Bisabolol (Floral) (also known as levomenol) has a pleasant floral aroma and can also be found in chamomile flower and candeia tree. Primarily used in the cosmetics industry, but lately found to be effective in treating bacterial infections and wounds and is a great antioxidant with anti-irritation and analgesic properties.
Borneol (Herbal Minty) has a herbal minty scent and can be found in herbs like rosemary, mint and camphor. It is a natural insect repellent and is considered good at preventing diseases such as the West Nile virus. One study found that it kills breast cancer cells and has been widely used in Chinese acupuncture.
Camphene (Woody Musk) has an aroma of fir needles, musky earth and damp woodlands (very similar to Myrcene). When mixed with vitamin C, it becomes a powerful antioxidant and is widely used as a topical for skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis. Its greatest medicinal potential may lie in its ability to lower the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, in turn lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Caryophyllene (Pepper Spice) is found in a variety of edible plants and herbs and smells of pepper and spice, and can also be found in black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, basil and rosemary. It has long been used in anti-inflammatory topicals and creams and is also thought to reduce anxiety, and is recommended for treating alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
Eucalyptol (Minty Floral) also known as Cineole, is the primary terpene of the eucalyptus tree. It has recognizable minty and cool tones and is used in cosmetics as well as medicine. Eucalyptol relieves pain but also slows the growth of bacteria and fungus, and although still in the early stages of research, this terpene has shown some promising effects on Alzheimer’s as well.
Geraniol (Floral Woody) is also found in lemons and tobacco. Its smell reminds of rose grass, peaches and plums. It’s usually used in aromatic bath products and body lotions. Geraniol has shown a lot of potential as a neuroprotectant and antioxidant.
Guaiol (Pine Woody) is commonly found in cypress pine and boasts a piney aroma with woodsy and rosy undertones. With its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it is being studied as a possible agent to inhibit growth in lung cancer cells.
Humulene (Woody Spice) is most commonly found in hops, which is also its most pronounced flavour characteristic. it can be also found in clove, sage, and black pepper. It's thought to suppress appetite and is currently being studied for its effects on cancer cells.
Limonene (Lemon Citrus) provides a sweet lemon smell. Citrus fruits are loaded with limonene, and it's commonly extracted for use in foods, cleaning products and cosmetics. It is believed to have the potential to improve mood and relaxation, and has been known to help reduce tumor size.
Linalool (Floral Spice) is found in lavender and is most responsible for the recognizable marijuana smell. The rich floral scent with just a taste of spice makes it a popular choice for aromatherapy, especially as a scent that helps with sleep and relaxation.
Myrcene (Musk Citrus) is the most common and abundant terpene found in cannabis. It's also found in mango, with a flavour profile that's a mix of citrus and musk (eating a mango 45 min. before smoking will increase THC effect). Myrcene has been known for its sedative properties and may be part of the reason cannabis has been used for pain management and is usually recommended as a supplement during cancer treatments.
Nerolidol (Woody Citrus) can be found in jasmine, lemongrass, ginger, tea tree and lavender. It has a strong, woodsy scent, mixed with citrus. Known for its sedative and relaxing effects, it can be a good candidate for aiding sleep. It's also known for having antioxidant, antifungal, anticancer, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties. Studies have shown that it can be helpful against parasitic diseases, such as malaria and leishmaniasis.
Ocimene (Sweet Herbal) is found in a wide variety of fruits and herbs, including mint, parsley, pepper, basil, mangoes, and orchids. It is noted for having a sweet, herbaceous, and woody aroma. It has anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antiviral properties.
Pinene (Pine Sweet) smells like pine trees, with a hint of rosemary. A relatively common terpene also found in rosemary, orange peels, basil and parsley. It has been studied for a variety of positive effects, including helping with focus and respiratory inflammation.
Terpineol (Woody Herbal) can be found in sage, rosemary, apples, tea trees, cumin and nutmeg. It has a piney or woody aroma with hints of citrus and herbal spice. Its strong aromatic properties make it a commonly used ingredient in soaps, perfumes, lotions, and flavours. It acts as a sedative with antiseptic properties.
Terpinolene (Pine Herbal) can be found in sage, rosemary, apples, tea trees, cumin and nutmeg. It has a piney or woody aroma with hints of citrus and herbal spice. Its strong aromatic properties make it a commonly used ingredient in soaps, perfumes, lotions, and flavours. It acts as a sedative with antiseptic properties.
Valencene (Sweet Citrus) gets its name from sweet Valencia oranges where it’s been found in large amounts. With a sweet citrusy aroma, it is also used as an insect repellant.
Terpenes are fragrant oils naturally secreted in cannabis, including other plants, fruits and herbs. They are the organic compounds that give each strain of cannabis its unique aroma, flavour and effects. These oils have been used for centuries in medicine, natural remedies and food.
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