If you desire to gain a broader understanding of what terpenes are and how they work, you should first understand olfaction. Your nose has an important role in the perception of terpenes, as it has a rather powerful effect on it. Let’s see how terpenes influence our olfaction and perception of distinct smells and flavors.
What is the link between the nose and terpenes?
A terpene represents a volatile scented molecule that is released by flowers and plants. There are documented more than 200 types of terpenes only in hemp, while a wide array of other terpenes is present in the natural plant world. Studies show that terpenes influence olfaction greatly, as they activate several receptors in the brain and body that are responsible for a series of physiological and psychological activities.
As an example, inhaling a specific terpene mix might relax and calm the mind, while another blend might lead to an opposite reaction, such as a highly energetic mood. These effects are a result of the so-called biological target. This refers to anything connected to a living organism to which some molecule or odor creates a reaction. When this target is achieved, it results in a response in the brain or processed by the brain.
How your nose allows you to experience terpenes:
1. The nerves present in the nose spot particular smells
Everyone has in their nose canal nerves designed to identify specific smells and triggers. These nerves are meant to shield your body and prevent bacteria or harmful residues from passing by. That is the main reason why smelling terpenes has such a powerful effect on our bodies. It might pass those nerves and reach our brain receptors.
2. We can get naturally attracted by the smell of a terpene
If our bodies need a specific terpene, we experience a sudden urge to smell or taste that element. Our bodies are designed to be sensitive to terpenes, this being the main reason why we can immediately say if we like a terpene or not.
3. As we age, we perceive smells differently
It is a common fact that as we age, we slightly change our preferences in regards to aroma and flavors. This happens because of those receptors found in our nose canal. The receptors can become more sensitive to specific triggers, or even become immune to previously preferred triggers. Scientists believe that terpenes might surpass this effect, and preserve its unique role in our favorite smells due to its ability to pass without impediment through those receptors.
4. The nose is vital as a filter and humidifier
Another function of our nose is to filter unpleasant smells. It rejects all sorts of dust, pollution, allergens, bacteria, or even smoke. At the same time, it keeps the surface of our nose canal adequately moisturized, so that we can receive the best locative experience.
5. You can influence your nose with the boiling point of a terpene
Each terpene comes with a boiling point. So, you can maximize your terpene perception by using it at its boiling point. Specific compounds offer a unique locative experience, while their therapeutic effects are more pronounced when they reach such points.
Terpenes for sale are excellent for achieving several therapeutic effects, while they are commonly used in aromatherapy. At the same time, depending on your nose, you can have a more robust reaction to a specific terpene, than to another.
