Terpenes in the cannabis world come in all shapes and sizes, each with its own different properties.
Botanical terpenes are of the same variety with many different types to go around. The major difference is that botanical terpenes are found in plants besides cannabis.
Now let’s take a look at these types of terpenes, what they’re used for, and the plant(s) from which they’re derived.
In this article
Limonene
Limonene is the most common botanical terpene found in nature. This monoterpene takes its name from the lemon due to its strong citrus-like smell and flavor. Limonene occurs naturally in the rind of citrus fruits and many other plants, and can also be synthetically produced.
It is an important component found in many essential oils and provides numerous beneficial properties due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. Limonene has been found to be effective in the treatment of several skin conditions such as acne and eczema, and is used therapeutically as a relaxant.
It has also been used as a natural pesticide and insect repellent. Limonene is a safe, natural, and versatile ingredient that provides many functional benefits and is an important part of many therapeutic, cosmetic, and household products.
Myrcene
Myrcene, also known as β-Myrcene, is one of the most common botanical terpenes found in many plants, particularly cannabis. Myrcene has a wide range of uses, from being a sedative to being included in body care and beauty products, and most notably, as a flavor ingredient or additive.
It is commonly used to accentuate or strengthen the flavor of food products, and to produce fragrant smells in perfumes and lotions. Myrcene is respected for its anti-inflammatory, sedative, and antimicrobial properties.
It is also suggested to possess antioxidative and analgesic properties. Moreover, myrcene has been known to interact with the endocannabinoid system, resulting in increased cannabinoid bioavailability.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene found in many plants and is one of the most abundant botanical terpenes on the planet. Not only is caryophyllene the most common botanical terpene in the world, but it is also one of the most studied and widely recognized terpenes.
It is found in a variety of plants, including cloves, hops, cinnamon, black pepper, and oregano. This terpene is also present in cannabis, adding a unique sweet, herbal, and woody aroma to many cannabis varieties.
Caryophyllene also has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties, as well as an affinity for the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Linalool
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found in many plants, such as lavender. It is one of the most commonly studied and utilized botanical terpenes. It has a distinct floral aroma and is believed to be beneficial in supporting numerous wellness goals.
Among its many potential benefits is its role in calming the nervous system and promoting anxiety relief. At a molecular level, linalool has powerful antioxidant qualities, and it may also help balance hormones and improve cognitive function.
In addition, it is also known to alleviate pain and promote a deeper and more restful sleep. Beyond its potential wellness benefits, linalool is also popular in fragrances, cosmetics, and food products due to its distinct flowery scent. It is present in numerous products for these reasons, making linalool one of the most common botanical terpenes.
Pinene
Pinene is the most commonly found terpene found in botanical and essential oils. It is a bicyclic monoterpene and is the most widely found terpene in nature. It is present in many essential oils, particularly those of pine and fir trees, basil, dill, rosemary, and cannabis varieties high in pinene.
Its title comes from its distinct aroma, which is reminiscent of pine trees. Pinene is known to have therapeutic properties, including being an anti-inflammatory, an antibiotic, a bronchodilator, and a promoter of alertness and mental clarity.
Pinene’s therapeutic properties can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as allergies, asthma, inflammation, fungal infections, and anxiety. Finally, pinene is also being studied for use in pharmaceuticals, primarily for its anti-cancer properties.
Humulene
Humulene is most commonly found in the essential oils of hops and cannabis. It is a sesquiterpene which is a naturally occurring compound found in plants that has a unique aroma and flavor.
It is found in high levels in the essential oils of wild bay, black pepper, sage, and cannabis. The presence of humulene has been linked to several medical benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and anti-tumor properties.
In addition to its medicinal benefits, humulene is widely valued for its aroma and flavor in food and beverages. It has an earthy and woody aroma and flavor, similar to that of black pepper and sap. Humulene is also used in perfumery and cosmetics as a fixative to make scents last longer on the skin.
Camphene
Camphene is a most common botanical terpene that can be found in many essential oils and herbs. It is a monocyclic hydrocarbon composed of two isoprene units. It has a strong smell and is often used as a flavoring agent in many food products.
In addition, it is used as a preservative in pharmaceutical formulations and has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Camphene is also a powerful scent that has been found to be helpful in treating respiratory disorders.
It is also a constituent of the essential oil of various plants including cypress, ginger, parsley, and eucalyptus. Due to its strong, woody scent, camphene has found uses in flavors for food and beverages, providing a depth of flavor.
Borneol
Borneol is one of the most common botanical terpene compounds found in nature. It is found in a variety of plants and trees, especially in areas near the sea or waterways.
Borneol has a unique sweet yet pungent aroma that is used in aromatherapy, as it is believed to have calming effects on the body and mind. Borneol can be used as an insect repellent or an antifungal due to its antimicrobial properties.
It can also help with digestion and metabolism because of its ability to stimulate digestive enzymes. Borneol can also be used to ease muscle tension, reduce inflammation, and help ward off colds. Learn more about plant science through the 22nd Century Group.
All About Botanical Terpenes
Botanical terpenes offer an array of aromas and flavors for the cannabis connoisseur. Research into the effects of individual terpenes is ongoing, so check numbers and resources frequently to stay up to date.
For those who want to capitalize on the ability to customize and tailor cannabis experiences to their liking, understanding botanical terpene profiles is essential.
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