When you venture into the world of CBD, take a moment to stop and smell the terpenes. As in the natural compounds that give plants their rich yet distinct aromas.
Maybe you’ve already read that terpenes are why cannabis products, which have over 100 different types of terpenes, have such a pungent scent. But, did you also know that CBD terpenes may be beneficial to your overall health and wellness? For plants, terpenes protect against predators. In the human body, they help to improve your mood and ease discomfort.
Curious to know more about CBD terpenes in full–spectrum CBD products, from CBD softgels to CBD oils? Keep reading this guide to learn about their benefits and effects.
Key takeaways:
- Natural terpenes are organic compounds that determine the smell and taste of plants like roses, citrus fruit, and cannabis.
- Terpenes have many health and wellness benefits that enhance the positive effects of full– spectrum CBD products like oils and soft gels to help you feel calm and relaxed.
- There are five primary terpenes. However, the Cannabis sativa plant, from which CBD is derived, contains at least 100 different types of terpenes.
What Are CBD Terpenes?
If you’re a newcomer, you may be a little unfamiliar with the terminology. But, it’s easier to find the right products for your body and your health when you know what you’re looking for. So, what are terpenes in CBD oil and how is CBD oil made considering these terpenes?
Terpenes can have therapeutic benefits and anti–inflammatory properties, and can only be found in full-spectrum CBD products. Unlike CBD isolate and broad spectrum CBD, full-spectrum CBD retains all extracts of the cannabis plant including:
- CBD
- THC (0.3% or less)
- Flavonoids
- Terpenes
To that end, full-spectrum CBD oil is believed to be more effective when it comes to creating feelings of calmness and relaxation due to its high concentration of terpenes. That’s because terpenes serve three key functions:
- Improve the ability of the body to absorb beneficial chemicals
- Overcome bacterial defenses within the body
- Increase the absorption of cannabinoids in the body
The Difference Between Terpenes vs Terpenoids
When talking about terpenes, it’s also important to discuss terpenoids. While the words “terpenes” and “terpenoids” may seem one and the same, they describe two different structures:
- Terpenes – A natural compound in living plants that affect their smell and taste.
- Terpenoids – Altered terpenes that form when the cannabis plant is cured and dried.
However, for the most part, these two terms can be used interchangeably. These organic compounds are not cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and they won’t get you high, either. They’re also considered safe to smell and consume because they’re naturally occurring compounds you can find in almost any plant, fruit, or herb.
To that end, let’s dig into the 6 things to know about CBD terpenes.
#1 Terpenes Consist of Five Main Types of Terpenes
Although the Cannabis sativa plant contains over 100 different types of terpenes, there are five different terpenes types you will find in full-spectrum CBD products. Some types are more common and abundant than others and have varying calming and relaxing properties.
The five main terpene types in full-spectrum CBD include:
- Myrcene – A pleasant odor with a sweet, citrusy taste, myrcene is the most common terpene in cannabis plants, but it can also be found in mango, lemongrass, and eucalyptus.
- Limonene – This terpene smells like what it sounds: lemony. It can be found in citrus fruit like lemons and oranges. It’s commonly used in household cleaning products and air fresheners.
- Caryophyllene – Found in peppers and spices, this terpene has anti–inflammatory and antibiotic properties that help with gut health, discomfort, and pain.
- Pinene – True to their name, you can find these terpenes in pine trees as well as rosemary and conifer trees. They may also improve your memory and general brain health.
- Linalool – Lastly, linalool has a floral smell that’s responsible for the calming smell of lavender, mint, and birch.
Additional Types of Terpenes
There are over tens of thousands of terpenes that have been identified, with over a hundred identified in cannabis. If you’re curious to know more or looking to unlock specific benefits from your CBD products, take a quick look at additional aroma-filled terpenes that may benefit full-body wellness:
- Humulene – Found in cannabis, sage, and ginseng
- Ocimene – Found in hops, kumquats, lavender, orchids, and pepper
- Bisabolol – Found in chamomile and the crassifolium shrub
- Terpineol – Found in cardamom, pine oil, and petitgrain oil
- Eucalyptol – Found in eucalyptus oil
- Geraniol – Found in citronella oil and rose oil
#2 Terpenes Produce an Entourage Effect
Terpenes can interact with other components to produce an entourage effect. Essentially, the entourage effect is the idea that compounds produce better therapeutic results when combined as opposed to when they are isolated or separated.
In cannabis, terpenoids work with cannabinoids like CBD and THC to heighten the calming and supportive effects of full-spectrum CBD oil. It functions sort of like your own personal entourage, protecting your body from imbalance.
To that end, your full-spectrum CBD product can help to:
- Boost your general health, wellness, and vitality
- Encourage a more restful sleep
- Relieve mental or emotional discomfort
- Elevate overall mood
- Soothe feelings of restlessness and nervousness
- Strengthen focus and attention levels
- Encourage a healthy appetite
- Ease joint discomfort and stiffness
#3 Terpenes Relieve Discomfort and Pain
Looking for a solution to discomfort or stiffness? Myrcene, a common terpene found in cannabis, has anti–inflammatory agents and antibacterial properties. This makes it great for cleaning, but it’s also useful for easing discomfort and relieving any stiffness.
So, how does myrcene relieve physical discomfort? It actually blocks inflammation. When bacteria or toxins enter the body, temporary swelling can occur. Anti-inflammatory agents like those found in myrcene work to obstruct those inflammation-causing substances.
#4 Terpenes Soothe Facial Blemishes
Named after the scent it produces, limonene is commonly used in household cleaning products, perfumes, air fresheners, and soaps. But, its antioxidant, antibacterial, and mood-boosting properties make it an ideal option for soothing irritated skin or facial blemishes.
The properties that make limonene a useful tool for cleaning also makes it convenient for irritated skin. Its antibacterial properties prevent the growth of bacteria and reduce any intruders that may already be present.
As such, full-spectrum CBD oils and different forms of topical CBD can help to detoxify the skin. Plus, because terpenes and cannabinoids work together, the effects are heightened. Topical full-spectrum CBD products may also:
- Elevate your mood
- Make you feel more alert
- Increase your energy
- Relieve feelings of nervousness
#5 Terpenes Encourage Restful Sleep
Needing support for a restful night’s sleep or looking for a solution to feel more calm and relaxed? Then choose a CBD product high in linalool. It has a floral scent with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to lotions, perfumes, deodorants, and soaps, this terpene is also found in plants and herbs known for their calming and relaxing effects such as:
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Thyme
- Cinnamon
- Sweet basil
- Bergamot
- Rosewood
#6 Terpenes Support Gut Health
Ever heard that gut health is the key to your overall health? Or wondered, “Can CBD help your immune system?”. The health of your gut impacts your entire body, affecting your heart, brain, mood, sleep, digestion, and your immune system, especially. When your gut is happy, every part of your body benefits.
If you’re looking to improve your gut health, then the anti–inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of the terpene caryophyllene can be a supportive option. Caryophyllene has properties that fight off any bad bacteria and microbes that may be lying in your gut and making you feel unwell.
In addition to incorporating caryophyllene into your routine, you can also boost your gut health by:
- Lowering your stress and discomfort levels with CBD
- Sleeping for the recommended seven to eight hours per night
- Adjusting your diet to include more fiber
- Exercising regularly
What to Look for Before Buying CBD Terpenes
A combination of terpenes such as linalool, limonene, pinene, and myrcene can work to improve every aspect of your health and wellness from providing sleep support to promoting calmer moods.
The key is finding high-spectrum CBD products that carry terpenes, such as:
- CBD oil
- CBD gummies
- CBD topicals
- CBD bath bombs
- CBD soft gels
Resilience: Your Trusted Expert for CBD
The world of CBD can be confusing to navigate, especially for newcomers. With so much information out there, it’s easy to get lost. But, knowing the ins and outs of CBD terpenes can empower you to take control of your health and wellness.
Let Resilience CBD be your trusted CBD expert.
We offer a Label Accuracy Guarantee™, ensuring that each of our products is the highest quality. We’re upfront about our ingredients and lab results when it comes to each of our full-spectrum CBD products. Plus, each product is made from 100% organic hemp. The CBD is extracted from the flowers and leaves of the hemp plant.
We understand that when it comes to finding a quality CBD product, transparency is key. Unlock the secrets of CBD with Resilience CBD today.
Michael Tatz | Linkedin
Michael Tatz is the Co-Founder of Resilience CBD, and a passionate leader in the health & fitness world helping others rise to and crush their wildest goals. A former Division 1 college wrestler, Army Officer, and investment manager at Goldman Sachs, he has pushed his body and mind to the limits on the mats, dressed in camo, and in the boardroom.
Today, he spends his time leading Resilience CBD to develop the absolute best recovery products for athletes everywhere. Resilience was founded after CBD personally impacted Michael’s life, and the brand was built to partner with everyday athletes in pursuit of conquering their most difficult challenges, rebounding after their toughest performances, and rising to their goals that once seemed impossible.
Sources:
National Library of Medicine. Myrcene. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/31253
National Library of Medicine. Limonene. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/-Limonene#section=Uses
National Library of Medicine. Potentiating effect of beta-caryophyllene on anticancer activity of alpha-humulene, isocaryophyllene and paclitaxel. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18053325/
CFAH. Terpenes in CBD: What They Are, Benefits, & Effects. https://cfah.org/cbd-terpenes/
Cleveland Clinic. Inflammation. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation
UC Davis Health. What is ‘gut health’ and why is it important? https://health.ucdavis.edu/health-news/newsroom/what-is-gut-health-and-why-is-it-important/2019/07
