Have you have ever found yourself staring at label after label of CBD products wondering, “Which do I buy? What is this Full Spectrum? And what are these terpenes they say are added?”
We answer the second question in a separate post, and as for the Terpenes? You have been consuming them for your entire life, you just didn’t know it.
Terpenes Bring the Aroma and The Flavor.
Terpenes are the main components of many plants responsible for their flavor and aroma.
That distinctive citrus aroma in lemons is caused by the terpene Limonene and is the second most common terpene found in nature.
The smell of rosemary that reminds you of a pine forest is due to the terpene Pinene.
Plants Have Multiple Terpenes in Them.
There are over 200 terpenes currently identified, and more to be discovered.
Many plants, including Cannabis, contain multiple terpenes that combine to give each a distinctive aroma or flavor.
These compounds serve to attract pollinators, but also deter predators.
The combination of terpenes in Cannabis attributes to why it thrives in natures and can be grown without pesticides.
Terpenes Are Extracted for Use in Other Products.
These organic compounds can be extracted from plants and infused into oils known as essential oils.
Aromatherapy is a common term for diffusing these oils into the air, but they are also added into everyday products included food, soap, and more.
Terpene Essential Oils Are More Than Just Scents.
Plant essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their scent and flavor, but also for their many beneficial properties.
Limonene for example is thought to have mood elevating and stress relieving effects, as well as antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Pinene is currently being tested for its anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain relief effects.
While there is still research ongoing into the exact effects and benefits of terpenes, the impact that these compounds have on many ailments is becoming clearer every day.
Terpenes Make CBD Oil Taste Good.
To some people, Hemp oil tastes good even in its raw and whole plant form. But not everyone feels that way.
Extracted terpenes are commonly added into CBD products to improve the flavor of the oil, and to add the health benefits of the terpenes as well.
Terpenes Are Already in Full Spectrum Hemp Oil.
If you are taking a Full Spectrum product, there are already naturally occurring terpenes in it. To enhance flavor or effects however, additional terpenes can be added.
The term terpene is becoming more familiar, as we see it in reference to the aromas and benefits we know and love in our Hemp and Cannabis products.
But these beneficial compounds are in plants and products all around us and will continue to impact our senses and our wellbeing.