Terpenes Uses: From Aromatherapy to Other Uses
Written By
Nishant Garund
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Varuni AgarwalDr. Varuni Agarwal is an esteemed Ayurvedic physician specializing in diagnosing diseases through Ayurvedic dosha imbalances and providing personalized treatments. She focuses on ahara (diet) and vihara (lifestyle) to manage and heal various ailments.
Terpenes, the aromatic compounds of plants, are so much more than great scents. From food and beverages to wellness and skin care, these compounds have found their vital place in industries worldwide. Each terpenes uses has different characteristics and effects, limonene, for example, is present in citrus fruits and helps with mood elevation and stress relief, while myrcene is common in thyme and lemongrass and is known for sedation. Beyond their aroma, the terpenes uses as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties, a growing trend in natural health products. In this blog, you will explore various types of terpenes uses.
Table of Contents
Citrus Terpenes Uses
It is a mixture of unsaturated optically active cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons and contains 95% d-limonene with 5% citrus. Citrus can also be taken out from sweet orange trees. They are responsible for the refreshing, zesty smell you like so much. But their benefits don’t stop here. For skin, they help neutralise free radicals that are responsible for ageing. Terpenes uses are found in citrus essential oils are also known to possess anti-inflammatory effects and hence are popular ingredients taken by skincare products for reducing irritation.
Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes
Terpene uses and roles are diverse and plant sources of terpenes are tea, thyme, cannabis, Spanish sage, and citrus fruits (for example lemon, and orange). Terpenes have a range of medicinal uses among which are anti-plasmodial activity. it is a similar antimalarial drug. chloroquine. Monoterpene is studied for its antiviral properties. Since cancer and diabetes are spreading at a fast pace, terpenes have the potential to serve as an anticancer and antidiabetic reagent. Terpenes allow flexibility in the route of administration and suppression of side effects. terpenes hold anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, anti-plasmodial, astringent, digestive, diuretic, and many other properties of terpenes uses. Curcumin a recent trend of healthy foods has also begun a wide area of study research. Studies are ongoing to tell whether terpenes uses are preferred as a lead in today's medicine.
Terpenes Medicinal Uses
Terpenes uses as aromatic compounds found not only in cannabis but also in various plants. They have been noted to possess a wide range of medicinal benefits. Some of the medicinal terpenes uses are as follows:
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Terpenes such as myrcene and pinene are anti-inflammatory. Myrcene, present in lemongrass and hops, may reduce inflammation and be useful for pain management or chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Anti-Anxiety and Stress: Linalool has a wide application concerning calming effects and is common in lavender. It reduces anxiety and stress and can be used for relaxation.
- Antioxidant and Anticancer: Beta-caryophyllene, generally present in black pepper and oregano, has been attributed to antioxidant and anti-cancerous properties. It is known to activate cannabinoid receptors within our body and may have the potential to reduce inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Antimicrobial Effects: Some terpenes boast antimicrobial and antifungal properties, proving efficient for treating skin infections and aiding healing.
- Respiratory Health: Pinene acts as a bronchodilator also called a rescue inhaler, making breathing easier by facilitating the flow of air within the lungs; this offers symptomatic relief in asthma and other respiratory diseases.
Although the medicinal advantages of terpenes uses are under continuous research, from anxiolytic to anti-infective and anti-inflammatory, their potential benefits in natural medicine cannot be denied.
Orange Terpenes Uses
Orange terpenes are plant-derived compounds, that consist mainly of d-limonene extracted from peels of oranges. This aromatic compound has extensive application in daily household products, general wellness routines, and much more. Here are some common applications:
- Natural Cleaning Products: Orange terpenes are typically used in all-natural cleaning products. They work great for cleaning because of their natural degreasing properties that efficiently cut through oils and dirt. Besides toxic chemicals, they offer a non-toxic, biodegradable alternative harmless to household surfaces and the environment. Additionally, they leave fresh citrus scents that many find more agreeable with the fragrance of artificial scents.
- Aromatherapy and Stress Relief: Orange terpenes have become very popular in aromatherapy because of their mood-enhancing and relaxing activities. It is a fresh, uplifting fragrance that may help reduce stress, decrease anxiety and even make a person happy. Many different essential oils, diffusers, and candles have been made to provide a soothing atmosphere. For anyone interested in improving a mood with the help of natural plants, inhaling the fragrance of orange terpenes can bring immediate relief.
- Insect Repellent: The potent citrus aroma of orange terpenes makes them a good organic method of repelling insects. Insects, such as mosquitoes and flies, avoid citrus fragrances, and because of this, active ingredients of these terpenes can normally be found in natural insect sprays and in-home bug repellents. This allows one to have a much safer alternative to using synthetic pesticides.
- Skin Care Products: These features have lately made orange terpenes find their way into skincare for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. It is believed that they fight against free radicals, reducing the signs of ageing. They also soothe irritated skin. In cream, lotion, or serum forms, orange terpenes are gentle yet effective ingredients for a natural skincare routine.
- Food and Beverages: Orange terpenes are also applied in the food industry as flavourings, adding a zesty citrus taste to beverages, desserts, and candies. Because they taste and smell so nice and add flavour to various products.
Conclusion
Terpenes uses are way more than just compounds. From their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant contributions to respiratory and digestive health, their areas of use expand from wellness to skincare and pharmaceuticals. Ongoing research promises even more possible uses, from pain management to mental well-being, including the possibility of cancer treatments. Their natural origin, and versatility, are the reasons for their continued interest and use in therapeutic and holistic health products. The general growth of awareness of the many benefits of natural compounds, such as terpenes, reflects the potential to support everything from physical and mental well-being to aromatherapy and skincare products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the main function of terpenes?
Terpenes, from food and beverages to wellness and skin care, these compounds have found their vital place in industries around the world. Each has different characteristics and effects: limonene, for example, is present in citrus fruits and helps with mood elevation and stress relief, while myrcene is common in thyme and lemongrass and is known for sedation. Beyond their aroma, the terpenes are used for anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties; hence, a growing trend in natural health products.
Q. What is the medicinal uses of terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found not only in cannabis but also in various plants. Here are the following medicinal uses of terpenes.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Terpenes such as myrcene and pinene are anti-inflammatory. Myrcene, present in lemongrass and hops, may reduce inflammation and be useful for pain management or chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Anti-Anxiety and Stress: Linalool has a wide application concerning calming effects and is common in lavender. It reduces anxiety and stress and can be used for relaxation.
- Antioxidant and Anticancer: Beta-caryophyllene, generally present in black pepper and oregano, has been attributed to antioxidant and anti-cancerous properties. It is known to activate cannabinoid receptors within our body and may have the potential to reduce inflammation in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease.
- Antimicrobial Effects: Some terpenes boast antimicrobial and antifungal properties, proving efficient for treating skin infections and aiding healing.
- Respiratory Health: Pinene acts as a bronchodilator also called a rescue inhaler, making breathing easier by facilitating the flow of air within the lungs; this offers symptomatic relief in asthma and other respiratory diseases.