Terpenes promote wellness, that’s a fact! The hemp plant contains 545 compounds. This number includes more than 140 cannabinoids, over 100 terpenes, two dozen flavonoids, and a blend of minor phytochemicals. While cannabinoids are mostly unique to hemp, terpenes and flavonoids are found in plants worldwide. Similar to phytocannabinoids, these have wellness benefits that are excellent to add to your daily routine.
Terpenes are compounds found in thousands of plants that produce unique aromas. At least 20,000 have been identified by scientists. You probably experience terpenes in products daily.
Many manufacturers use them to enhance the fragrance of their products. Companies add these aromatic compounds to cosmetics, cleaning products, and even foods and drinks. Hemp plants have high concentrations of terpenes. Researchers have isolated over 100 of the compounds in unique hemp strains.
The aromatic compounds have specific jobs in their plant roles. Different scents keep predators away during the cultivation process. Terpenes protect hemp, which is why the plants require little to no help from synthetic pesticides and other unnatural chemicals used to cultivate some crops.
The aromatic compounds form in the plant’s trichomes. This area of hemp contains all cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other minor phytochemicals. The term trichome comes from the Greek word for “hair.”
These are microscopic. If you zoom in on the plant areas containing the trichomes, they have a hair-like appearance. Some researchers feel they look like tiny mushrooms growing from the plant’s stalk, stem, leaves, and flowers.
Cannabinoids and terpenes are different plant compounds located in the trichomes of hemp plants. Although they differ, they also complement each other. For example, strains with myrcene may offer more anti-inflammatory help than plants with limonene.
To increase the confusion, each hemp strain has different cannabinoid and terpene levels. One type may have limonene and another might have none. This is the reason for so many unique hemp strains.
One reason some consumers prefer a full-spectrum CBD formula is for the entourage effect. The aromatic compounds offer more than an intoxicating fragrance. Research shows hemp terpenes offer wellness benefits. These advantages increase when all 545 phytochemicals from the hemp plant are working in unison. The scientific name for this is the entourage effect.
As mentioned, no two hemp plants have the same terpene profile, which is the known aromatic compounds and the percentage of each. With over 100 in the plant and at least 20,000 in nature, we can’t list them all. Here are the ones found frequently in hemp.
Myrcene is one of the most popular, and abundant aromatic compounds found in hemp. It’s found in many plants, including mangoes, thyme, lemongrass, and hops. Myrcene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Research shows the aromatic compound may help with chronic pain and natural protection against cancer. It offers an earthy or spicy scent with a red grape flavor.
Along with hemp, pinene is available in pine needles and rosemary oil. The aromatic compound offers potential anti-inflammatory and sedative characteristics. Studies show it might help protect against short-term memory loss caused by the natural aging process and reduce asthma symptoms. Pinene smells like a pine forest and fruity flavor.
You can find limonene in citrus rinds, juniper, rosemary, and mint. Studies show it has antidepressant, antibacterial, and stress-relieving properties. The terpene might also help with skin conditions. It provides a fruity aroma and a citrus taste.
Look for caryophyllene in black paper, rosemary, cinnamon, and hops. The terpene has antioxidant and anti-anxiety properties. It may also help with depression and arthritis symptoms. The compound has a spicy flavor and an equally strong, peppery aroma.
Lavender contains Linalool. The compound offers a calming effect. Reports also show it has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving characteristics. Research suggests the terpene may improve sleep quality and help people with chronic pain. It has a flowery aroma and a sweet and citrus flavor.
You can find terpinolene in sage. Research shows it has antifungal, antibacterial, and sedative properties. It may also improve sleep quality. The potent plant compound has a woodsy aroma with a citrus flavor with floral undertones.
Hops get their aroma from terpenes. It’s also found in sage, cilantro, and ginseng. Research shows the compound has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with allergy control. Humulene has a woodsy aroma.
The peppermint taste of candy canes comes from ocimene. It’s also found in parsley, tarragon, mangoes, and orchids. The phytochemical may have anticonvulsant and antifungal characteristics. Studies show ocimene also has anti-inflammatory properties. It has a fruity taste and a strong woody fragrance.
Phytol is a minor terpene generally found in green tea, which is rich in antioxidants. The tea is often used to induce a mild sedative effect before bed. Studies show phytol has anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsive, and anti-anxiety potential.
Don’t complicate your life more by hunting down each terpene to add to your daily food and beverage list. Instead, choose a full-spectrum CBD oil with a rich terpene profile. American Hemp Oil offers an extensive selection of CBD products to increase your intake of these powerful plant compounds.
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