Have you ever taken a walk through a hemp field? The aromas in the air immediately captivate you with their fullness, sweetness, and their thousand different shades of scents that play a very special role in nature. These unique compounds are called terpenes and they give the plant its scent and character, and most importantly contribute to the beneficial effects of various plant extracts.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are biochemical compounds composed of carbons and hydrogens. They can be found in the secretory cells of a plant, inside glands called trichomes. To put it simply; terpenes represent the essential oil of hemp. One of the characteristics of hemp is that its trichomes are fairly big and can already be observed with the naked eye. Among the many biological functions of terpenes, aroma and taste are the most characteristic. Aromatic molecules give plants their distinctive aroma and taste, two characteristics that we use to distinguish one plant from another. These molecules and their characteristics are also the reason different plants are widely used in cosmetics, perfumery, and the food industry.
The role of terpenes in hemp
The development of hemp terpenes is strongly connected to the adaptive conditions in nature. They protect the plant from potential predators and help it attract pollinators. These are their primary roles, and they are essential for the existence of the plant. The formation of terpenes is strongly influenced by external factors, such as climate, weather, age, vegetative phase, type of soil on which it grows, and even what time of day it is. It is the combination of these factors that can influence a harvest and consequently the differences between two batches of the same natural product.
Terpenes that should not be overlooked
Hemp trichomes are extremely large and can be seen with the naked eye.
Over 200 different terpenes have been identified in hemp so far, but only a few of them have garnered special attention from researchers. As a result, some terpenes are now well researched and we are familiar with their positive properties, while others are still waiting for researchers to take a closer look.
- Myrcene is known for its calming and relaxing effect. It is a natural analgesic that helps relax muscles and has strong anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial action. It can be recognized by its musky scent and is also found in mango and lemongrass.
- Beta-Caryophyllene is known for its calming effect. It can selectively bind to CB2 receptors, which suggests a relatively strong therapeutic potential in conditions with symptoms of inflammation, pain, as well as atherosclerosis, and osteoporosis. It is also characterized by strong anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial action and can be found in hops, cloves, and black pepper.
- Limonene relaxes and has a beneficial effect when dealing with stress, anguish, and anxiety. It has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties and strengthens the immune system. It is also found in orange and lemon peels and juniper.
- Linalool has a relaxing, anxiolytic effect and helps us sleep better. It is also known for its analgesic and antibacterial properties. Linalool is characterized by a floral aroma and can also be found in lavender and birch bark.
- Pinene has a beneficial influence on our respiratory system, it relaxes and has a mild anxiolytic effect. It is known for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect and can also be found in pine needles.
- Phytol has antioxidant, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects. Like many other terpenes, phytol also has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. It has a relaxing and calming effect and is characterized by an herbal balsamic scent. It can also be found in green tea.
Hemp contains a complex combination of plant extracts that together create a unique therapeutic effect
Terpenes are different from each other, and the same is true of cannabinoids. The mutual cooperation of each of them is crucial for their best therapeutic potential and overall synergistic effect. This effect is often referred to as the ‘entourage effect’, and it indicates that none of the natural molecules found in the plant should be overlooked. Each performs a specific role that contributes to the best combined effect, and we’re sure we’ll hear a lot more about terpenes and their potential in the future.
At Hemptouch, we are continuously committed to the creations of nature and will soon be debuting a new CBD oil that will be especially terpene-rich. Its ‘entourage’ effect will hold a particularly beneficial effect on relieving insomnia, stress, and pain.
