What Do Terpenes Do for the Body?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants a distinct smell. They are known to be bioactive, and the body can react when introduced to them. . Some of the benefits of terpenes include; relieving pain, helping in aromatherapy sessions, and the presence of anti-inflammatory characteristics.

Terpenes have become a popular trend in the market. Most manufacturers use terpenes to make their products because of the distinct smell and benefits they have in the body. Terpenes can be consumed in the body in different ways. Some ways may be by diffusing essential oils, terpene candles, and vaping. Terpenes exist in different types. Each terpene has different benefits for the human body. Some of them have similar benefits. The great thing about terpenes is that they are not difficult to get.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in hemp that help in giving scents and fragrances to the plants. They are mostly found in oil form. They have a lot of benefits to the human body. They are responsible for the flavors and the aroma of anything they are infused with. Different products contain varying scents depending on the type or blend of terpene they are infused with. They are found in different plants and fruits. Some even exist in the peels of fruits like lemons and oranges.

Benefits of Terpenes

Aromatherapy

This refers to inhaling essential oils to boost one's mood, relieve pain, increase energy, and encourage relaxation. Terpenes have always been associated with the health and well-being of an individual. Sommano et al. (2020) suggested that terpenes are known for their aromatherapy properties. Linalool, a type of terpene mostly found in the lavender plant, has some floral scent that helps give a calming effect. Most people who own spas and beauty parlors have used terpene products not only for the distinct smell and aroma that it gives out but also for their benefits to the mind and body. This is why you will find most of them using the diffused essential oil-rich n lavender. Most homes have used essential oils rich in terpenes. This also helps relieve a person's mood, and one can feel relaxed. The essential oils infused with terpenes are known for their balancing properties on the body and mind. 

Minimizing and relieving anxiety and pain

According to Evans (2020), terpenes are important in minimizing pain and anxiety. When stressed, they can always fill the room with terpene candles, and the sweet and pleasant aroma fills the air. This helps in giving one a calm and relaxed mind. The body becomes receptive to the scent in the air, and one can enjoy the present moment and forget about the stress of life.

Relieving stress and depression

Depression and anxiety can lead to emotional and mental issues if they are not treated earlier. The endocannabinoid system is found in every part of the body. When terpenes are introduced into the body, they interact with the endocannabinoid system, which can help relieve stress and depression. Relieving stress in an individual is the primary advantage of terpene candles. One may come home stressed and tired from work. Terpene is of great use when it comes to such situations. Cox-Georgian et al. (2019) explained that most terpenes had been introduced into drugs because of their therapeutic effect on the body. They also have antidepressant drugs that are rich in terpenes. The terpene's scent replaces the feeling of stress by introducing a pleasant aura.

Creates a pleasant and lovely ambiance

One way the terpenes have been made useful is when they have been used in candles and diffusing oils. Most people have adopted using terpene candles in their homes because of the lovely scent that comes out. For this scent, the owners of spas and parlors started introducing it in their rooms. The great thing about terpene is that its aroma and distinct smell make one enjoy the moment, especially when meditating or just relaxing at home. They make you forget about the stress of the outside world and enjoy the present moment.

Assists in reducing high blood pressure and changes in sleeping pattern

Studies show that terpene candles assist in regulating sleeping patterns. As one uses it to relax and calm their mind, the felt effect can make one get some sleep easily. Stress, depression, and anxiety are believed to be the main cause of one having high blood pressure. The use of terpene candles helps regulate an individual's blood pressure, lowering it to normal.

There are different types of terpenes. The linalool terpene has some calming effects that calm the mind and allows one to treat insomnia. This refers to the long hours one is awake without sleep. Therefore, terpenes help regulate sleep and make one fall asleep easily, as explained by Wani, Aiman & Basir (2021). Lavender is found in the linalool terpene, and it helps in soothing the mind and assists in making one fall asleep and treating their sleeping disorder. The sedative effect found in the terpenes also makes one have an easy time sleeping.

Has anti-inflammatory properties

Most are the times when one gets some inflammation in the body. When the terpenes are consumed in any way, they help prevent harmful substances from getting into the healthy cells and damaging them. The harmful substances are the ones that can make the body inflammation. This may cause one to have some pain or even irritated skin. Some of how one can know if they have inflammation are through swelling and irritation. According to Carvalho et al. (2019), terpenes help deal with inflammation and its associated pain.

Conclusion

Terpenes have a lot of benefits to the human body. Their distinct smell and aroma are not only great, but they also have an advantage to an individual's health. The great thing about the terpenes is that they do not have the presence of the psychoactive ingredient THC. This means that they cannot make one high. They are not hard to get as most of them are found in herbaceous plants as well as the peels of some fruits. Some of the fruits that are rich in terpenes are citrus, mangoes, oranges, and lemons.

References

Carvalho, A. M., Heimfarth, L., Santos, K. A., Guimarães, A. G., Picot, L., Almeida, J. R., ... & Quintans-Júnior, L. J. (2019). Terpenes as possible drugs for the mitigation of arthritic symptoms–A systematic review. Phytomedicine, 57, 137-147.

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

Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds Press.

Sommano, S. R., Chittasupho, C., Ruksiriwanich, W., & Jantrawut, P. (2020). The cannabis terpenes. Molecules, 25(24), 5792.

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