Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in many types of plants, as well as in some animals. Most terpenes have health benefits with properties that vary from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antidiabetic, anticancer and more. There are thousands of different terpene compounds and many plants contain a variety of terpenes, thus creating a combination of aromas.
Due to their effects on our body and mind, terpenes are used to produce essential oils for alternative medicines and therapies such as aromatherapy and homeopathy. Another relatively new way terpenes are being consumed is as additives in herbal smoking blends, revolutionizing the smoking experience.
In plants, terpenes act as defenders against predators such as insects or grazing animals, or to attract pollination. In addition, terpenes are part of the plant’s immune system and help them recover from damages.
Terpenes Effect On Mood And Emotional State
Terpenes have numerous physical health benefits and these natural compounds also affect our mood and emotions. Take lavender for example. This plant contains linalool, a terpene that has a very distinct scent which has been recognized as comforting and relaxing due to its unique anti-anxiety properties. Since smoking terpenes is a great way to enjoy their health and wellness benefits, smoking lavender can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
The therapeutic effects of terpenes on our mood and emotional state are extremely wide and include properties such as antidepressant, stress reducer, mood and energy booster, increasing blood flow and circulation and sleep induction.
Many herbal smoking blends, as well as cannabis blends, are enriched with terpenes. The main benefit is simple: if you like smoking, swapping the harmful tobacco for terpene enriched herbal blends or herbal cigarettes means you can not only minimize the damaging effects of nicotine and other chemicals, but also enjoy both the health benefits that terpenes offer and their incredible flavor and smell.
Cannabis And Terpenes
Terpenes occur naturally in cannabis plants and provide various scents, flavors and effects. For example, the Og Kush strain has abundant amounts of caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene that promote relaxation of both the body and the mind.
While in the past it was widely believed that the effects of cannabis are due to cannabinoids such as CBD (now widely used in a variety of skincare and beauty products, as well as foods and drinks) and THC, today we know that terpenes also contribute to these effects.
By adding terpene enriched herbal blends to cannabis, the overall effect can be enhanced due to the fact that terpenes help the cannabinoids reach their receptors in the body. This means that terpenes don’t have any psychoactive effect, namely they are not responsible for the high effect of smoking cannabis, but they do play a part in enhancing the experience.
Improving Taste And Aroma
In recent years, companies started producing isolated terpene products that can be added directly to herbal blends or cannabis. This gives users the freedom to choose which flavor, aroma and effect they get when they smoke. One of the most popular products, mainly among cannabis smokers but also among herbal blends smokers, is terpene spray that makes it easier for users to add their own taste and increase the aromas of their smoke.