Before perusing our simplistic and brief guide to terpenes. It is important to note that the floral, fauna, and fungal kingdoms contain a known 2000+ terpenoids. With that stated doing a full guide on terpenes would become a book. This guide is meant to compliment our simply guides on mushrooms and cannabinoids. Terpenes marked with a * are commonly tested for and contained in cannabis.If you partake in aromatherapy, take note of the essential oil blends utilized and how they effect you. Take that information into your cannabis wellness routines to further improve the efficacy of your cannabis consumption. We hope this guide brings you some clarity and guidance on your wellness journey.
Per usual, it's important to note that while terpenes are found all over the plant and fungal kingdoms and have been traditionally used in various cultures for their health-promoting properties, more research is needed to fully understand their pathology, mechanisms of action, and potential benefits. Before incorporating these drugs into your routine, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions (specifically allergies) or are taking medications that could interact adversely with terpenoids. Please note that none of these statements have been reviewed by the FDA.
We ask you to consult with your physician prior to utilizing terpenoids to improve your daily health and wellness routine for a reason. This reason being that most foods or plants you’re allergic to are either because of pollen or specifically the terpenoids the plant contains. If you’ve ever had a adverse reaction to one “strain” of cannabis, that reaction is most likely tied to a terpenoid, not the cannabinoids.
Monoterpenes:
*1. Limonene:
- Potential Uses: Limonene is used in cosmetics, food flavorings, and cleaning products. It is also studied for its potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Benefits: Known for its citrus aroma, limonene is used as a natural fragrance and may have potential as an insect repellent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Citrus fruits (lemons, oranges, etc.), peppermint, rosemary, juniper, and others.
*2. Pinene:
- Potential Uses: Pinene is used in traditional medicine for its potential bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory effects. It is also studied for its potential in cognitive enhancement.
- Benefits: Pinene has a characteristic pine aroma and is used in perfumery. It may also have potential as an insect repellent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Pine trees, rosemary, basil, parsley, and others.
*3. Linalool:
- Potential Uses: Linalool is used in aromatherapy for its potential calming and sedative effects. It is also studied for its potential anti-anxiety and pain-relieving properties.
- Benefits: Linalool has a floral aroma and is used in perfumery and cosmetics. It may also have antimicrobial properties.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Lavender, basil, coriander, and others.
*4. Myrcene:
- Potential Uses: Myrcene is used in traditional medicine for its potential sedative and muscle relaxant effects. It is also studied for its potential anti-inflammatory properties.
- Benefits: Myrcene has a fruity aroma and is used in perfumery. It may also have potential as an analgesic.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Mango, hops, thyme, lemongrass, and others.
*5. Terpinolene:
- Potential Uses: Terpinolene is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent in food products. It is also studied for its potential antioxidant and anticancer properties.
- Benefits: Terpinolene has a floral, piney aroma and is used in fragrances. It may also have potential as an insect repellent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Nutmeg, cumin, lilacs, apples, and others.
*6. Camphene:
- Potential Uses: Camphene is used as a fragrance in perfumes and as a flavoring agent in food products. It is also studied for its potential antioxidant properties.
- Benefits: Camphene has a woody, herbal aroma and is used in traditional medicine for its potential as a topical analgesic.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Camphor trees, fir needles, nutmeg, and others.
- Pulegone:
- Potential Uses: Pulegone is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent in food products. It is also studied for its potential insecticidal properties.
- Benefits: Pulegone has a minty aroma and is used in traditional medicine for its potential as a digestive aid and topical analgesic.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Pennyroyal, peppermint, spearmint, and others.
- Camphor:
- Potential Uses: Camphor is used in traditional medicine for its potential as a topical analgesic and cough suppressant. It is also studied for its potential antimicrobial properties.
- Benefits: Camphor has a strong, aromatic odor and is used in topical ointments and liniments. It may also have potential as a decongestant.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Camphor trees, rosemary, camphor basil, and others.
Sesquiterpenes:
*9. Caryophyllene:
- Potential Uses: Caryophyllene is studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is also investigated for its potential in treating anxiety and depression.
- Benefits: Caryophyllene has a spicy, woody aroma and is used in perfumery. It may also have potential as a dietary supplement.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, hops, and others.
*10. Humulene:
- Potential Uses: Humulene is studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It is also investigated for its potential as an appetite suppressant.
- Benefits: Humulene has an earthy, woody aroma and is used in perfumery. It may also have potential as an antibacterial agent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Hops, sage, ginseng, and others.
- Farnesene:
- Potential Uses: Farnesene is studied for its potential insect-repellent properties. It is also investigated for its potential in skincare products.
- Benefits: Farnesene has a sweet, floral aroma and is used in perfumery. It may also have potential as an antioxidant.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Apples, citrus fruits, chamomile, and others
- Germacrene:
- Potential Uses: Germacrene is studied for its potential antimicrobial properties. It is also investigated for its potential in fragrance and flavor applications.
- Benefits: Germacrene has a woody, herbal aroma and is used in perfumery and aromatherapy. It may also have potential as an insect repellent.
- **Commonly Containing Plants:** Yarrow, carrot, ginger, and others.
*13. Bisabolene:
- Potential Uses: Bisabolene is studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It is also investigated for its potential in skincare products.
- Benefits: Bisabolene has a sweet, floral aroma and is used in perfumery. It may also have potential as an antioxidant.
- Commonly Containing Plants: German chamomile, myrrh, ginger, and others.
- Cedrene:
- Potential Uses: Cedrene is studied for its potential insect-repellent properties. It is also investigated for its potential in fragrance and flavor applications.
- Benefits: Cedrene has a woody, earthy aroma and is used in perfumery and aromatherapy. It may also have potential as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Cedarwood, cypress, juniper, and others.
Diterpenes:
- Taxadiene:
- Potential Uses: Taxadiene is studied for its potential in the synthesis of anticancer drugs, particularly in the production of taxanes.
- Benefits: Taxadiene is a precursor to taxanes, which are used in chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Yew trees (Taxus species).
16.Gibberellin:
- Potential Uses: Gibberellins are studied for their role in plant growth regulation and their potential applications in agriculture.
- Benefits: Gibberellins are used in agriculture to promote plant growth, particularly in the production of fruits and vegetables.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Various plant species.
- Carotenoids:
- Potential Uses: Carotenoids are studied for their potential antioxidant properties and their role in human health.
- Benefits: Carotenoids are important for human health as they act as antioxidants and may have protective effects against chronic diseases.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Carrots, tomatoes, spinach, and others.
Triterpenoids:
- Squalene:
- Potential Uses: Squalene is studied for its potential in skincare products and its role in cholesterol metabolism.
- Benefits: Squalene is used in skincare products for its moisturizing properties and is also a precursor to cholesterol.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Shark liver oil, olive oil, wheat germ oil, and others.
- Oleanolic Acid:
- Potential Uses: Oleanolic acid is studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- Benefits: Oleanolic acid is used in traditional medicine for its potential in liver protection and as a natural remedy for various ailments.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Olive oil, garlic, basil, and others.
- Ursolic Acid:
- Potential Uses: Ursolic acid is studied for its potential anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Benefits: Ursolic acid is used in traditional medicine for its potential in improving metabolic health and muscle growth.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Apple peels, holy basil, rosemary, and others.
Honorable Mentions:
*21. Borneol:
- Potential Uses: Borneol is studied for its potential in traditional medicine for its calming and analgesic effects.
- Benefits: Borneol is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its potential in pain relief and as a topical analgesic.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Blumea balsamifera, rosemary, and others.
- Eucalyptol:
- Potential Uses: Eucalyptol is studied for its potential in respiratory health and as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Benefits: Eucalyptol is used in cough drops and other remedies for its potential in respiratory conditions.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Eucalyptus, bay leaves, tea tree, and others.
- Thujone:
- Potential Uses: Thujone is studied for its potential in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial and insecticidal properties.
- Benefits: Thujone is used in traditional medicine for its potential as a natural insect repellent and antimicrobial agent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Thuja, sage, wormwood, and others.
- Menthol:
- Potential Uses: Menthol is studied for its potential in pain relief, respiratory health, and as a flavoring agent.
- Benefits: Menthol is used in cough drops, topical analgesics, and as a flavoring agent in food products.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Peppermint, cornmint, spearmint, and others.
*25. Citral:
- Potential Uses: Citral is studied for its potential antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
- Benefits: Citral is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent. It may also have potential as an antimicrobial agent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Lemongrass, lemon myrtle, lemon verbena, and others.
*26. Terpinene:
- Potential Uses: Terpinene is studied for its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Benefits: Terpinene is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent. It may also have potential as an antimicrobial agent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Cardamom, marjoram, cumin, and others.
- Sabinene:
- Potential Uses: Sabinene is studied for its potential anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
- Benefits: Sabinene is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent. It may also have potential as an antimicrobial agent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Black pepper, carrot seed oil, Norway spruce, and others.
*28. Alpha-Terpineol:
- Potential Uses: Alpha-Terpineol is studied for its potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Benefits: Alpha-Terpineol is used in perfumery and as a flavoring agent. It may also have potential as an antimicrobial agent.
- Commonly Containing Plants: Pine, Tea Tree, rosemary, & others
Our hope with this guide is that you will begin to find terpenes and cannabis varietals that give you the relief and effect you are searching for. As you can see from this guide, Indica vs. Sativa is not what dictates the effect of a “strain”. What dictates the energy, sedative, focus, etc effects of cannabis is the terpenes. Terpinoids are most commonly used in aromatherapy methodologies. These chemicals are what you smell while out in nature, stop to smell a flower and you guessed it your smelling the oxidization of terpenes from the flower. Nature really is a symphony for the senses to enjoy.
