Terpenes are a category of organic compounds commonly obtained from conifers. They are known for their distinctive odor and hold a great significance in medical science. There is no denying the fact that science has progressed a lot and has found answers for almost everything.
A majority of the problems, including medical problems faced by humans, have been solved by it quite effectively. However, doesn’t matter how far it ventures, it is impossible for it to replace natural therapies and treatments.
Although the health benefits of terpenes are not as popular as those of marijuana seeds for medical use, their medical properties cannot be neglected. Unlike synthetic pharmaceutical products, terpenes do not have any side effects and are targeted at the problem.
Many cannabis strains are infused with terpenes. The most popular black diamond strain contains the terpenes – Carene which gives it a sweet and pungent smell and Terpinolene which results in the woody fragrance.
Here, we bring you the top 4 medical properties of terpenes –
1 ) Pain Relieving Properties – Terpenes are said to have considerable pain-reducing effects and are known to provide near instant relief. They have long been known for this, for instance, ‘Beta-Pinene’ is a terpene well known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It provides a quick relief from pain and releases a soothing sensation.
Camphene, Eucalyptol, Gamma-Terpinene, and Myrcene are other common terpenes known for their pain-suppressing properties. Out of these, pure essential oils containing Myrcene are little extra popular owing to their aroma which gives an instant relief to the mind suffering from excruciating pain.
Cannabis products such as hemp topicals, CBD dog treats, CBD oil, etc. also contain a certain amount of terpenes in them which are helpful in pain management.
2 ) Promote Mental Health – Terpenes are well known for keeping stress and anxiety at bay. A study conducted on mice has shown that those rats which inhaled the terpene ‘Limonene’ were found to exhibit significantly reduced anxiety levels. Similarly, Myrcene and Phytol are popular terpenes showing sedative effects in rodents. They are a well-known treatment for insomnia too.
Terpenes find their greatest application in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Having an incredible sedative effect, they can relieve you of stress and anxiety. Ultimately making you feel happy and content, terpenes can promote a better personal and professional life.
3 ) Good For Skin – Discussing health benefits, terpenes have always been underestimated. Not many people know that they have a crucial role in maintaining their glowing and healthy skin. Limonene is a popular terpene known for its wound healing and skin repairing properties.
This terpene is found to have strong anti-inflammatory effects and works quickly. It also increases the production of new cells and rejuvenates the skin after an injury. It is often an important ingredient in medical ointments and skin care creams because of its skin-penetrating properties.
4 ) Regulate Various Body Functions – Popular for their biomedical significance, terpenes hold a special place in the world of aromatic compounds. Having a special property to reduce heartburn and gastric acid reflux, terpenes are used as an alternative medicine. The greatest plus point is that they do not have any side effects like other pharmaceutical products.
Having antimicrobial properties, they can effectively fight off fungus and bacteria. When consumed orally, they can prevent indigestion. Also acting as a bronchodilator in humans, they are majorly known for their antibacterial and antibiotic properties.
Apart from these, there are many other health benefits of terpenes. Incorporating terpenes into our daily life can lead to a better lifestyle. For instance, almost all the terpenes (with a few exceptions) are known to have therapeutic properties. A terpene called beta-Caryophyllene is a natural pain reliever and reduces inflammation and also acts as an antioxidant.
Because of their antimicrobial properties, terpenes have the power to fight with bacteria and boost the performance of your immune system.
Limonene reduces hypersensitivity to alien compounds ultimately reducing allergic reactions, can dissolve gallstones and provide relief from the pain. Reducing inflammation in the gut, it slows down inflammatory bowel disease and prevents any further damage to the lining of the large intestine.
In case you have eye problems, terpenes may be of help to you too! They have antioxidant properties which protect human eye cells from damage caused by Hydrogen Peroxide – a natural byproduct of human metabolism. Terpenes can also reduce the oiliness in the skin, thus being a boon for people who often get acne on their face and other body parts.
Other lesser-known medical facts about terpenes include their role in strengthening your endocannabinoid system and their potential to cure even cancer!
Research indicated that many terpenes can be a potential solution to the deadly disease and must be put to use for the welfare of humanity.
You can easily get cannabis products infused with terpenes from any medical marijuana dispensary near you. You can also these at various Canada’s best online cannabis dispensaries.