What Are Terpenes and How Do You Use Them?

There are more than 90 different types of essential oils in the world, according to a study by Healthline. Essential oils provide fragrance with a combination of medicinal benefits.

So, what ingredient is it that makes essential oils so special? Yes, it’s terpenes.

Though essential oils contain terpenes, terpenes are also used separately in many different ways. The benefits they provide are being explored more and more, both within and without the cannabis industry.

So, what are terpenes, and what are the best ways to use them? Keep reading to find all that out and more.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are found within plants and a few insects. Every plant has its own oils, which is what gives off its particular fragrance. This is what draws insects in to pollinate them and what drives some plant-eaters away.

This oil helps plants to create resin, which can be used and extracted to make terpenes. This oil, combined with terpenes, is what makes essential oils. Terpenes are most often used individually when extracted from a cannabis plant.

When terpenes are combined with certain cannabinoids, such as THC or CBD, their effects are changed or increased. When combined with THC, it can increase the psychoactive effects. When combined with CBD, it can increase the medicinal benefits.

There are even some terpenes that block receptors in the brain, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and even chronic pain. 

Types of Terpenes

Though there are over 80 different types of terpenes, five are regularly used for their pleasant aroma and the natural relief they provide. 

Limonene is in many different strains of cannabis. Its most common benefits are the energizing effects, which help to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. While many strains of cannabis have a more drowsy effect, this terpene can combat that. It is also used to reduce acid reflux, which can also be a mood lifter.

Humulene, Beta-Caryophyllene, and Pinene are most often used for chronic pain due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Myrcene also has anti-inflammatory properties, can boost the effects of THC, and increases relaxation. It is also known to have antibacterial and antifungal benefits. 

How to Use Terpenes

There are so many ways to use terpenes, but to do so safely, it is important to be careful with your dosage and do what’s right for you and your body.

One of the most common ways is to consume terpenes, through either edible food or drink. There are specific terpenes that can be ingested, so make sure you do your research before consuming them. You can either look up terpene recipes online, ranging from terpene pastries to terpene cocktails, or you can buy them pre-made on an online shop. 

You can put terpenes in a diffuser or vape, adding a few drops as aromatherapy or inhaling it. You can also apply terpenes to your skin topically. When doing this, you must make sure it is first diluted with water. You can mix it with lotion or creams, such as coconut oil, or find one already mixed at a dispensary. 

Using This Knowledge

Now that the never-ending question of “what are terpenes?” is finally resolved, and you learned all the benefits of them, you probably want to try them for yourself. Research what exactly you’re looking for, whether it be a lemon fragrance or anti-inflammatory effects, and find the right terpenes for you.

Then decide how you want to use them, or consider trying out various possibilities. You never know what you’ll find out you like the most.

Keep your mind open, and keep reading through our articles for even more information you never knew you needed.