What are Terpenes

are a mixture of organic aromatic molecules forming a compound that is unique to every plant They are responsible for most of the smells and flavours of herbs and spices that we add to our food everyday. Terpenes are produced by a variety of plants, from conifers to lavenders and citruses.
You may have heard of terpenes and terpenoids, there is a difference between them. Terpenes are hydrocarbons meaning that the compounds only contain hydrogen and carbon. Terpenoids have other molecules added to them for different functions. Terpenoids are also sometimes referred to isoprenoids.

Terpenes and terpenoids are the main ingredients of the essential oils that many medicinal plants and flowers produce. Essential oils can be used in many different ways, as fragrances and perfumes, and in some alternative medicines such as aromatherapy and holistic healing. Terpenes are responsible for the lovely mood lifting aroma of pine we all love while we are out walking on a hot summer day. That smell is actually the alpha and beta-pinene evaporating from the pine resin.

Hemp and Cannabis are also full of Terpenes and are responsible for the taste and fragrance, common terpene’s in hemp is linalool, Myrcene and Caryophyllene

Linalool

Has often been used in healing and aromatherapy as a sleep aid, to relieve stress and relax. Recognized by its sour, citrusy aroma, limonene is a terpene also found in hemp. Limonene is also added to skincare products and creams to help active ingredients to penetrate the skin. Effects of limonene include improved mood and a sense of well-being. 

Myrcene

Or β-myrcene is a terpene that occurs often in highly fragrant plants and herbs such as hops, bay laurel leaves, thyme, lemongrass, and basil. It
Another place you’ll find myrcene is in mangoes. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating a ripe mango prior to consuming Hemp allows cannabinoids to more easily bridge the blood-brain barrier.

Caryophyllene

Is the primary terpene that contributes to the spiciness of black pepper and also a major terpene in cloves, rosemary, basil, and hemp/cannabis. It comes in two main forms, beta caryophyllene, also commonly seen as β-Caryophyllene or abbreviated to BCP. Since cannabinoids and terpenes are related it is no surprise that terpenes would trigger the body’s endo-cannabinoid receptors. In 2008 caryophyllene was first identified as a cannabinoid, and found to have numerous benefits.