Terpenes really do matter when it comes to CBD products. CBD oil by itself doesn’t taste very good. It’s rich and really does taste like plants (some say it tastes like actual grass, which makes sense). We’ll help you understand what terpenes are before we tell you why terpenes matter.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are what give plants and herbs their flavors and aromas. They also play a role in hemp and cannabis. But, terpenes are more important than just being little flavor and aroma bombs.
Terpenes play a role in how your body reacts and interacts with cannabinoids. These little flavor bombs also have accepted and recognized therapeutic benefits.
Some of the most common terpenes used in CBD products are:
- Alpha pinene
- Beta-caryophyllene
- Humulene
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Myrcene
- Nerolidol
- Terpineol
Most CBD companies that use terpene blends. Several have overlapping properties, making them ideal for use together.
Why Terpenes Matter
It’s important to use cannabis strains with terpene profiles that support your body the right way. It’s also important to seek full spectrum or broad spectrum derived from full spectrum CBD products with terpenes included. As we mentioned before, terpenes and cannabinoids work together in your body.
The endocannabinoid system uses its own endocannabinoids plus phytocannabinoids and elements from plants (like hemp and cannabis) to support homeostasis in your body. Homeostasis refers to balance. When your body is properly balanced, all systems work as they should.
The endocannabinoid system works with your body’s central and peripheral nervous systems. These two systems are responsible for a majority of the functions, responses and reactions in your body.
Some of those functions include:
- Emotions
- Appetite
- Mood
- Sleep
- Digestion
- Perception of pain
- Signaling
- Motor skills
- Cognitive function
Cannabinoid receptors are located all throughout your body. CB1 receptors are mainly concentrated in the brain and spine. CB2 receptors are found in your immune system, skin and many major organs.
These receptors activate through direct and indirect binding which helps the systems of your body send the right signals for appropriate responses and actions.
What Common Items are Terpenes Found in?
You’re probably ingesting terpenes in some form every day and haven’t had a clue. They’re in fruits, trees, plants and herbs.
These are a few common items that terpenes naturally occur in:
- Black pepper
- Citrus fruits (peels and pulp)
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Oregano
- Cardamom
- Cinnamon
- Hops
- Lavender
- Fennel
- Caraway
- Dill
- Mangoes
- Basil
- Parsley
- Marjoram
- Ginger
- Jasmine
- Pine trees
If you use black pepper to season your food, you’re taking in small amounts of beta-caryophyllene and humulene. In citrus there are several including limonene and linalool. Rosemary has several terpene components including alpha pinene, beta-caryophyllene and terpineol. In lemongrass, mangoes, parsley, cardamom and basil you’ll find myrcene.
Terpenes are included in CBD products to improve the flavor and aroma but also support synergy in the body.
Closing Thoughts
The names of these aroma and flavor aids sound like chemicals, but they’re not. It’s important to read the ingredients on a CBD product label and take a few minutes to research it. Knowing what’s in your products is also beneficial to you as a CBD user. As you can see, these compounds really do matter in CBD products and your everyday life.
