How CBD And Terpenes Can Benefit Our Bodies

CBD, short for Cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring compound we find in cannabis plants’ resinous flowers. Its long history as a medicine goes back thousands of years. Today doctors and scientists all over the world continue to test CBD’s therapeutic properties. But CBD is just one of the over one hundred phytocannabinoids that endow cannabis with it with its unique therapeutic potential. As such, the plant is a safe, non-addictive supplement. In fact, many individuals prefer to try CBD instead of harsh pharmaceutical drugs.

Now let’s look at terpenes. We find them in all plants. They’re natural essential oils and give flowers, herbs, and vegetables their distinctive fragrance. Full spectrum CBD products include natural terpenes, and many have potential therapeutic benefits. Because of this potential, terpenes hold major interest for cannabis researchers. In this article, we discuss how terpene’s therapeutic properties benefit users, especially when combined with CBD. So how can CBD and Terpenes benefit our health? First, we need to know what CBD and terpenes are. Then we can explore their benefits.

What is CBD?

CBD is a chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. It’s bioactive, which means it triggers effects throughout the body, including the brain. Once you extract CBD, you dilute the active ingredient into a carrier oil, improving its bioavailability.

Now, CBD is closely related to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another active phytocannabinoid. THC is also the compound that makes you high after trying marijuana.

Scientists and doctors spend hours studying these two cannabis components; both seem to have significant therapeutic benefits. But CBD and THC act differently in your body, because they affect your receptors differently. Unlike THC, CBD isn’t intoxicating. Depending on how much of each compound you consume, CBD can actually neutralize THC’s psychoactive effects.

Today, many people want to seek cannabis’ health benefits without risking a high. Because CBD is has therapeutic potential, and is non-intoxicating, it’s an appealing option, especially for first-time cannabis users.

What Are the Benefits of CBD?

CBD is a multipurpose molecule, but not a miracle cure. Instead, CBD taps into our deep biological functions. And, by restoring balance in the body, it may help manage chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and many other ailments. Today, research and anecdotal accounts suggest that CBD may help manage several different conditions.

Potential for the Future

– Chronic pain and inflammation due to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
– Neurological conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke
– Metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes)
– Neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism, PTSD, ADHD, and alcoholism
– Gut disorders such as Crohn’s disease and colitis
– Skin diseases such as psoriasis, acne, and dermatitis

CBD’s neuroprotective effects and anti-cancer properties are also currently being investigated. In a 2010 study researchers in Germany reported CBD can stimulate neurogenesis (the growth of new brain cells) in adult mammals.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are phytochemicals that are responsible for the taste and smell of plants. We’ve identified hundreds of terpenes, but only a few occur in concentrations significant enough to affect our health. Researchers are investigating their therapeutic potential, trying to discover how they impact our physical and emotional well-being. While many plants contain terpenes, cannabis plants have particularly abundant concentrations of these aromatic compounds.

What are the Benefits of Terpenes for our Health?

Terpenes can benefit our health in a variety of positive ways. For example, these organic substances can indirectly increase dopamine levels in the brain which can have a positive effect on our mood. They are also known to have stress-relieving properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties that enhance other therapeutic properties of the cannabis plant. However, research is still being done to confirm whether the therapeutic effect of terpenes is clinically significant enough to affect health.

Some of the most abundant terpenes present in CBD oil include:

– Limonene

Anti-fungal, stress-relieving, and energizing properties.  Medical research suggests that Limonene can also act as an anti-irritant.

– Pinene

Anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and broncho-dilating.

– Myrcene

This terpene makes it easier for cannabinoids to enter the brain/blood barrier. It’s also an anti-bacterial compound that can reduce pain and act as a muscle relaxant.

– Linalool

Provides a soothing scent and calming effect.

– Beta-Caryophyllene

Called the ‘dietary cannabinoid’ it interacts with cannabinoid receptors similarly to cannabinoids. It also helps reduce inflammation and pain.

– Bisabolol

Has calming effects and is widely used in skincare products for its anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects.

– Terpineol

Has potent anti-oxidative properties and is infuses many perfumes and lotions with its fragrance.

– Trans-nerolidol

Has potent anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and sedative properties as suggested by research.

Why Do CBD and Terpenes Work Better Together?

Terpenes can contribute to an entourage effect that increases CBD’s therapeutic potential. That is the main reason why many people choose full-spectrum CBD which comes from the whole plant and reflects the original phytochemical profile of the cannabis plant. In addition to naturally occurring flavonoids and cannabinoids, full spectrum CBD oil products also contain a variety of different terpenes. The amount of each one depends on the extraction method used and the composition of the formula.

Take advantage of the unique effects that a combination of CBD and terpenes can offer. Specific terpenes may be added to CBD oil products to add additional effects. For example, some manufacturers may add limonene for its relaxing properties. Users who find that specific terpenes have particular benefits for their personal needs often add higher levels of terpene in the form of drops to their existing CBD products to take advantage of the unique effects they offer. Pure terpene drops can be purchased or a terpene formula can be used for individual needs.

CBD and Terpenes: Final Thoughts

Learning more about the benefits of CBD and Terpenes can help you choose CBD oil products that will work best for you. When using pure terpenes always follow the dilution guide provided by the manufacturer. Similar to essential oils, terpenes should always be diluted in a suitable carrier oil before using them and should never be consumed unless they have been properly diluted. CBD oil acts as a carrier oil and the addition of terpenes serve to enhance the many benefits that CBD has to offer. Based on their purported benefits it becomes clear that terpenes can be a welcome additive to CBD oil for their additional therapeutic effects.

An added benefit is that it is possible to customize your experience by adding higher levels of certain terpenes in order to elicit more specific benefits. For example, by adding caryophyllene drops rich in energizing properties to CBD oil you can remain awake longer to enjoy an active evening. Based on their purported benefits, it’s clear that terpenes may be a welcome addition to CBD oil.