The fast-paced way of today’s living causes us more stress than ever before. We have more obligations, frequent deadlines, and a responsibility to be often available online. So it would be nice to have something to help us unwind and relax throughout the day.
This is where terpenes can come into play. Terpenes are highly aromatic organic compounds widely found in many different plants. They are the substances that give plants and herbs such as rosemary, pine, lavender, and many more their distinctive odors, flavors, and even colors.
Additionally, terpenes are often what distinguishes different strands of cannabis, and they are responsible for that potent smell cannabis is known for. Aside from that, they also have secondary effects, like increasing CBD and THC effectiveness or providing completely different benefits.
This article will look at the importance of relaxation and how terpenes can benefit your health. We will also consider a few different terpenes and the calming and relaxing effects they can have. Keep on reading to find out more.
Why relaxing is important for your health
There are many sources of stress affecting our lives. You might have an upcoming exam, a presentation to make, or a few extra tasks at work that need your undivided attention.
Whatever the source of the stress, most of the time, you can handle it fairly well and recover quickly.
However, sometimes the stressors keep pilling up, affecting you physically and mentally. In these cases, you must relax to reduce the negative consequences stress can cause.
Relaxation can come in several different forms. You could try one of these 6 quick and easy destressing activities, or you might even try a supplement to help you deal with the stress.
Whatever you do, there are a few benefits you can enjoy with appropriate relaxation.
Physical benefits
Relaxation has a noticeable effect on your cardiovascular system, i.e., the health of your heart. Relaxation significantly reduces your blood sugar levels and heart rate.
Your heart pressure also goes down while the overall blood flow increases, which is crucial for your overall health.
Aside from being good for your heart, alleviating stress can also help relax your muscles. This plays a role in reducing the chronic pain we often feel after coping with stress for a longer time.
Finally, since the body doesn’t have to excerpt energy from being constantly tense, it can focus on other essential functions.
One of these is digestion, and when you are relaxed, the body can absorb more nutrients more easily. This plays a big part in helping fight various diseases that we might face.
Mental benefits
When it comes to relaxation, one of the more immediate benefits is better sleep. Not only can you sleep for longer when you are relaxed, but the quality of your sleep also improves.
This goes a long way to providing an energy boost to help you deal with your daily responsibilities.
Besides the added energy, you also get a sense of calmness and confidence, knowing that you can better tackle anything on your plate. This also reduces the long-term fatigue you might have accumulated as it makes it hard to function normally.
Ultimately, being more relaxed and at ease is hugely beneficial to fighting various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Being more relaxed gives you a better position to acquire new and helpful habits and coping strategies to address these struggles.
What are the health benefits of terpenes
Terpenes can be found in nearly every plant in the world, and even in some animals. They are one of the things that give these plants their beneficial effects and distinguishing characteristics.
Terpenes are also what give the cannabis plant its unique smell.
Additionally, different strains of cannabis contain varying terpenes, which give the strains their distinct aromas and augment the absorption, effectiveness, and experiences cannabis strains provide.
Entourage effect
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD often take the spotlight when it comes to research and public interest in cannabis benefits. However, since 2011 there has been a growing interest in terpenes and how they help cannabinoids achieve their intended benefits.
The synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes is referred to as the entourage effect. Essentially, the combination of the two is greater than the sum of its parts, and they cooperate to give better results. This has a wide application for health improvements for cannabinoids.
For instance, you might need a smaller amount of CBD to get the same benefits. Alternatively, you could use terpenes to broaden the spectrum of cannabinoids that can benefit you beyond just CBD or THC. They can even reduce the short-term memory loss that may occur with prolonged THC use.
Therapeutic potential
Terpenes and the plants containing them have long been used in traditional and natural medicine for their benefits. Now modern studies are trying to confirm their effectiveness and provide medical uses.
Many terpenes are shown to have potent anti-viral and antibacterial properties. There is also interest in trying to use terpenes as a form of antimalaria drugs.
Additionally, terpenes can be added to other medications to alleviate some adverse side effects.
However, it should be noted that terpenes have only been studied closely in the last few years, so more research is needed. Nevertheless, the studies we do have now and the anecdotal evidence show potential for several untapped health benefits.
Best terpenes for relaxation
Terpenes can be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety, helping you relax more easily. While they can be effective on their own, it is a good idea to combine them with cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other plant derivatives for optimal benefits.
The two notable relaxing terpenes are myrcene and linalool. Myrcene additionally helps in aiding sleep, while linalool has antidepressant and anxiolytic properties.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis. It is a monoterpene and is the main component of the essential oils of the South African buchu shrubs. Additionally, it can be found in other plants, such as bay, mangoes, lemongrass, and more.
Myrcene has an earthy and musky aroma, with fruit notes, and its taste is earthy and peppery. Because of this, it is often used in food and beverage production.
A study by Shelini et al. looked at what potential health effects myrcene has on humans. Even though it found promising positive influences, they concluded they further research is needed for more definitive proof.
In terms of calming effects, myrcene may help with muscle relaxation and can reduce stress. This terpene can even be used as a potential sleep aid and may help you deal with anxiety more easily.
Linalool
Linalool is another terpene commonly found in many flowers and spices, but it is most abundant in lavender and gives it its distinct scent. It has a complex floral and woody aroma and a citrus-like taste with spicy notes.
Coriander, jasmine, cinnamon, and cannabis all contain linalool.
Linalool has been found to have various effects on the body due to its many properties. It may help reduce anxiety, act as an antidepressant, and protect the nerves. Additionally, it may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and has the potential to help fight illness.
Since linalool has a distinct lavender scent and is responsible for the flower’s smell, it is commonly found in essential oils derived from this plant. These essential oils are usually used to relax and calm the mind.
Calming terpenes
Many terpenes also have a calming effect on your body and mind, and they may alleviate stress or help you better sleep better.
Of the many terpenes that can help you achieve these effects, terpinolene and alpha-terpinene are two of the most exceptional.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is mainly associated with sativa-dominant strains. Many trees, such as conifer, apple, and tea trees, also contain this terpene as well as sage, lilac, and rosemary.
While terpinolene has a piney aroma, it has a fresh and floral taste and a citrus hint.
Terpinolene has been reported to have antifungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties, but it is mostly used because of its mild sedative actions. In addition, this terpene enhances the benefits of THC and CBD, boosting their effectiveness on the body.
Alpha-terpinene
You can find alpha-terpinene in multiple plants. Essential oils of cardamom, citrus, Eucalyptus, Marjoram, and Jupitrus all contain it. It has a woody yet citrusy aroma with a distinct lemony flavor. This is why, among other uses, alpha-terpinene is used in fragrances and flavor additives.
However, another important property of alpha-terpinene is its therapeutic effect. Namely, it is known as an effective antioxidant and has sedative properties. Because of this, it can be used to relax and calm your body and mind.
Best terpenes for muscle relaxation
You can find many different terpenes for the relaxation of the muscles. This is mainly because they reduce muscle pain and inflammation, helping your body rest more easily. Pinene, beta-caryophyllene, and nerolidol are three excellent options to achieve this effect.
Pinene
Pinene can be in two forms, alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. While the two variants may appear similar, they have some noticeable differences.
The alpha form is more common in cannabis and has a pine and rosemary aroma, whereas beta-pinene smells more like basil, dill, and parsley. Both pinenes have an earthy taste.
Alpha pinene has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial effects. However, the best-known use case for pinene is its ability to open up and clear the airways.
A common Japanese therapy called Shirin-Yoku or “forest-breathing” involves walking around the forest and soaking up the natural scents, where pinene plays a big part.
On top of that, this terpene is being investigated for its antidepressant and anti-anxiety properties. This, along with the aforementioned bronchodilator effect, can help you relax both your mind and body.
Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is found in cloves, black peppers, rosemary, and cannabis, among other herbs and vegetables. It has a distinctive spicy and sweet aroma and the taste of cloves with woody notes.
It is notable since this was the first terpene to be shown to act on the CBD receptors in the body.
Beta-caryophyllene mainly acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and as an analgesic. Since it may reduce inflammation and nerve pain, it might be effective against long-term chronic pain.
It also shows the potential to help sleep by decreasing movement and body temperature during sleep.
Nerolidol
Unlike most other terpenes, this one has a lighter aroma with citrus, apples, and rose notes, so it is often used in fragrances. It has a delicate floral taste.
Many different aromatic plants and flowers contain nerolidol, including cannabis, jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass.
Nerolidol has many different effects on the body as it can fight microbes and parasites, prevent serious infection, and act as an anti-oxidant.
On top of that, it can have an anti-anxiety, sedative, and pain-relieving effect on the body. These effects combine to calm down and relax the body and muscles, so it is excellent in the evening or after a long and tedious day.
Best products to help you relax
So now that we have discussed just how important relaxation is and how terpenes can help you with that, what is the best product to get?
There are many different types of products available on the market that contain terpenes, and most of these are in the form of edibles and drops for easy and convenient consumption.
For example, you could check out our FOCL Premium CBD Gummies, which have a familiar taste and texture and come in three different delicious tastes. Packed with premium CBD in each gummy, they are just what you need to go about your day.
There are also FOCL Premium CBD Drops, where you can choose your own dose according to your needs. All of these come in different flavors and contain CBD oil in addition to terpenes for added focus and relaxation.
So do not hesitate to try these little helpers out on your path to a better and healthier life. Now sit down and relax!
