There are thousands of different terpenes in existence that may help with different health conditions. We ask what terpenes are best for anxiety.
Anxiety is one of the most common emotions. It is a natural reaction to stress that creates fear or apprehension about what might happen. While anxiety can happen to everyone from time to time, some people struggle with strong feelings of anxiety every day.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are the active aromatic molecules in plants that cause smell and taste. Most people associate them with cannabis plants as they are high in concentration, but there are other plants or fruits such as pine, lavender, and lemon.
In nature, these terpenes protect plants from animal grazing or infectious germs. Some terpenes play a protective role in helping the plant recover from damage, while others can act as an immune system to keep away infectious diseases.
What terpenes help with anxiety?
Linalool
Linalool is most commonly found in lavender. It may have the same benefits that CBD is associated with, such as reducing anxiety, depression, and sleep issues. This is why lavender is often associated with sleep. Linalool can also be found in geraniums, roses, chamomile, and cannabis. It may also increase adenosine, a sedating hormone that can help us fall asleep.
One study on mice revealed that inhaled linalool may reduce anxiety and aggressiveness and increase social interaction. It showed anxiolytic properties (anti-anxiety properties) in light/dark tests. In higher doses of linalool, the mice showed decreased aggressiveness and increased social interaction; however, researchers noted impaired memory. They concluded that linalool essential oils may help with relaxation and decrease anxiety.
A study reported that linalool could help reduce sleep problems in dementia patients. During the study, 19 patients inhaled lavender before trying to fall asleep for 20 days. The patients reported better sleep and longer sleep when they inhaled the lavender than when they did not.
Limonene
Limonene is often found in citrus fruits or plants, such as oranges or lemons. It is especially strong in oranges, where it makes up 97 percent of the rind. Due to its antibacterial properties, limonene is often used in a variety of different items, such as cleaning or beauty products.
It is thought to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and disease-preventing properties. Its potential anti-stress properties make it a great terpene for anxiety in particular. It is also the third most common terpene found in cannabis plants and the second most common terpene found in nature. In cannabis, the terpene is produced in the flower’s resin glands. Although certain strands may be higher than others in limonene, they are usually found in less than 0.2 percent trace amounts.
Limonene is found in citrus fruits, as well as mint, juniper, rosemary, pine, and fennel.
A study involving an elevated maze model of rats with anxiety suggests it may help as an anti-stress agent when used in aromatherapy.
In another recent study, mice were injected with saline in a control group, and limonene in a test group before their behavior was assessed. The mice showed increased locomotor activity and open-arm preference in the elevated plus-maze experiment. The mice given limonene showed increased protein expression and significantly upregulated dopamine levels in the striatum, which contains brain activity related to movements and rewards.
Inhalation of limonene vapor may also increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for stabilizing our moods, while dopamine sends signals to the brain that affect mood, sleep, memory, learning, and concentration.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis. It is thought to have soothing effects, which could make it a great choice for anxiety. It is usually found in lemongrass, thyme, or hops and has a peppery or spicy scent.
One study revealed that myrcene given in large doses may have muscle relaxant effects on mice. When used along with sedative tablets, the amount of time the mice spent asleep was increased.
One thing to watch out for is that it is synergistic with THC. This means that those using THC may experience stronger ‘high-like’ effects when combining both. This is potentially why there are concerns that myrcene may cause anxiety.
Alpha-pinene
Pinene is often associated with feelings of calm. This may be because it is a bronchodilator that opens up the lungs to allow more oxygen to be transmitted to the bloodstream and tissues. Deep breathing may, in turn, increase the relaxation felt as more oxygen hits the brain.
Alpha-pinene is also found in parsley, dill, basil, rosemary, and some citrus varieties.
A study from 2019 showed that inhalation of alpha-pinene potentially reduced anxiety in mice. The mice were observed for dizocilpine (MK-801-) induced schizophrenia-like behavioral abnormalities, including hyperactivity and anxiety.
The authors wrote: “These results suggest that α-pinene reduces MK-801-induced behavioral abnormalities resembling those seen in neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, both medicinal plants and essential oils containing α-pinene may have the potential for the treatment of schizophrenia.”
How do I take different terpenes?
There are different ways to take particular terpenes.
It comes down to personal preference when choosing a way to take terpenes. CBD and cannabis brands are now introducing terpene profiles into their products for different health needs.
Some prefer adding herbs or plants to their diet, such as ary, hops, or dill. Others may choose vaping or oils.
Essential oils or cosmetic products containing both can also help if you are struggling with muscle pain or stiffness. Oil diffusers can distribute the scent into the air to be inhaled. Essential oils can also be pressed into the temples or pressure points on the body to relieve stress or tension. Some people even add linalool (in lavender form) to their bed linen for a good night’s sleep.
Disclaimer: https://cannabishealthnews.co.uk/2022/01/18/cbd-guides-what-terpenes-are-best-for-anxiety-anxiety21
