What are terpenes?
We have been surrounded by terpenes since the day we were born. Think about the clean, sharp scent of citrus or the soothing aroma of lavender, these scents are made up of compounds known as terpenes. Terpenes are found naturally in plants. In nature, terpenes serve different purposes: from attracting bees and other pollinators to warding off predators or grazing animals. They are also known to play a protective role, acting as part of a plant’s immune system to fight bacteria or recover from injury.
Terpenes have gained more attention recently due to research into the therapeutic benefits of those found in the cannabis plant. There are, however, over 20,000 terpene compounds that have been discovered in the natural world and the list is still growing. It has long been known about the calming benefits of lavender but it has only been recent research to show that it is the terpenes contained in the plant that are responsible for this soothing effect. Research into individual terpenes show that each has its own unique properties ranging from antimicrobial, antifungal and antiviral properties as well as showing promising results as being anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and strong antioxidant agents.
Being naturally derived compounds, terpenes are showing great promise as a sustainable, natural, eco-friendly alternative to traditional pharmaceutical therapies.
What do terpenes do for the body?
Terpenes act on the body’s endocannabinoid system: a complex network of cell receptors that act throughout the body as messengers. Terpenes have been found to interact with the CB1 receptors located in the brain and central nervous system, and the CB2 receptors located in the gut, muscle, joints, skin and other organs.
Research shows that terpenes may contribute to overall wellness and can be used as part of any healthy lifestyle management routine. The common wellness effects include, improvements in physical aches and tension, balancing mood and calmness, controlling appetite, sharper thinking, and supporting restlessness, anxiety and sleep.
Where to get terpenes and how to include terpenes as part of your wellness routine
One of the best ways to take advantage of the health benefits of terpenes is to apply drops of specialised terpene blends under your tongue. The Equa-Life All Natural Terpene Rider Supplements are specially formulated terpene wellness blends that target different areas of concern:
EquaChill: may assist riders in keeping calm and boosting overall wellness.
EquaMend: may assist riders in the management of aches, muscle tension and joint stiffness.
EquaFocus: may assist riders with focus, alertness, mood, and motivation.
EquaSleep: may assist riders with sleep management, restlessness, emotional stress, muscle, and joint stiffness.
Sublingual administration (placing the drops under the tongue) allows them to be absorbed quickly as they have direct access to the bloodstream.
Are terpenes the same as CBD?
Whilst terpenes and cannabidiol (CBD) can both be extracted from the cannabis plant, they are completely different. CBD is a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that modulate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Everyone has an ECS which is part of the body’s complex internal cell-signalling system. This system plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes. Cannabinoids like CBD work by interacting with cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the ECS having an effect on the immune system, cognitive functions, and many other components of the brain and body.
Where are terpenes found?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are found naturally in numerous plants. Most terpenes used in alternative therapies come from non-cannabis sources, cannabis itself only produces about 100 terpenes. These same terpene compounds are found in other plants, and are not just exclusive to cannabis. Although terpenes have been shown to have a synergistic effect with CBD and can act on the ECS, each terpenes generally has more specific effects and target specific receptors. Terpenes do not contain any cannabinoids, cannot make you high and therefore will not cause you to fail a drug test.
The terpenes contained in the Equa-Life terpenes range are not sourced from cannabis, they are derived from other botanical plants and are therefore legal to use in Australia. The unique blends are mixed with hemp seed oil which is a legal food product and one of the healthiest oils in the world. Hemp Seed Oil is also high in Omega 3, EPA and DHA.
Are terpenes harmful?
We’ve been consuming terpenes for millennia. They’re in the fruits and vegetables we eat, and the herbal teas we drink. Throughout history, terpenes were only available in the plant sources they’re produced in. Today, we have access to ultra-pure, concentrated terpenes, which makes them much more potent, but also increases the potential for causing harm if the proper precautions are not taken.
Are there any side effects of using terpenes?
Many terpenes are bioactive, which means they may affect the body. This effect will vary based on the concentration of the terpene, the dosage is taken and the route of administration. In their pure, concentrated form terpenes can be dangerous if administered incorrectly or if the dose is incorrect. At high concentrations, they can cause irritations and allergic reactions when they come into contact with the skin and eyes and have been shown to cause organ damage.
As with any medicinal therapy, when used at the right concentration, correct dose and application, terpenes are perfectly safe and are known to offer a wide range of health benefits. It is therefore important to make sure that any terpenes you use are developed by medical experts to ensure they are safe and contain no impurities or poor-quality ingredients.
The Equa-Life terpenes range has been designed by a registered pharmacist and is compliant with current Australia & New Zealand Food Standards, made from the highest quality natural ingredients & mixed with 100% Australian hemp seed oil, rich in omega 3, 6 & 9 for added benefit.
