What Are Terpenes & Why They Matter

If you have done any research on CBD oil, you’ve probably come across the word “terpenes”. You might have seen it in K’dara’s product descriptions for our full-spectrum CBD oils and it’s an important part of what makes our products special.

So, what is it? Why is it so important and what makes terpenes so special? Let’s take a look.

What are Terpenes?
Terpenes (sometimes also called terpenoids) are aromatic, resinous oils that give all plants, fruits and fragrant vegetables their distinctive aromas, flavors and smells. In short, terpenes are the oils that make mint smell like mint and lavender like lavender.

Terpenes also play a vital role in helping plants survive. The strong aromas of terpenes protect plants by warning and repelling herbivores that might want to take a bite, while attracting helpful insects like bees and butterflies to help with pollination.

Why are Terpenes Important?
Since terpenes originally evolved in order to repel predators and attract pollinators by targeting the olfactory system, they have the ability to act directly on our brains. In fact, scientists have shown that terpenes are so potent that they can directly modify, temper and harmonize brain activity.

This ability to interact with our brains through our sense of smell accounts for the therapeutic effects of terpenes. It is why smelling the flowers or spending time in a forest can have an effect on us. It’s also why aromatherapy and essential oils can help us relax or feel sleepy while others leave us feeling more energized and boost our mood.

How Do Terpenes Work?
As mentioned, our sense of smell (olfactory system) is activated in the presence of terpenes. When this happens, the membranes, neurons and nerves that control our sense of smell trigger communications with the receptors in the limbic system of our brains. The limbic system is made up of the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus, the same brain structures that control high-level functions such as emotions, stress response regulation and memory recall.

Terpenes in Hemp
Hemp terpenes in particular are quite impressive when it comes to their potential. Scientists believe that this is because hemp terpenes are formed in the same resinous trichomes as cannabinoids. In turn, this endows hemp terpenes with additional properties and effects that reflect those of the cannabinoids that formed alongside them.

Because of this, hemp terpenes are proven to have certain therapeutic properties similar to cannabinoids.

Hemp terpenes are also special in another way. Certain terpenes like caryophyllene can interact with the ECS, meaning that they can bind to the same endocannabinoid receptors located throughout our brains and bodies in similar ways as plant cannabinoids like CBD do.

To boot, terpenes also work together with cannabinoids in what scientists call the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the concept that different plant compounds, in this case terpenes and cannabinoids, work together in such a way that they enhance each other’s effects. In other words, the effects of cannabinoids are amplified in the presence of terpenes and the effects of terpenes are amplified in the presence of cannabinoids.

Scientists believe this occurs because terpenes can help cannabinoids like CBD pass through the bloodstream more easily and lower the blood-brain barrier that, in turn, increases their efficacy.

The Main Hemp Terpenes Explained
There are eight main terpenes found in hemp:

Humulene
This has an herbal, woody aroma and is also found in hops, sage, ginseng, coriander, cloves, basil and ginger.

Limonene
This has a citrusy, lemony aroma and is also found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint.

Pinene
This has a fresh, pine aroma and is also found in pine needles, conifers, rosemary, basil, parsley, and dill.

Myrcene
This has a peppery, spicy and herbal aroma and is also found in mango, thyme, lemongrass, parsley, hops, and bay leaf.

Linalool
This has a floral, spicy or woody aroma and is also found in lavender, birch bark, some citrus, rosewood, laurels, and coriander.

Caryophyllene
This has a peppery, spicy, woody, clove aroma and is also found in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.

Terpinolene
This has a piney, floral, herbal aroma and is also found in nutmeg, tea tree, conifers, apples, cumin, and lilacs.

Ocimene
This has a sweet, herbal, woody aroma and is also found in mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, orchids, and kumquats.
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The statements made regarding K’dara CBD products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration nor had the efficacy of these products been confirmed by FDA-approved research.

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All information presented is intended to be informative only, and not meant as a substitute for, or alternative to, information and/or diagnosis and/or treatment from registered healthcare practitioners.

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