A Complete Guide on How to Use Terpenes in 2020

In one way or another, most aspects of nature are connected. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the same chemical compounds responsible for the revitalizing scent of conifer trees and calming effects of lavender are also responsible for some of the benefits of hemp. We aren’t talking about cannabinoids either, we’re talking about terpenes.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural compounds found in thousands of plants, such as citrus fruit and hemp, and are responsible for every plant’s aromatic properties. The distinct smell of a plant is the result of these chemical compounds. Each of these compounds is vital not only because of their unique aroma, but their therapeutic properties. 

If you’re into essential oil aromatherapy, you may know a thing or two about naturally occurring terpene types. Still, all of us have experienced their benefits, whether you’ve realized it or not. Terpenes are such an integral part of nature that they are impossible to avoid, but despite this, most people don’t know what they are or how to use terpenes.  

There are over 100 known terpenes. Every terpene molecule has unique benefits, but when combined with other plant compounds, terpenes work to support and boost the different properties of that plant. This is what we call the entourage effect.

What are the best terpenes for the entourage effect?

If you’ve ever used full spectrum CBD oil, you may appreciate the entourage effect’s benefits. However, even seasoned CBD users still struggle to understand precisely how it works and why it is so effective. Below we’ll break the best way to use terpenes and which terpenes work best with CBD.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds working together to enhance their impact. Many view whole plant extracts as superior to isolated extracts due to the benefits of the entourage effect. 

The premise behind the entourage effect is that plant compounds work better synergistically than as individual extracts. This well-researched idea is backed by the experience people have when they learn how to use terpenes.

How to Use Terpenes (The Right Way)

The best way to use terpenes is as part of a whole hemp extract. While most plants have terpenes, hemp is notoriously terpene-rich. With terpenes present, a cannabinoid is naturally enhanced, allowing you to experience the entourage effect’s benefits. This natural pairing is so elementary that it often gets overlooked when trying to figure out how to use terpenes. Still, a terpene-rich hemp oil extract is undoubtedly the best way to use terpenes. 

Although terpenes can be extracted as isolates, they are often too potent to consume on their own. Terpenes are powerful and are best used as intended by nature – which is as part of a whole plant or whole plant extract. 

Now that you understand how to use terpenes, you need to know which are the best terpenes to use with CBD. At Bloom, we’ve made that easy by identifying our ELITE-5 Terpenes. These are the FIVE terpenes that we found most effective when combined with hemp.

The Elite 5 (Terpenes you NEED to have in your CBD) :

Linalool

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene common not only in hemp but also in lavender, for which you might recognize the soothing floral aroma of this terpene profile. Besides the pleasant scent, Linalool also plays a vital part in Vitamin E production. 

Linalool’s anti-anxiety characteristics make it ideal for relaxation and stress relief. This terpene has a calming, sedative effect on the mind and body that can aid a variety of ailments from inflammation to insomnia.

Linalool pairs naturally with cannabinoids such as CBD and CBN to boost the effects of these compounds.

Myrcene

The terpene Myrcene is a common terpene found in hemp but is also abundant in hops, lemongrass, basil, rosemary, and most famously mangoes. Myrcene is known for amplifying the effects of different cannabinoids, including CBD. The terpene Myrcene is perhaps best known for its heavier sedative effect, which may reduce inflammation and act as a sleep aid.

Myrcene’s natural ability to amplify the effects of cannabinoids makes it a natural choice to pair with CBD. Myrcene’s natural healing components make it a mandatory part of our ELITE-5 Terpenes. 

Beta-Caryophyllene

The terpene Caryophyllene is responsible for the spicy or peppery aroma and taste found in hemp extracts. It should be no surprise that this terpene profile is highly concentrated in black pepper. Still, it is also found to a lesser degree in oregano, cloves, basil, and rosemary.

Beta-Caryophyllene binds with the CB2 receptor and prohibits or lessens any psychoactive effects of THC, most commonly found in marijuana. This different terpene has been studied extensively for the role it plays in digestive protection. One of the benefits provided by this terpene is that beta-caryophyllene can help calm your gut, which may help reduce anxiety and other ailments.

Terpinolene

This terpene has a woody aroma that is sometimes slightly citrus-like and is found in sage, rosemary, apples, tea trees, cumin, and nutmeg.

Beyond its unique aroma, this terpene also plays a crucial role in overall endocannabinoid health. This makes it ideal when used in conjunction with various cannabinoids.

Pinene

As the name suggests, this terpene has a strong pine aroma, which is why it is so prevalent in pine trees and in dill, basil, and parsley. 

Pinene is unique in that it offers alertness and focus as opposed to the sedative feelings often associated with using hemp. However, don’t confuse this terpene’s effects with coffee, energy drinks, or caffeine that cause a jittery and unpleasant feeling of alertness and focus.

Now That You Know How to use Terpenes, put your knowledge to use!

After learning about how to use terpenes and what the entourage effect is for each terpene blend, we are sure that you’re excited. It’s impossible not to be. Hemp is one of the most potent plants on our planet, and the terpenes contained within it are just one more piece of our wellness puzzle.  Now that you understand a bit more about why we continue to put hemp on a pedestal, the only question left to ask is, “Where do I get the best CBD oil with terpenes?”

Best CBD Oil With Terpenes

Our mission is to empower our community to live healthier, happier lives through all things hemp. That means going beyond CBD to offer you EVERYTHING this amazing plant has to offer. So we created the Bloom Essentials line, a line of terpene-rich full spectrum hemp extracts formulated with nature’s finest active ingredients. We’re providing you with the very best of what hemp has to offer. The Bloom Essentials are unrivaled as the best CBD oil with terpenes available.