(Photo above by cgdsro)

The Wonderful World of Terpenes

Terpenes are natural compounds found in certain plants, herbs, and trees that give off complex aromas that can have health benefits such as help you relax and sleep at night, support feelings of well-being and aid memory, as well having other effects that are beneficial to healing like anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. Lots of different trees, plants, and herbs contain terpenes that you already familiar with!  I'm sure you you are familiar with some such as conifer trees (pine trees), marijuana, and herbs such as thyme and rosemary.  

I will be covering all the different main terpenes from Myrcene (clove, herbal) to Linalool (floral, lavender). This is an area that I have neglected for far too long. It's a fascinating biochemical compound that aids us in so many ways. I always look to nature before I look to any lab manufactured chemicals when it comes to my health.

Thyme (pictured above)  is a powerful herb that contains a lot of powerful chemical compounds that are almost exclusively terpenes. We primarily think of this as a "cooking" ingredient, but it has uses far beyond the culinary realm. It has many health benefits when incorporated into teas, tinctures, and other concoctions.   I will definitely be writing more about this herb in the future.           

Do you personally use any essential oils that contain terpenes or enjoy any certain herbs in your cooking that you find beneficial?