Terpenes are a class of natural compounds that get completely overlooked because of the popularity of cannabinoids (like CBD and THC).  But if you’re an essential oil user, you constantly realize the amazing medicinal properties of terpenes. The terpenes in all essential oils, from Rosemary to Frankincense to Lavender, is what is providing the extraordinary health benefits and why they are time honored traditions of health and healing.  Hemp also has terpenes, the same wonderful set as many essential oils, and when combined with cannabinoids, they create an entire framework to allow the body to work in pure harmony and efficiency.  

What you taste and smell from natural foods and plants is due to its unique terpene composition.  From strawberries, to rosemary, to flowers, each plant has its own unique terpene profile that makes it taste and smell differently.  So far, over 200 terpenes have been identified and are so safe they have been identified by the FDA to be safe for mass consumption.  

Terpenes work in harmony with cannabinoids like CBD and THC.  It’s been said that cannabinoids are the canvas and terpenes are the paint.  The terpenes and their unique composition allow the cannabinoids to have certain functions and direct the endocannabinoid system, the innate system in the body cannabinoids effect, to guide the body’s functions and create certain behaviors.  Scientists have been in intense study for terpenes for many years, especially after the rise of the significance of using essential oils and the belief that specific terpenes could have particular therapeutic effects. 

When consuming products that contain Full Spectrum or Broad Spectrum Hemp Oil, you will receive the unique hemp profile of not only cannabinoids, but also, terpenes. This is why keeping plant extracts as natural as possible, in their nature matrix is so valuable.

  Some of the Common Terpenes Are:

• Limonene – most commonly found in citrus fruits, they give off a bright, clean, and energetic smell.  Think of smells that come from Lemons, Oranges, and even Peppermint. Peppermint happens to have numerous studies demonstrating its benefits in performance based activities.  Limonene is a great terpene to elevate mood, emotions, reduce inflammation and act as an anti-fungal. 

• Myrcene – one of the most common terpenes for its high concentration in the hemp plant, hence it’s earthy and herbal scent. Think of smells like Lemongrass, Thyme, and Eucalyptus, and surprisingly, Mangos (it can provide a fruity/sweet smell as well).  Lots of research has gone into Myrcene and it’s found to be promote rest, relaxation, sleepiness, acts as an anti-bacterial, and soothes pain. 

• Caryophyllene – this is one of the most powerful terpenes in cannabis and other plants.  Some of the most powerful herbs, spices, and plants have high concentrations of Caryophyllene, like cloves, cinnamon, black pepper.  Think of spicy and sharp notes of flavor and smell. It’s shown to be a powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory.  

• Pinene – just like its name, it’s found in pine needles.  Pinene has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for all sorts of ailments.  Boiling, heating, steaming pine needles and releasing it’s essential oils has been a powerful medicinal tradition in Chinese Medicine.  Often it has been used as an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and releasing the lungs and breathing passages of mucus and allergy. 

There is no question that terpenes are incredibly powerful elements that drive the benefits in plant, herbs, and spices.  The simple understanding that essential oils, one of the oldest treatments for health, wellness, and recovery, is rooted in terpenes. This is enough evidence that the compounds must be used to enhance your well-being.  Hemp Oil, having a unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes, with a dynamic source of each, creates a true compounding benefit like no other essential oil.