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Whether you’re looking for a new way to relax or simply want a calming alternative to integrate into your daily routine, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn about terpenes. This natural aromatic compound can be found in a variety of plants and some animals, which are either used to attract pollinators or repel predators. Because of the unique scents it produces, terpenes have actually become the base of many essential oils, making them a key element to aromatherapy and a safe supplementary medical aid for disorders.
There are many types of terpenes, and though only a small portion of them have been studied, most of them offer anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Here are some notable terpenes with medical benefits that you won’t want to miss out on.
- Limonene – A mood-booster found in citrusy fruits like lemons. This offers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiviral properties.
- Pinene – Another mood-boosting scent, you’ll find this in pines. Its fresh, earthy scent can improve focus and memory. It also stands as a bronchodilator, enabling your lungs to inhale more air.
- Myrcene – Known for its calming effects, myrcene’s herbal and musky aroma works as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antibiotic. It also holds potential for anti-tumor effects.
- Linalool – Found in lavender plants, this terpene is used to help treat anxiety and depression.
- Beta-caryophyllene – Recognized for its peppery odor, beta-caryophyllene is found in black pepper, cloves, and rosemary. Like most other terpenes, this holds anti-inflammatory properties, while also protecting the digestive tract.
Introducing Terpenes Into Your Lifestyle
Thanks to the variety of plants that contain terpenes, it’s easy to find terpene-infused products you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle to reap its benefits. Here are a few fun products you can start integrating into your routines or try for yourself, as long as you take them with proper caution and a mindful selection of suitable terpenes.
Light terpene-infused candles
If you’re fond of warm, candle-lit evenings, switching to terpene-infused candles will be easy. Most of these candles are crafted with natural and organic materials, making them a great choice if you’re also conscious of purchasing environment-friendly products.
Liven up your space with essential oils
Essential oils are where you’re most likely to find terpene, making it great for aromatherapy. Its scent is used in a range of oils you may already be familiar with, such as bergamot, lemon, lavender, chamomile, and cedarwood. Add a drop of these oils into your home diffuser and let it work its magic.
Choose terpene-infused skincare and soaps
Some terpenes possess antibacterial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. When applied to the skin, these terpenes can take better effect. Luckily, because terpene is a natural compound found in several plants, it may be easy to find skincare and soaps that contain it. It’s important to note, however, that these terpene-infused products are best absorbed when they are water-soluble. This is because the skin has high water content, so you’ll have a lower likeliness of reaping any benefits in products that can’t dissolve in water.
Opt for vegan candies
There is a growing number of confectioners creating vegan candies, crafting them with all-natural ingredients — free from refined sugars and relying on terpenes for bolder flavors and powerful aromas. These yummy terpene-infused candies can help give you that energizing or relaxing boost you’re looking for when you search for something sweet.
Treat yourself with chocolate
Not too fond of gummies or hard candy? There’s another way you can delightfully enjoy terpene: chocolate! Terpenes are naturally present in cacao and are what gives chocolate its distinct flavor — from earthy to fruity, floral, and sweet. Recent studies have discovered new ways to process chocolate (in smaller batches) so that it can keep the natural terpenes even after production.
Consume it in craft beer
Beer manufacturers have recently started concocting beers with a splash of terpenes. Breweries will purchase terpenes from accredited companies, and then add a legal volume into the mix before the beer’s carbonation process. They lend their unique aroma and enhanced flavors — ranging from zesty to fresh and fruity — to the beverage.
Some may dismiss terpenes as a trend or another edgy statement. Contrary to this, terpenes are more than just a fad. These natural compounds can be consumed safely by people and have been studied to host a variety of benefits for legal and medical use. Their most prominent effects range from anti-inflammatory, analgesic, to anxiolytic.
Everyone can enjoy terpenes in their preferred way. From filling your home with their invigorating scent to caring for yourself with skincare, and even enjoying them as a sweet treat or a drink, there are a lot of possibilities out there. Before taking part in it, of course, it’s important to purchase terpenes responsibly. Find reliable brands that manufacture terpene-infused products legally with utmost quality.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
