What Are Terpenes Used For?

Having known that terpene is the reason one can perceive scents in plants, it is also good to learn how we can use them. Herein are some of the different ways terpenes are used.

Cannabis has a unique smell. This smell comes from the terpene components found in plants. Terpenes are why individuals get aromas and scents from plants; they have plants like mint, lavender, spicy black pepper, pine, and berry, to mention a few. Other than aroma, scent, or flavor, they also have a wide range of medical benefits. When combined with cannabinoids, terpenes are responsible for the entire success of the cannabis plant as known by individuals. In nature, terpenes protect plants from animal grazing or infectious germs. The essential components found in it are used for aromatherapy and medical purposes beneficial to the human body. The main reason why people associate with cannabis is that it has a high concentration of terpenes.

How To Use Terpenes

Jahangeer et al. (2021) explained that to use terpenes effectively; you need to understand that it has many uses, from medicinal purposes and aromatherapy to smoking up with your friends or relieving stress. If you're buying a bottle to drink, you might as well learn how to use it properly.

What Are They Used For?

Food And Beverages

Terpene is a natural flavoring compound used in food manufacturing. These compounds have an essential aroma in tea, grapes, roses, tobacco, and wine, showing a wide range of odor attributes. It is important to state that other flavors are also present in many fruits and plants, such as black currant, black tea, blackberries, raspberries, and carrots, and has an intense odor. A wide range of flavors is found in fruits such as apricot, rose, grape, kiwi, raspberries, and blackberries and is described as woody, sweet, fruity, and earthy with green floral nuances. It also has strong spices like paprika, black pepper, cloves, and many others. It also has a citrus flavor that you will always find in most foods and beverages.

Essential Oils

Cox-Georgian et al. (2019) explained that terpene is mostly used to extract essential oils, which are considered therapeutic. They are responsible for the smell and flavors found in essential oils that are also helpful for medical properties. The oils are used for aromatherapy, where people inhale them to reduce stress, improve mood, and help clear airways while breathing, especially during the cold season; an example is when a parent notices the kids or even themselves are experiencing cold or flu, they use humidifiers and add few drops of essential oils to help in clearing their breathing airways. These oils are used as fragrances to lighten up a room and have a good smell according to one’s personal choices. These oils are also used in making scented candles; when you burn them in a room, they act as air fresheners.

Vape

Terpenes are used to make e-liquid used in vape pens. It gives you various flavors and scents to achieve your desired effects. Select the terpenes you want, and then add a few drops to your regular vape juice. Enables people to have control.

Aromatherapy

It is the common way people use terpenes. Hedaoo & Chandurkar (2019) explained that aromatherapy has many benefits, including relaxation. Some people love burning scented candles to give their homes a good aroma. Also, some oils are used in humidifiers to kill germs and clear airways during the cough and flu seasons and for relaxation after a long or stressful day. T this depends on what you want to achieve. There are many terpene varieties, and you can choose a lavender scent for feeling calm and relaxed or citrus oils that contain limonene to surround yourself with energy and vigor. Learn more about is it safe to take terpenes

Terpenes And CBD Distillation

Adding a few drops of terpenes to every gram of CBD distillate will create an extremely relaxing muscle rub, skin cream, or bath oil. Terpenes alone have many effects unless used in high doses, but it is proven to work well with cannabinoids. It's only allowed in the state where CBD and terpene are legalized.

Cosmetics

Because of its availability and the fact that it is not expensive, Khalid & Abdollahi (2021) explained that terpenes are used in most cosmetic products such as perfumes, shower gels, shampoo, and conditioners. It is also used for skin care products because the oils create good skin penetration and give visible results. It has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces scars, and stretches marks also good for relieving stress and anxiety. An example is the tea tree which helps deal with acne, and citrus oils that can be used as sanitizers. Learn more about how do i use terpenes

Why Use Terpene?

The question remains, why should one use terpenes at all? These heavy oils have been used for centuries for aromatherapy, for example, to improve mental and physical well-being. In ancient days they used the aroma for religious celebrations. They help relieve stress by interacting with the body to trigger certain effects like making you sleepy and relaxed, and also help in skin penetration and improve acne. However, to fully benefit from terpenes, you must know what each terpene works for. Due to the variety, they have different smells that also contribute to their varying effects. Going through a full range of terpenes can open doors to explore which ones are more suited to your needs.

Conclusion

As much as terpenes have many uses, it's good to identify which one works for you because some of the effects are not positive for everyone. Terpenes on their own it's very concentrated, so to make them safe, you have to dilute them. It has a wide range of oil scents and flavors, so you can easily identify what works for you. It is also important for your mental health. Inhaling the essential oils will always help you have a clear mind and reduce stress, making you happy and energetic. Note that terpenes are best used for aromatherapy. You have to note that all food-grade terpenes need to be diluted before they are added to any product, no matter if it is edible, topical, or to be smoked. Letting pure terpenes come in contact with your naked skin can cause burns. Keep them away from your eyes.

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.

Hedaoo, S. A., & Chandurkar, P. A. (2019). A Review on Aromatherapy. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 8(7), 635-651.

Jahangeer, M., Fatima, R., Ashiq, M., Basharat, A., Qamar, S. A., Bilal, M., & Iqbal, H. M. (2021). Therapeutic and biomedical potentialities of terpenoids—A Review. J. Pure Appl. Microbiol, 15, 471-483.

Khalid, M., & Abdollahi, M. (2021). Environmental distribution of personal care products and their effects on human health. Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research: IJPR, 20(1), 216.