WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TERPENES?

Terpenes have become a popular product in the market. Most manufacturers have adopted the use of terpenes because of the benefits they have on an individual. Some of the benefits include; the presence of anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory functions, and calming effects.

Terpenes are organic compounds that are natural and assist in giving plants their distinct smell and aroma. They are mostly found in vegetation and herbaceous plants. They are responsible for making plants different from the others because of the distinct smell that they give to each plant. Moreover, they have a lot of benefits not only to human beings but also to plants. Some terpenes help give out the smell that keeps predators away, thereby protecting them. They also help in pollination by attracting insects with their sweet smell. In individuals, the terpenes have several medical benefits, especially in matters.

What are Terpenes?

According to Kandi et al. (2015), terpenes are organic chemical compounds found in plants and are responsible for giving the plants their smell. They have a lot of benefits to the human body as well as plants. In plants, the terpenes play a vital role in keeping away predators and helping in pollination. Moreover, they help the plants fight harmful bacteria and viruses by protecting the immune system. Just like they are beneficial to plants, they also play an important role in the human body. They can work efficiently in the body because of the endocannabinoid system. The system is found in every part of the body and helps ensure that all the biological roles are met. Some of these roles include; mood, appetite, and sleep.

Where are the Terpenes Found?

Terpenes are most abundant and found in herbaceous plants such as cannabis. Sometimes, one feels some difference when they have consumed a substance from cannabis. This is because of the presence of terpenes that have given the cannabis plant the taste and smell.

If you are not a fan of the cannabis plant, you can consume the terpenes via drinks. This is made possible by the presence of fruits with a high abundance of terpenes. Some of these fruits include; oranges, lemon, and citrus. The terpenes' presence in these fruits makes them have the taste they contain. Terpenes can be found in almost any plant, drink, or candle. It all depends on your preference on how you would like to consume them. Learn more about the benefits of terpenes

Benefits of Terpenes

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

According to Cox-Georgian et al. (2019), terpenes perform anti-inflammatory functions and can assist in relieving pain. Most people with health conditions such as arthritis or joint problems can rely on terpenes to assist them in living a healthy life. Some terpenes like myrcene have anti-inflammatory properties that aim at the painful joints, relieving them. Myrcene assists in slowing down the bone cartilage process by destructing it. This assists in fighting the weakness of the bones, thus allowing one to get back to the strength they previously had. Some of the terpenes can regulate the pain and reduce it. This gives one some comfort and can also relax their body and mind. These regulations enable one to manage the pains, and your body can recover.

Some Have the Analgesic Properties

The analgesic properties relieve some pain and provide relief to an individual. They do the same work as the manufactured drugs that work in offering analgesic properties. This assists in giving someone their therapeutic effects. Some of the terpenes that have the characteristics of giving out analgesic properties are myrcene and Caryophyllene. Liktor-Busa et al. (2021) suggested that Caryophyllene helps bind the receptors found in the body, whereas myrcene assists in providing some relief to pain. When the receptors are targeted, they offer therapeutic effects as the pain responses are modulated. Some of the caryophyllene terpene compounds include black pepper, hops, and cinnamon.

Presence of Anti-Cancer Properties

Most people with cancer have been advised to use terpenes to help give comfort. They do not necessarily cure or treat cancer, but they help in making one deal with the pain and the symptoms in a way that offers some relief. Limonene is one of the terpenes believed to have anti-cancer properties. They work by destroying the cancer cells and reducing the effects of pain felt by those suffering from it. Other terpenes help in preventing the growth of the tumor in the brain cells. They work by halting the production of cancerous cells. Some fruits that have this ability include oranges, lemons, and citrus. Learn more about is it safe to take terpenes

Offering Calming Effects

Pytel et al. (2021) noted that most terpenes are used in aromatherapy sessions. This is because of the calming effects that it gives out. The scents that are present in the terpenes assist in stimulating the brain receptors by calming them down and offering some relief. One of the most known terpenes for this effect is the linalool. The lavender plant is mostly used in the aromatherapy session because of the calming effect that it gives out. They help in calming and relaxing the mind. They are also responsible for dealing with insomnia. Insomnia refers to the state of staying awake for long without sleep. Therefore, terpenes help regulate sleep and make one fall asleep easily, as explained by Wani., Aiman & Basir (2021). Thyme and basil also help in giving out calming effects.

Strengthening, Nourishing, and Protecting the Body

Terpenes protect not only the plants but also the body as well. Most terpenes are used in making wellness and health products. Some of them include lavender, which is found in the linalool terpene. They have a lot of benefits to the human body and mind. When it is either inhaled or consumed, the terpenes assist in protecting the body by strengthening it and making it nourished. 

Conclusion

Terpenes have an important role not only in the life of an individual but also in plants. The different types of terpenes have varying benefits. Most people have started introducing them in their daily life routine. Some manufacturers use them in making candles that can be used in parlors, spas, and during aroma therapy sessions. For those stressed, the terpenes have calming effects that help them relax their body and mind.

References

Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., & Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic and medicinal uses of terpenes. In Medicinal Plants (pp. 333-359). Springer, Cham.

Kandi, S., Godishala, V., Rao, P., & Ramana, K. V. (2015). Biomedical significance of terpenes: An insight. Biomedicine, 3(1), 8-10.

Liktor-Busa, E., Keresztes, A., LaVigne, J., Streicher, J. M., & Largent-Milnes, T. M. (2021). Analgesic Potential of Terpenes Derived from Cannabis sativa. Pharmacological Reviews, 73(4), 98-126.

Pytel, K., Marcinkowska, R., & Zabiegała, B. (2021). Investigation on air quality of specific indoor environments—spa salons located in Gdynia, Poland. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 28(42), 59214-59232.

Wani, S. A., Aiman, A., & Basir, S. F. (2021). ROLE OF VASCULAR INFLAMMATION IN INDUCTION OF HYPERTENSION AND THERAPEUTIC ROLE OF PLANT DERIVED TERPENES.