What makes a particular herbal strain or concentrate hit the spot? Is it the skunky smell, the citrusy flavor, or the spicy coffee undertone? With the escalating conversation around plants and their health perks, you may have heard of terpenes and be curious to know more. Apart from having a specific scent, the essential oils or terpenes of plants have a deeper purpose and different benefits for your health. 

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the natural organic compounds in plants responsible for their unique scents and flavors. They are a category of "secondary metabolites," meaning they are not essential for the plant's growth, development, or reproduction. 

While conversation about terpenes usually focuses on the topic of cannabis, terpenes are also produced by other flowering plants. From herbal and citrus tones to woody, piney, and floral notes, the excitement caused by terpenes in our nasal passages continues into our bodies and can provide further benefits for our wellness. 

How Do Terpenes Benefit Us?

Each strain has a unique terpene composition and type. Why does this matter? The terpenes in the strain you choose can significantly influence the overall effects and health boosts that you experience. This is called the Entourage Effect. 

The Entourage Effect is what a user experiences due to the combined effect of cannabinoids and terpenes. Every human has an Endocannabinoid System (ECS). The ECS balances various functions, including mood, metabolism, sleep, inflammatory response, pain, and physiology. The ECS is controlled by receptors in the brain that react to both endocannabinoids (produced within the body) and phytocannabinoids (made by plants). 

Full-spectrum or enhanced terpene products can intensify the ECSs performance, promoting overall balance in the body. Some manufacturers and specialists can now isolate or combine terpenes to achieve specific effects.

For example, the terpenes α- and β-Pinene may help with occasional discomfort (analgesic), support inflammatory responses and antibiotic resistance modulation, provide antimicrobial properties (they can destroy microorganisms), and more.

Linoloon, also found in lavender and coriander, carries a floral scent. This terpene has been demonstrated to support "improved learning and spatial memory," restore "cognitive and emotional functions via an anti-inflammatory effect," and can potentially reverse the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. 

Different Cannabis Terpenes

There are around 400 terpenes known in cannabis, and the function of each terpene is still being studied. Here are a few of the most popular terpene types:

• Limonene may fight the free radicals that cause cancer, support the inflammatory response, and more. 
• Myrcene promotes relaxation.
• β-caryophyllene can help with stress management and pain.
• Caryophyllene oxide has also been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 
• Nerolidol has a sedative effect and can also aid the body with its antioxidant, antifungal, and anticancer properties. 
• Phytol aids inflammation. 
• Ocimene can help with sleep disorders and muscle aches. 

What's better than the individual effects of each terpene? The synergistic effect of multiple terpenes. By combining terpenes, experts can create unique cannabis strains that have a targeted impact on symptoms or illnesses, including migraines, general pain, anxiety, restlessness, and much more.

Pleasant Palate, Powerful Perks

Terpenes not only differentiate the smell of different plants - our flowers included - but they have therapeutic properties too. Now that you know the basics, you can choose strains and concentrates that emphasize terpene types and full-plant benefits.

If you're looking for a terpene tasting tool, have a look at Dynavaps Omni paired with a Low Temp Captive Cap for controlled heat and a boost of flavor.