Therapeutic Benefits of Terpenes in Essential Oils
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. While nearly all plants contain terpenes, some of the more common sources include cannabis, aromatic herbs, and citrus fruits. Terpenes are important constituents of pure essential oils.
Terpenes are thought to protect plants from harsh weather and predators. As for what they do in humans is not completely known.
When people think of Terpenes, they often think just of cannabis. But Terpenes are not unique to cannabis. Whilst cannabis happens to produce hundreds of different terpenes and tends to produce an abundant amount, it’s not the only plant.
Essential oils are composed of tens to hundreds of different terpene compounds in distinct proportions with health benefits that we are just beginning to understand. Different terpenes affect the body differently. Some have a more energetic or uplifting effect, and some are more relaxing or sedating. Terpenes are also thought to have an additive therapeutic effect of their own, and more research is being done to further understand their potential benefit and use for various symptoms and disease states.
Different essential oils are beneficial for different states. For example, some are considered cleansing, others have antioxidant properties, some are protective to cells and promote normal cell growth, while others stimulate and enhance the effects on mood and cognitive health.
I use them every single day. I use them either through diffusion in the air via a diffuser, applied topically to the skin or taken internally. Getting medicine straight from plants is a gift and such an obvious one because plants are all around us!