Somewhere along your plant medicine journey, you’re likely to come across the word ‘terpenes’ – so, what are they? And where do they fit in the plant medicine world?
Here at Farma, a cornerstone of our mission is ‘audience-relevant communication’, so let’s take a look at terpenes from a macro level, and we’ll deep dive into specific terpenes in the coming weeks here on our Education Hub.
Q: What are terpenes?
A: Terpenes refer to a diverse class of aromatic, organic compounds found in plants, specifically the essential oils contained within specific plant species.
Q: What are terpenes VS terpenoids?
A: Terpenes refer to the raw or ‘natural’ form of these plant compounds when they are in the live plant. As a plant is dried and cured for the production of plant medicine, the terpenes within will oxidise and transform into terpenoids.
Q: Why are terpenes and plant medicine so connected?
A: Terpenes are often associated with plant medicine because these specific plants contain high concentrations of terpenes and are often cultivated to promote certain terpenes within the plant.
Q: What are some of the common terpenes?
A: Some terpenes you’ll likely have come across (some you may have already spotted within skincare and other OTC products) include: limonene (known for a citrus smell), myrcene (producing a hops or mango scent), pinene (associated with a pine tree scent) and linalool (lavender).
Q: How do terpenes interact with my prescription plant medicine?
A: Terpenes continue to be studied for potential therapeutic properties, and how they may contribute to the overall therapeutic efficacy of plant medicine. What we do know is that there are plenty of exciting studies underway, and terpenes and terpenoid research continues to be a ripe landscape to discover more about these specific organic compounds, what claims can be made and their full potential.
Remember: depending on your treatment plan, your specific prescription products may not contain terpenes. If you’re interested to learn more about terpenes within your plant medicine, ask your Doctor at your next check-in.
Next time, we’ll take a look at some of the most common terpenes found in plant medicine, and the qualities and properties that contribute to its therapeutic potential.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. For accurate legal guidance, please consult with relevant legal authorities or a qualified professional.