Terpenes 101 – The Essential Oil Essentials

Terpenes are plant essential oils found in all plants, flowers, and trees. Cannabis plants are thought to contain 200 individual Terpenes. The volatile, aromatic molecules of Terpenes evaporate easily and are readily detectable by their smell. They are responsible for the distinctive fragrance of smoked marijuana, for instance. Aromatherapists and holistic health practitioners have long recognised their pharmacological significance, and their many roles and benefits are now being more widely acknowledged in mainstream medicine.

Therapeutic Terpenes

Terpenes play a major role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis-derived substances.  This is partly because they work in synergy with the primary Phytocannabinoids (the THC and CBD in cannabis plants). They also have their own unique therapeutic benefits. For example, they enhance the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD.

Terpenes in Leafy Greens

In 2008, Swiss scientist Jürg Gertsch documented the effects of a specific Terpine present in leafy, green vegetables that makes them so healthy to eat. He found that Terpenoids and Cannabinoids both increase blood flow, enhance cortical activity, and kill respiratory pathogens, including the potential killer, antibiotic-resistant bug, MRSA.

He reports that cannabinoid-terpenoid interactions:

“Could produce synergy with respect to treatment for problems as varied as pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections.”

Other positive benefits uncovered by medical researchers include an anti-convulsant effect; analgesic and fever-reducing effects; and treatment for insomnia.

Liminine

Liminine, a type of Terpene, neutralises stomach acids and can help with reflux and heartburn; helps dissolve cholesterol gallstones and is a mood-enhancer. More excitingly, it is also used in co-therapy for some cancers with strong indications of success.

Pinene

Pinene – another type of Terpene, is a broncho-dilator particularly beneficial to asthmatics and it also aids memory recall.

“Could produce synergy with respect to treatment for problems as varied as pain, inflammation, depression, anxiety, addiction, epilepsy, cancer, fungal and bacterial infections.”

Swiss scientist Jürg Gertsch 2008

• 

• 

• 

•