Best Terpenes for Inflammation

You probably already know that cannabis and hemp products have potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. But you probably also assume this is solely because of the cannabinoids, by which most people mean THC and CBD, with a sprinkling of others thrown in.

While THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in cannabis and hemp may have anti-inflammatory potential, they are far from the only molecules in those products that can reduce inflammation.

We are, first off, talking about terpenes. Yes, terpenes – the compound that makes weed smell and taste the way it does is also potentially helping you get various health benefits from the plant. And it is definitely a plant.

In case you don’t know what terpenes are (which you might not, given that they are pretty chemically mind-bending), we’ll briefly explain this here, below.

We will then talk about the different health benefits of terpenes, including their potential anti-inflammatory effects, and we’ll tell you what some of the best anti-inflammatory terpenes available are.

Key Takeaways

• Terpenes are the substances found in plants that give them their flavors and aromas.
• Terpenes are not only there for aroma and flavors but also have a variety of potential medical and therapeutic benefits.
• Besides being anti-inflammatory, terpenes may also be analgesic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-allergy, and they may help you sleep, reduce anxiety, and so much more.

What Are Terpenes in Cannabis?

A specific class of natural compounds called terpenes are present in nearly all plants, herbs and in a good number of animals too. Novelty aside, all matter of plants,herbs, cannabis, even trees, shrubs, grasses, flowers, really all vegetation release some form of terpenes.

In simpler terms, it’s the essential oils that plants make. Terpenes are what give them their character and aroma. The terpenes of a plant give the unique flavour and odour to a strain of cannabis.

Every plant has its own terpenes and therefore every strain of cannabis has its own flavour. Indeed, almost all of the plants and fruit that you already encounter on a day to day basis harbour terpenes.

In the natural world, terpenes also aid in protecting plants from predators. There are several potential health benefits that terpenes can provide for human beings.

What Are the Health Benefits of Terpenes?

The terpenes found in cannabis plants and other plants on this planet have a wide variety of potential benefits, so let’s take a quick look at what exactly these might be.

Sleep Aid

Possibly the most touted benefit of teperenes is they can act as sleep aids. Numerous terpenes ranging from myrcene, linalool and terpinolene to caryophyllene may help your head hit the pillow. Nearly all of these terpenes, in one way or another, are sedating.

Some terpenes increase the levels of adenosine in your blood and your brain and may induce a little drowsiness. Most terpenes are wonderful at helping you recover from insomnia. Read more about the best terpenes for sleep to complement your knowledge of terpenes for inflammation.

Anti-Inflammatories

Another major benefit is that many terpenes are anti-inflammatory. Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, linalool, ocimene, and humulene, may all help with inflammation in the body.

In general, how these terpenes can remove inflammation from your body is slightly different based on the one you use, but the end result is the same. Some terpenes can manage acute inflammation (this is inflammation that starts suddenly, such as from an injury), and then there is chronic inflammation, which is prolonged inflammation that can last for years.

Bottom line is that many terpenes can reduce inflammatory markers in the body. For instance, some of these terpenes can reduce nitrous oxide in the blood, a substance that is produced from inflammatory cells.

Essentially, when your body is fighting off an infection or other issues, your immune system produces inflammatory compounds. Terpenes may help your immune system not create those inflammatory compounds which prevent or reduce inflammation.

Pain Reduction

Perhaps the biggest medicinal benefit of some of these terpenes could be against chronic pain. Linalool, myrcene, pinene, caryophyllene and limonene all have been known to have pain-relieving qualities.

Many of these terpenes seem to work by interacting with your cannabinoid receptors in some way or other. They might act as analgesics. Theories suggest that some of the terpenes block the ability of pain signals to pass from your nerves through your brain.

Others might increase your levels of adenosine in your brain, which can act in a similar fashion to block the perception of pain.

Concentration and Memory

There are then also a select few terpenes that may be able to help increase concentration, memory and focus. Pinene, linalool, and limonene, may in their own ways all be able to help make you feel more alert.

Now, here we are talking more about memory and concentration in terms of long-term health, such as acting as potential treatments for a variety of neurodegenerative diseases. In other words, various terpenes may be able to help prevent or at least slow down cognitive and neural decline.

Antimicrobial Benefits

A somewhat lesser-known benefit of terpenes is that some terpenes may also have antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral activity. So not only can certain terpenes kill bacteria and fungi, but some may also be effective at killing viruses.

Possible terpenes with antiviral activity that have been identified include caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, ocimene and pinene.

So in this respect, terpenes might also be somewhat useful in helping to relieve symptoms associated with a variety of bacterial, fungal and viral infections.

Stress and Anxiety Relief

Furthermore, we then have terpenes that help out with different levels of stress, anxiety and depression. And among those are limonene, pinene, myrcene, linalool and caryophyllene.

For the most part, this generally involves a couple of different reasons. One is how terpenes may interact with your brain when it comes to the neurotransmitters that are associated with serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol.

In fact, there are many different terpenes that could be increasing serotonin and dopamine in the brain and lowering your cortisol level. And when that happens, you’ll generally feel much happier, more relaxed, less stressed and less anxious and depressed.

My Feelings on Terpenes for Inflammation

And I’ve moved into terpenes because they’re anti-inflammatory. I dabble with CBD and THC but, honestly, diving into terpenes was life-changing. I’ve been using myrcene, which is also in mangoes and lemongrass, it’s quite spicy, earthy, and grounding, and I’ve found it so calming. It’s got some pretty potent anti-inflammatory properties and I think it helps with some of my constant aches.

And then there’s limonene with its citrusy wallop that is anti-inflammatory as well as mood-enhancing; I get it in citrus fruits and in certain marijuana strains such as Berry White. I’ve been loving it and have found that it’s a great pick-me-up on days when I need that extra push to get through the pain and maintain a positive mindset.

Similar to how CBD and THC had sparked a new way of thinking about cannabis wellness for me, using terpenes felt like I was opening up a whole new world of plant-based medicinal tools, and the three elements seemed to bolster each other’s effects. If you’re interested in natural wellness, it’s worth taking a closer look at terpenes.

Are Terpenes Effective in Treating Inflammation?

Based on various studies and pieces of research, it is shown that terpenes are indeed effective at relieving and treating inflammation, both acute and chronic inflammation.

Now, terpenes on their own often won’t have a huge effect, but when combined with cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, their efficacy increases significantly. This is generally related to the entourage effect, which is how cannabinoids interact with terpenes in the human body.

That said, terpenes on their own may still have a variety of health benefits, mainly the ones as listed above, but those health benefits are usually much greater when combined with the cannabinoids contained in cannabis. Let’s move on and talk about how exactly anti-inflammatory terpenes work.

How do Terpenes Alleviate Inflammation?

What We Know About Terpenes for Inflammation

Let’s just do a quick summary of exactly what we know about terpenes and inflammation.

• There are various terpenes that may be able to help reduce inflammation, including myrcene, limonene, caryophyllene, pinene, linalool, terpinolene, and humulene.
• These cannabinoids on their own may be able to help reduce inflammation. Although, they usually work better when combined with cannabinoids, mainly THC and CBD, which is then known as the entourage effect.
• Terpenes may be able to help reduce inflammation by inhibiting the proliferation of inflamed cells, inducing apoptosis, suppressing cytokine production, and through the induction of T-regulatory cells.

Best Anti-Inflammatory Terpenes

Now that we know how terpenes may be able to help alleviate pain and inflammation, let’s take a look at some of the top contenders for the title of the best anti-inflammatory terpene.

Myrcene

First on the list, we have myrcene. This is one of the most commonly found terpenes in cannabis, and it can also be found in thyme, bay, parsley, sweet basil, lemongrass, eucalyptus, mangoes, melons, and more. Some of the best strains that contain this terpene include Grape Ape, White Widow, Pure Kush, and Mango Kush, along with OG Kush, and Blue Dream.

Myrcene has a spicy, peppery, and earthy odor, with hints of fruitiness and cloves. This particular terpene is known for having strong anti-inflammatory properties. It is also thought to be a sedative, an analgesic, and an antibiotic as well. This may just be the number one best terpene for anti-inflammatory properties.

Limonene

We then have limonene, which is another terpene known for having potential anti-inflammatory properties. Along with having potential anti-inflammatory properties, this terpene may also have analgesic pain-killing effects, it may act as an antioxidant, it could be beneficial for your cardiovascular health, it may be beneficial for your respiratory tract, and it could also help support healthy digestion.

Limonene can be found in Berry White, White Widow, Sour Lifter, Banana Kush, Lemon Skunk, Purple Hindu Kush, and in other strains. In nature, limonene is most often found in various citrus fruits. As you can probably tell, it has a very lemony and citrusy flavor profile. It may also be found in a variety of trees, such as aspens, as well as in Rosemary.

Caryophyllene

Then we have caryophyllene, which is yet another terpene that has supposed anti-inflammatory properties. This terpene is usually found in cloves, black pepper, spinach, hops, cinnamon, Rosemary, allspice, chamomile, oregano, and more. This terpene features a spicy, herbaceous, and woody flavor profile.

Some strains that caryophyllene is commonly found in include Crescendo, Do Si Dos, Gorilla Grapes, Pineapple Express, Sour Diesel, and Pink Lemonade. This terpene has great potential as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, and it may even be beneficial for bone health. It also may act as a reliever of stress and anxiety.

Pinene

Next on the list is pinene, which as you can guess closely resembles pine trees in terms of aroma. This terpinene has an aroma similar to pine needles, rosemary, basil, hops, dill, and parsley, all rolled into one.

As you can probably guess, pine needles, orange peels, lavender, pine nuts, basil, parsley, and more, all contain this terpene. There are also many strains rich in pinene, including Island Sweet Skunk, OG Kush, Strawberry Cough, Blue Dream, Cannatonic, and more.

Pinning is believed to be a fairly powerful anti-inflammatory. It may also help with memory, anxiety, and more.

Linalool

Linalool is yet another terpene that is believed to have a variety of benefits. These include being an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and an antimicrobial. It may also have various benefits for allergy sufferers, for your hair, and anxiety.

Some of the most common foods and plants that contain linalool include lavender, roses, and many other flowers. Little unusual features a combination of spice, wood, and floral notes. Some common strains that contain linalool include Master Kush, OG Shark, LA Confidential, Pink Kush, and Amnesia Haze.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene has an extremely woodsy, floral, herbal, and sometimes citrusy smell. It is commonly present in various trees, particularly coniferous trees such as pine trees. It can also be found in tea trees, cumin, rosemary, nutmeg, and sage.

As far as cannabis strains are concerned, ones that are rich in terpinolene include Grape Gum, Utopia Haze, Fire Angel, and Juicy Fruit. Besides being an anti-inflammatory agent, terpinolene is also thought to be a powerful antibacterial agent, a good sedative, an antifungal, and more.

Humulene

Finally, we have humulene. Besides being an anti-inflammatory, this is also believed to be an analgesic, antibacterial agent, and insect repellent, and may also help to combat allergies. Humulene can be found in hops, black pepper, coriander, basil, cloth, sage, and the balsam fir tree.

Humulene is quite subtle and features a combination of earthiness, woodiness, spiciness, and an undertone of herbal notes. Some humulene-rich strains include Azure Haze, Lightsaber, Finola, and Citrus Fire. Interestingly enough, this terpene is often found in hemp plants.

Do THC and CBD Reduce Inflammation?

Yes, THC and CBD may also both reduce inflammation. In this sense, they function in very similar ways, by binding and interacting with the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors in the human body.

By interacting with these receptors, it allows these cannabinoids to regulate immune responses related to inflammation, as well as the perception of pain. In simplest terms, just like terpenes may be able to help reduce inflammatory markers in the human body, so can cannabinoids.

What is Better for Pain and Inflammation, CBD or THC?

Final Thoughts

The bottom line here is that terpenes may very well help relieve inflammation, pain, and so much more. You can buy pure terpene sauce that doesn’t contain any cannabinoids, or you can of course also purchase various hemp and cannabis products that contain both cannabinoids and terpenes.

In the grand scheme of things, if you have severe inflammation and pain, your best bet is likely to combine cannabinoids with terpenes.

Where to Buy Terpene Rich Live Resin Tincture Online

If you are looking for a great place to buy some live resin rich with terpenes, right here at Botany Farms is the best place to be. For instance, this Live Resin CBD Tincture is a perfect example. If you are all about flavor, then our own Botany Farms Delta-9 Microdose Blue Raspberry Gummies might be right for you.

References for this Article:

• https://www.uclahealth.org/news/terpenes-and-cbd-may-reduce-inflammation-and-fight-viruses#
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2365613/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6308289/
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9319952/
• https://altmed.com.au/lifestyle/best-terpenes-for-focus-and-productivity/