7 Must-Know Facts About Terpenoids and Their Health Benefits
Cannabinoids usually get all the attention when it comes to the potential health benefits of hemp. There’s another class of substances you should be aware of.
Terpenoids occur naturally in both cannabis and hemp plants. They’re present in many full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products.
What are terpenoids, and why should you pay attention to them? As it turns out, these tiny molecules could be packing a real punch when it comes to health benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about terpenoids.
1. Terpenoids Occur in All Plants
You might be asking, “What are terpenoids?” They’re molecules that exist in all plants, including flowers, trees, shrubs, and grass. They’re as present in hemp plants as they are in lavender and lemons.
Terpenoids (and their precursors, terpenes) are often referred to as “essential oils.” They have many benefits for plants. They can also have benefits for humans and their four-legged friends.
2. Terpenoids Are Different than Terpenes
One key thing to note is that terpenes and terpenoids are two different things. The two terms are often used interchangeably, which is understandable.
That’s because terpenoids are derived from terpenes. Terpenes are the “precursor” to terpenoids. They exist in the plant as it grows.
Terpenes change into terpenoids when the plant is dried. Since many products are made from dried hemp, terpenoids is the more correct term.
Terpenes and terpenoids are still related. They usually have similar effects in both forms.
3. There Are Many Different Terpenoids
There are thousands of different terpenoids. Some of them appear to be unique to hemp and cannabis plants, while others are also found in many other plants.
Some common terpenoids include:
- Linalool, which is most often associated with lavender
- Limonene, which has a citrusy scent
- Alpha-pinene, which is what gives pine trees their unique aroma
Different terpenoids have different scent profiles. More than that, they have different impacts on mood, energy levels, and even health.
4. Their Aromas Have Physiological Effects
Terpenoids in plants are what give them their unique smell. As mentioned, limonene has a citrusy scent, while alpha-pinene smells like pine trees.
Linalool has a floral scent, while the terpenoid myrcene has an earthy scent. Other terpenoids smell like cracked pepper, mint, and more.
These scents are more than just aromatic though. They can also have physiological effects. That means they act on the body.
Think about the last time you smelled an orange. Did you feel a little bit more energized after? Limonene has an energizing effect.
Linalool is more likely to help you kick back and relax. Lavender’s calming ability is thanks to its high concentration of this terpenoid.
5. They May Have Serious Health Benefits
The health benefits of terpenoids go beyond their pleasant aromas or their ability to help your pet feel calmer. New research is painting a clearer picture of what terpenoids can do. More research will show just how important these substances may be in supporting health.
Here are some of the major findings about terpenoid health benefits thus far:
- Linalool has anti-inflammatory properties, so it can soothe irritated skin, while also boosting the immune system
- Myrcene also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as working to relieve pain
- Alpha-pinene may also be an anti-inflammatory, besides acting as an antiseptic
- Limonene has anti-fungal properties and could help fight obesity
- Caryophyllene has anti-fungal properties, as well as antioxidant properties
- Terpinolene may have anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities
These are just some of the terpenoids found in hemp plants. Research into their health benefits is ongoing. Some studies are exploring how terpenoids may help in the treatment of cancer.
One study has even shown that caryophyllene may be useful in treating mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
6. They Enhance CBD
Terpenoids’ health benefits are something quite impressive on their own. They also appear to play another role in supporting health. Terpenoids seem to be able to enhance the effects of CBD.
The CBD entourage effect says CBD enhances the effects of other substances in the plant. That includes terpenoids. By extension, it also seems like terpenoids may make CBD even more effective.
So a terpenoid like a caryophyllene, which has promise for helping with anxiety, may be enhanced by CBD. Research also shows CBD has effects on mood. Caryophyllene may enhance those effects.
Linalool acts somewhat like a sedative. It can help people and their pets relax and drift off to dreamland. When combined with CBD, which also promotes relaxation and sleep, the effects may be more pronounced.
The list of synergies between terpenoids and CBD goes on and on. This entourage effect is one of the major reasons you may want to consider full-spectrum CBD products.
Why choose full-spectrum over CBD isolate for your pets? Isolates are more refined. The refining process filters out terpenoids, which may mean your pet gets less from CBD isolate.
7. Some Products List Terpenoids
Research is now showing the importance of terpenoids for mood and health. As a result, some companies are choosing to list terpenoids on their products. This can help you choose an even better product for your pet, as you’ll know which terpenoids are in the product.
With this information, it’s easier to choose a full-spectrum product that will act as an anti-anxiety formula. It could also make it easier to spot which product is likely to be an effective anti-fungal. It may also make it clear which one could help reduce swelling and inflammation after an injury.
High-quality CBD products are usually full-spectrum. That means your pet will get the goodness of CBD combined with everything terpenoids have to offer.
Get the Best CBD Products Have to Offer
Science is illuminating how important terpenoids could be in supporting the effectiveness of CBD. This guide has hopefully answered many of your questions about these essential oils. It’s easy to see why terpenoids are important components of full-spectrum CBD products.
Wondering how CBD can help your pet? Talk to your vet, or get in touch with the experts. They can help you discover a better way to support your pet’s best health.
