There is much to be said for isolated compounds and their benefits, after all, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is the most researched and documented isolate. In response to research specifically related to isolates, herbalists began to question how all the components of an herb or plant affect the overall action of the herb in question. For example, instead of just studying curcumin — the active compound in turmeric — in pain relief, they started looking at the whole turmeric root and how the other minerals and antioxidants intermingled to create a more therapeutic effect. And guess what, they did! A whole plant extract, they’re finding, acts more therapeutically in a person than a single isolate all by its lonesome. At Dr. Herb+al, we use a whole plant hemp extract in our hemp tincture. When the whole hemp tincture is used, a person benefits from all their active compounds including CBD, minerals, flavonoids, and terpenes. In this article, we’ll focus in on terpenes and how they benefit our hemp tincture.

THE TRENDING TOPIC: TERPENES

You probably know the scent: skunky, strong, and pungently sticky — the scent is cannabis. The scent that you either love or hate is from a terpene. Terpenes are responsible for the scent and taste of plants and herbs, and will likely, down the road, begin to classify different strains. Although the word terpene is new, you’ve had interactions with many of them! In pine, the terpene is pinene and in lemon the terpene is limonene.

Because terpenes cannot flee from danger or predators, they’ve evolved to a chemical warfare of sorts. The smell they produce keeps predators away or poisons them. In our world, terpenes are much more beneficial than harmful and are most associated with aromatherapy and within essential oils. Terpenes are responsible for the calming effect of lavender and the energizing outcome of citrus.

In cannabis, over 200 compounds have been identified and they not only serve as a protective role when hemp is in the ground growing, they also benefit the person who takes them. As explained before, taking a whole hemp tincture is important if you want the benefits of terpenes because an isolated CBD extract does not contain terpenes.

THE BENEFITS OF TERPENES IN A WHOLE HEMP TINCTURE

When plants are extracted and left in their natural state, it leaves all the compounds in tact to happily interact with each other. When all the compounds play well with each other, they coin this the “entourage effect.” Put plainly, the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts. Terpenoids have been documented to support blood flow and address harmful pathogens. When CBD and terpenes are preserved, they synergistically support a balanced inflammatory response, address muscle and joint issues, modulate mood disorders, and give your immune system a nice boost!

Common terpenes in hemp include:

• Myrcene – This terpene is great for inflammation modulation, inducing sleep, and muscle relaxation.
• Pinene – If you’re interested in enhancing your memory or supporting airflow to your lungs, this beauty does just that.
• Limonene – This terpene is wonderful for mood disorders while it promotes relaxation and elevates mood!
• Terpinolene – This terpene is wonderful for immune support, relaxation, and mild-states of sedation.

TERPENES WILL VARY DEPENDING ON THE PLANT

Many variables affect the terpenoid content in the hemp plant. When a plant is grown outdoors there are many factors that contribute to its health and vitality. Sun exposure, water, and healthy soil all contribute to its well-being — if any of these are slightly altered, so is the terpene content. The terpene profile is also altered in different strains throughout the cannabis plant, and that is why you’ll find one strain more effective than the other for addressing certain health issues.

WILD WEST WEED AND SEED

At Wild West Weed and Seed, we preserve the terpenes in our hemp tincture for the ultimate entourage effect! Support your health today with our Hemp Rescue Oil Tincture!

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