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10 Terpenes That Help You (And You Didn’t Even Know It!)
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On any given day, terpenes help you and you probably don’t even know what they are or how they help you. Every time you smell flowers, or put on perfume, or even smoke pot, terpenes are at work. Terpenes are chemicals that are found in plants and cannabis that are responsible for how they smell, the flavor that they may have, and in some cases, they can even heal your body.
The fragrance of every kind of plant is created by the way many terpenes are combined. A special kind of phenomena from the combination of terpenes on different plants is called the entourage effect. Besides being recognized for their contribution to the fragrance and flavors of many plants and perfumes, here are a few of their contributions to several areas regarding our health.
1. They are therapeutic
The positive effects of essential oils have long been recognized and now the same can be said for terpenes. If a terpene has a concentration level that is more than 0.5 percent, it is regarded as being able to bring about physiological changes and even change existing behavior. A study of depressed patients showed that 9 out of 12 people who used citrus aromas were able to stop taking their antidepressants.
2. They benefit plants as well as humans
Even though terpenes help us, they were really meant to protect the dangers that many plants face on a regular basis, such as extreme temperatures and invasions by pests.
3. There are around 200 terpenes in cannabis
There are enough terpenes in cannabis to cover every single specific aroma for every type of strain. Some of the terpenes in cannabis are also found in regular plants such as lemon grass, thyme, hops, and lavender.
4. Specific terpenes were proven to kill cancer cells
Many researchers have found that certain terpenes have been effective in killing cancer cells. One of them, limonene, was able to prevent cancer from spreading while making sure it didn’t even form in the first place. Beta-caryophyllene was even credited with killing cancer cells, preventing metastasis, and lowering the growth of tumors.
5. One type of terpene prevents seizures
Linalool is one of the major terpenes in lavender. This plant is used to relax people and coincidentally linalool has properties that prevent convulsions.
6. A certain terpene mimics a Cannabinoid
The terpenes found in Beta-Caryophyllene seem to take on many of the characteristics of cannabinoids. The end result is that beta-caryophyllene contains an immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory effect on our bodies.
With all of the different terpenes available, there are specific types that can be beneficial to your health. Knowing which ones they are may be able to help you in the future if you suffer from any of the end results they cure. Check out the following terpenes to see if they fit your needs, and then apply their positive benefits to your life.
10 Top Terpenes That Contribute to Your Health
1. Citronella
This terpene can be found in roses, certain citrus rinds, and geraniums. It has been effective in serving as a repellant for mosquitos for the past 2,000 years and it keeps fabrics free from damage from moths. As is the case with most terpenes, it is anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulating, and anti-biological. It is non-toxic and fights tumors in an aggressive manner.
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Photo credit: bigstockphoto.com
2. Terpinolene
This chemical is called a monoterpene which is from a subfamily of terpenes. It’s attributes include being immune-modulating, anti-oxidant, antifungal, anti-biological, and anti-tumor. For hundreds of years it has been effective in treating insomnia. You can find terpinolene in marjoram, oregano, citrus rind, lilac, and cumin.
3. Phytol
This anti-oxidant is the result of a breakdown in chlorophyll. Phytol is considered an oily diterpene and is found in vitamins K and E.
4. Linalool
This terpene has a lovely floral fragrance and can easily be found in many perfumes. Look for it in birch, lavender, mint, citrus, and cinnamon. The health benefits from linalool include reducing psychosis, stress, and anxiety. They also increase the effectiveness of antidepressants and help alleviate convulsions from epilepsy. It is also popular as a sleep aid.
5. Beta-myrcene
You can find this terpene in eucalyptus, lemongrass, hops, mango, and cannabis. It has an aroma that ranges from balsamic and herbal to spicy and rooty. It has been known to relieve inflammation and pain as well as relax muscles. It is also hailed as a very important terpene in that it is an anti-inflammatory, it is anti-tumor, and helps prevent spasms. It has been used by people who have insomnia and also reduces pain.
6. Alpha-pinene
This terpene is mostly associated with pine trees. It has been able to relieve bronchitis by dilating the bronchial tubes, it cuts down on inflammation, raises cognitive function, and eliminates bacteria.
7. Caryophyllene-Oxide
This chemical is the result of the oxidation of beta-Caryophyllene. It is anti-biological working against tumors and fungus.
8. Beta-Caryophyllene
Besides giving black pepper and cloves their fragrant aromas, they also give these items their strong taste. It is antiseptic and antibacterial. It is effective in cutting down on inflammation, and reduces nerve pain, depression, and ulcers.
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9. Limonene
This terpene can be found in Cannabis and is responsible for the aroma of cleaning solvents and insect repellants that use a lemony scent. The aroma comes from plants that are in the citrus family. An important terpene, limonene, helps to prevent tumors, does away with bacterial infections, eases anxiety and depression, helps to stimulate your immune system, and works on ulcers and gastric reflux. Limonene has been found to have a low toxicity level and it is rare that anyone is allergic to it.
10. Humulene
Humulene is known for its association with hops, Vietnamese coriander, and different types of cannabis sativa. It serves as an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and appetite suppressant. It is best known in Chinese medicine for its use in reducing inflammation.
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