, K., Lee, J., Lee, J. H., & Lee, I. S. (2017). Terpenes From Forests And Human Health. Toxicological Research, 33(2), 97-106

Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., & Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic And Medicinal Uses Of Terpenes. In Medicinal Plants (Pp. 333-359). Springer, Cham.

Mcgrath, S., Bartner, L. R., Rao, S., Kogan, L. R., & Hellyer, P. W. (2018). . "The Impact Of State Cannabis Legislation, County-Level Socioeconomic And Dog-Level Characteristics On Reported Cannabis Poisonings Of Companion Dogs In The USA (2009–2014)." Plos One, Vol. 16, No. 4, Public Library Of Science, Apr. 2021, P. E0250323.

Singh, B., Sharma, R.A. Plant Terpenes: Defense Responses, Phylogenetic Analysis, Regulation And Clinical Applications. 3 Biotech 5, 129–151 (2015). Https://Doi.Org/10.1007/S13205-014-0220-2.