MYRCENE
Myrcene (or β-myrcene) is a terpene that occurs often in highly fragrant plants and herbs such as mangoes, hops, bay laurel leaves, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. Myrcene is produced by numerous cannabis strains, and some have suggested that it lends sedative, indica-like effects (including “couch-lock”) to strains containing more than 0.5% of this terpene.
Another place you’ll find myrcene is in mangoes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating a ripe mango prior to consuming cannabis may accentuate or extend the psychoactive effects of cannabis; some have suggested that this is due to the fruit’s concentrations of myrcene, which is naturally synergistic with THC and allows cannabinoids to more easily bridge the blood-brain barrier.
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic (pain relief)
- Antibiotic
- Sedative
- Antimutagenic
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.
LIMONENE
Limonene is an aromatic cannabis terpene produced in the flower’s resin glands as well as in many everyday items like fruit rinds, cosmetics, and cleaning products. Terpenes are fragrant oils secreted alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and these terpenes not only dictate the smell of marijuana, they can also modify its effects. Some strains tend to express higher levels of the limonene terpene, and oftentimes it’s the sour lemon scent that gives it away. But what’s so special about it?
Limonene has a history in medicine, so it should come as no surprise that the limonene found in cannabis offers therapeutic benefits as well. Some of these studied effects include:
- Elevated mood
- Stress relief
- Antifungal properties
- Antibacterial properties
- May help relieve heartburn and gastric reflux
- Improves absorption of other terpenes and chemicals by way of the skin, mucous membranes, and digestive tract
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.
PINENE
Pinene (or α-pinene) is an aromatic compound commonly found in cannabis that smells a lot like – you guessed it – a forest of pine trees. But pinene brings a lot more to a strain’s experience than just flavor. Terpenes such as pinene are fragrant oils secreted in marijuana trichomes, and while they originally developed as an adaptive protection against predators, these compounds offer us humans a variety of benefits. And, fun fact: pinene can also be found in conifer trees, orange peels, turpentine, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, and parsley.
Just as different cannabinoids have different effects, so do terpenes. These unique attributes contribute to the overall composition of a strain, adding a dimension to each one’s “personality.” Some of pinene’s known effects and benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory
- Bronchodilator (helps improve airflow to lungs)
- Helps counter short-term memory loss associated with THC
- Promotes alertness
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.
LINALOOL
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found in many flowers and spices including lavender and coriander. It gives off a complex yet delicate floral aroma, and while its effects are myriad, it is in particular one of the substances used most widely to reduce stress.
Humans have inhaled the scent of certain plants, including many containing linalool, since ancient times to help lower stress levels, fight inflammation, and combat depression. Linalool has been the subject of many studies, including a recent one in which scientists allowed lab rats to inhale linalool while exposing them to stressful conditions. It was reported that linalool returned elevated stress levels in the immune system to near-normal conditions.
- Anti-anxiety
- Antidepressant
- Sedative
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-epileptic
- Analgesic
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.
NEROLIDOL
Trans-nerolidol is a secondary terpene found in many strong aromatics like jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass. As such, it delivers a subdued and nuanced floral aroma with notes of fruity citrus, apples, and rose. This terpene is believed to produce sedating effects, and is being investigated for the following medical benefits:
- Inhibits growth of leishmaniasis
- Antiparasitic
- Antifungal
- Antimicrobial
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.
HUMULENE
Humulene naturally occurs in clove, basil, hops, and cannabis sativa. It carries a subtle earthy, woody aroma with spicy herbal notes you might recognize in some of your favorite strains. Though cannabis is commonly associated with appetite simulation, humulene is actually known to suppress hunger.
Humulene’s other potential effects include:
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.
CARYOPHYLLENE
Caryophyllene (or β-Caryophyllene) is a spicy, peppery terpene found in many different edible plants. Spices like black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon, as well as herbs like oregano, basil, hops, and rosemary, are known to exhibit high concentrations of caryophyllene. Due to its affinity to the peripheral CB2 receptors, caryophyllene often appears in anti-inflammatory topicals and salves.
Caryophyllene has the following potential medical benefits:
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.
EUCALYPTOL
Eucalyptol, also commonly called cineole, is the primary terpene found in eucalyptus, which is how this terpene got its name. Eucalyptol can comprise over 80% of the total in the essential oils from eucalyptus trees, it is also found in high concentrations in tea trees, mugwort, bay leaves, and cannabis.
Eucalyptol has been shown to help with more conditions than most other commonly found terpenes, making it a subject of much research and of great therapeutic value.
A shirt list of somebenefits:
- Relieves pain.
- Slows bacterial growth.
- Reduces inflammation systemically.
- Inhibits the growth of fungus.
NOTE: the information provided is for description purposes only and no statement is being made about any health benefits.