To fully appreciate what terpenes have to offer on their own, we have to explore the properties that they possess and what they can potentially bring to the table when taken routinely. By knowing what the most popular terpenes can do therapeutically, you’ll be able to customize your personal terpene experience based on your specific preferences, needs, and goals.
Terpenes are ubiquitous in nature. Every plant has its own flavor and aroma notes, and these come directly from the unique composition of terpenes that each plant possesses. When we extract terpenes from the cannabis plant, we end up with an essential oil that’s free of cannabinoids like delta-9-tetrahydrocannabonol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). On their own, terpenes can be quite useful, which is why more people are seeking out isolated terpene products.
Wellness Attributes of Terpenes
Each terpene has its unique variety of properties. For instance, some terpenes may have anxiolytic properties, while others can have analgesic properties. [1]
There are many different cannabis cultivars and each one has its own unique chemical composition, meaning that it has its own assortment of terpenes. This is why different cannabis plants have different flavors and aromas. Often, when we find that one particular variety is more useful to us than another, it’s because of the terpenes unique to that plant.
Now, let’s break down the most popular terpenes within cannabis and some of their therapeutic properties.
Limonene
Limonene is a popular terpene that gives cannabis its citrusy smell and flavor, as it also exists naturally in citrus fruits. It’s known as an uplifting terpene that can provide euphoric and calming effects, with many finding that it improves their state of mind as well as their ability to focus and process stress. [2]
Linalool
Linalool is a very floral terpene that is also found in lavender and other plants belonging to the mint family. We know that lavender has anti-inflammatory and sedating properties, and this mostly has to do with the high amount of linalool that’s present in lavender essential oil. [3,4]
Myrcene
Another potentially sedating terpene is myrcene, which is also present in mangoes, basil, and lemongrass. Myrcene is commonly sought out for its anxiolytic properties, meaning that myrcene-heavy plants may be good for those who are trying to experience a sense of calm. [5]
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene that’s commonly found in spices, which is why it is capable of giving certain hemp varieties a somewhat peppery aftertaste. This compound is known to have antioxidant properties, and besides that, it’s commonly used in topical pain products because of its potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. [6]
Ocimene
Ocimene is very abundant in tropical fruits, which is why it can give hemp tropical notes that are similar to pineapple or mango. This terpene has antibacterial and antifungal properties; additionally, it seems to act as an anti-inflammatory. [7]
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is a sedating terpene that’s also rich in antioxidant properties. [8,9] It contributes to the pungent herbal aroma and flavor of cannabis, and so you can imagine that it tends to be very abundant in most cultivars.
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol sounds a lot like eucalyptus, and this isn’t a coincidence. It’s the dominant terpenoid in eucalyptus, but it’s also present in cannabis. It seems to be yet another compound with notable anti-inflammatory activity. [10]
Geraniol
Geraniol is a terpene that gives geraniums and roses their sweet, floral aroma. In cannabis, this terpenoid is also fairly abundant. It seems to have potential analgesic properties, and it may also have antioxidant properties. [11]
Alpha-Pinene
This particular terpene is being studied for its effects on memory. [12] We also know that it has antifungal properties that serve to protect its host plant from fungal infections that can threaten the host’s survival. [13]
Alpha-Humulene
This unique terpene is commonly associated with beer as it’s naturally prominent in hops. However, it’s also abundant in cannabis, and while there’s no real evidence in the scientific literature, many cannabis users report the appetite-suppressing properties of humulene.
The Terpene Store: Sourcing the Best Terpenes for Top-Notch Formulas
The Terpene Store carefully sources and extracts terpenes that naturally occur in cannabis. Knowing how each terpene works is extremely useful and allows us to place more effort into maintaining its chemical integrity throughout the manufacturing process.
We’ve been studying terpenes intensely for a long time. We understand the compounds, which is why we’ve managed to develop formulations that will enhance our customers’ specific products. Our clients use our terpenes for concentrates, topicals, beverages, foods, tinctures, supplements, edibles, fragrances, and more. We empower other brands to utilize terpenes however they choose, and we specialize in customizing to our clients’ needs.
The Terpene Store: Vibe Line
Formulated with carefully-chosen terpenes and complimentary flavor notes, each profile in our VIBE line gives your mind and body your choice of enhancement. There are six blends available for you to experience: AWAKE, RELIEF, FOCUS, RELAX, PASSION, AND SLEEP.
Terpenes for Calming Moods:
Our VIBE terpene line showcases terpenes that offer you relief, relaxation, and high-quality sleep.
- RELAX: This flavor profile is a tasty blend of blueberry lavender lemonade that relaxes your mind, body, and soul. RELAX features terpinolene, bisabolol, and caryophyllene that wash you over like a calming wave of peace. Lavender is used specifically for relaxation.
- RELIEF: Featuring cherry peppermint, RELIEF is icy with deliciously sweet notes. Kick anxiety to the curb with RELIEF, formulated with farnesene, camphene, and humulene terpenes. The peppermint notes provide inflammation and pain relief.
- SLEEP: If you use terpenes to help relieve anxiety, SLEEP has you covered. Featuring nerolidol, borneol, and linalool, you will gently drift off to sleep every night. Experience a natural sedation in your nighttime routine. This grape-flavored product helps to provide soothing feelings when used.
Terpenes for Energizing Moods:
Our VIBE line also includes flavor profiles made with energizing and uplifting terpenes. If you need a boost, you’ll definitely want to check out:
- AWAKE: These terpenes make you feel refreshed and energized with an uplifting lemon citrus blend. Our mixture of limonene, valencene, and α-pinene will make you wake up feeling brand new and ready to take on the day! Lemon is used to help boost and elevate your mood.
- FOCUS: With the cool and subtle sweetness of spearmint, FOCUS promotes alertness and increases attention. Concentrate on what you need to get done with pulegone, cedrene, and β-pinene, selected for their energetic properties. Spearmint is used to help awaken your senses.
- PASSION: Our naturally arousing PASSION features myrcene, caryophyllene, and terpineol. With its passionfruit notes, our PASSION infuses adoration into your life. The passionfruit is used to provide a tropical sensation.
Final Terpene Thoughts
Terpenes are a fascinating class of plant compounds that provide interesting properties when consumed. Besides that, terpenes are responsible for the flavor and aroma of plants, and many people find that they prefer the tastes of particular terpenes over others. Use this guide to understand terpenes on a deeper level so that you can be a more informed consumer.
These terpenes are manufactured using ISO 7, Class 10,000 cleanrooms. They’re high-quality terpenes that are guaranteed to be free of dust, contaminants, and any other unnatural additives.
At The Terpene Store, all of our premium formulations are botanical. Safety is of utmost importance to us. Our customers can enjoy top-quality products that provide them with the best experience possible!
References
[1] Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The cannabis terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. [journal impact factor = 4.411; times cited = 2][2] Komori T, Fujiwara R, Tanida M, Nomura J, Yokoyama MM. Effects of citrus fragrance on immune function and depressive states. Neuroimmunomodulation. 1995;2(3):174-180. [journal impact factor = 2.492; times cited = 166
[3] Peana AT, D’Aquila PS, Panin F, Serra G, Pippia P, Moretti MD. Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils. Phytomedicine. 2002;9(8):721-726. [journal impact factor = 4.268; times cited = 389]
[4] Takeda A, Watanuki E, Koyama S. Effects of inhalation aromatherapy on symptoms of sleep disturbance in the elderly with dementia. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017. [journal impact factor = 2.064; times cited = 15]
[5] Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-1364. [journal impact factor = 8.739; times cited = 736]
[6] Gertsch J, Leonti M, Raduner S, et al. Beta-caryophyllene is a dietary cannabinoid. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008;105(26):9099-9104. [journal impact factor = 11.205; times cited = 513]
[7] Valente J, Zuzarte M, Gonçalves MJ, et al. Antifungal, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Oenanthe crocata L. essential oil. Food Chem Toxicol. 2013;62:349-354. [journal impact factor = 4.6; times cited = 62]
[8] Grassmann J, Hippeli S, Spitzenberger R, Elstner EF. The monoterpene terpinolene from the oil of Pinus mugo L. in concert with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene effectively prevents oxidation of LDL. Phytomedicine. 2005;12(6-7):416-423. [journal impact factor = 4.268; times cited = 13]
[9] Ito K, Ito M. The sedative effect of inhaled terpinolene in mice and its structure-activity relationships. J Nat Med. 2013;67(4):833-837. [journal impact factor = 2.055; times cited = 26]
[10] Seol GH, Kim KY. Eucalyptol and its role in chronic diseases. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2016;929:389-398. [journal impact factor = 2.450; times cited = 19]
[11] Chen W, Viljoen A. Geraniol — A review of a commercially important fragrance material. South African Journal of Botany. 2010;76:643-651. [journal impact factor = 2.315; times cited = 283]
[12] Lee GY, Lee C, Park GH, Jang JH. Amelioration of scopolamine-induced learning and memory impairment by α-pinene in C57BL/6 mice. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:4926815. [journal impact factor = 2.064; times cited = 32]
