Hidden among the many benefits of terpenes is the ability to elevate your mood! Not many people think about using terpenes for depression. Terpenes are responsible for producing the wonderful aromas we so fondly associate with certain plants, fruits, and flowers. These organic compounds are actually responsible for a plant’s taste and smell.
The cannabis plant secretes its oily terpenes from within the trichome glands – those sugary crystals that coat the plant’s flowers and leaves. They give certain strains that recognizable flavor profile that users know and love.
The benefits of terpenes are numerous and varied. When smoked, terpenes interact with our endocannabinoid system to help regulate sleep, appetite, mood, motor control, immune function, reproduction, pleasure, pain, memory, and even temperature. Proper regulation and function within these areas can contribute to an overall better quality of life and potentially minimize the factors that can exacerbate symptoms of depression.
What Terpenes Should Be Used to Lift The Mood?
Cannabis produces over 200 different terpenes, all with slightly different qualities and attributes. While some terpenes have aromatic effects, energizing effects, or anti-microbial effects, some users also swear by certain terpenes for depression. The benefits of terpenes are made possible through their synergistic interaction with cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, to affect your body in a unique way known also as the entourage effect. So, adding a few drops of the right terpene-based liquid can really lighten your mood. To help narrow it down, here are some terpenes that are better known to combat the blues.
Limonene
Limonene, as the name denotes, is known for its signature lemon or citrus smell. Its uplifting characteristics are known to relieve stress and elevate mood, lending this terpene more of a sativa feel. When inhaled, limonene has been shown to have antidepressant properties, showcasing the amazing benefits of terpenes to battle the blues.
Linalool
Linalool, one of the main constituents of lavender, is well known for its calming effects. It is best known for its floral scent and more indica, or heavy, feel. It has been shown to significantly inhibit anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. This is definitely a terpene you want to keep handy for rainy days.
Pinene
Pinene is most notable for that pine scent found on evergreens. It is often associated with uplifting feelings and the holidays, which can elicit fond memories for people. Unlike other terpenes for depression, pinene can induce both an indica and sativa feel. Lucky for us, it is also known to possess antidepressant-like qualities — two awesome benefits of terpenes when batting the blues.
The Psychology of Smell
Since terpenes are responsible for the beautiful and delicious smells all around us, they directly affect and influence our daily lives, whether we realize it or not. The sense of smell is closely linked with our memory and emotions. The benefits of terpenes can be taken into the body through the nose or by adding them to your favorite strain to enjoy. Certain scents can evoke particular memories, oftentimes quite spontaneously, and act as a sort of trigger. Inhaling an uplifting terpene can, therefore, spur a fond memory and clear your head. The association of certain smells can also cause an emotional response. For example, terpenes like pinene are associated with the holidays, which usually consists of positive emotions. Embracing aromatic therapy will help achieve the most effective results when shaking those winter blues.
Whether you want to enhance your strain with a pure or strain-specific terpene or enjoy a milder flavored scented liquid, shop Vapeur Terp for terpenes that can brighten your cannabis experience and your mood!