If you are one of the millions of anxiety sufferers, you probably want relief in the safest, most effective way possible. Terpenes—molecular compounds that make plants smell good—often have amazing antianxiety properties while being natural and safe.

You might have heard of cannabis terpenes or marijuana terpenes. But terpene compounds aren’t just found in cannabis; they are found in virtually all plants. For example, the terpene limonene comes from citrus fruits, and linalool gives lavender its beautiful, yummy scent.

Each cannabis strain or marijuana strain has its own terpene profile, giving the strain a unique smell along with healing qualities such as anti-inflammatory properties. 

But you don’t need to grow your own cannabis plant to benefit from terpenes for anxiety. Many high-quality CBD products contain terpene concentrations of limonene, linalool, and other relaxing compounds, making them excellent natural antianxiety remedies.

How terpenes help with anxiety

Looking for a natural anxiety treatment? Terpenes can positively impact your mood and well-being with few side effects. While many cannabis products tout their cannabis terpenes, terpenes don’t need cannabis to alleviate anxiety. They do that on their own. 

The reason why terpenes are often associated with cannabis for anxiety relief is they work particularly well with cannabinoids such as CBD. Many of these same terpenes are found in hemp-derived broad-spectrum CBD, which provides the same antianxiety benefits without making you high—which makes some people anxious!

How do terpenes reduce anxiety?

Science is still learning how exactly terpenes interact with the body. Initial research shows that terpenes can affect the mind/body system in multiple ways, from interacting with our endocannabinoid system to working with our neurotransmitters.

On a more basic level, terpenes lessen anxiety symptoms through a variety of approaches. Terpenes with sedative effects might calm down an overactive nervous system and also improve sleep. Better sleep often naturally leads to less anxiety. Other terpenes might simply create a feeling of calm without causing drowsiness.

Some terpenes, such as limonene, may not reduce anxiety directly but indirectly, by increasing resilience to stress.

How do terpenes affect the brain?

Believe it or not, many terpenes can interact with our brain’s neurotransmitters and receptors, providing antianxiety effects that can mimic psychotropic drugs such as Prozac. 

What is the entourage effect in terpenes?

The entourage effect means that terpenes can be even more effective as a group than individually. They also boost the power of CBD, making it more effective than CBD isolate. When the right combination of terpenes comes together, they can zap anxiety. 

Likewise, certain hemp strains are known to be more relaxing due to their unique terpene profiles and the entourage effect.

The best terpenes for anxiety

The topic of terpenes can be confusing, but don’t worry about the difference between cannabis terpenes or marijuana terpenes when it comes to anxiety treatment. Despite different strains of plants, a terpene is the same on a molecular level no matter where it came from. The effect will be the same. Terpenes, whether sourced with cannabinoids or not, help not only with anxiety symptoms but also pain relief. (This might be why essential oils are so popular!)

What are the best terpenes for anxiety?

Some of the best terpenes for anxiety include:

• Linalool
• Limonene
• Geraniol
• Myrcene
• Beta-caryophyllene
• Alpha-pinene
• Phytol

Which properties of terpenes are good for anxiety?

If you are wondering what properties should you look for in terpenes when you have anxiety, the answer is simple. Look for terpenes that are sedative in nature or relaxing. Terpenes that are labeled as analgesic (pain relieving) or anti-inflammatory may be good for other problems but may not help relieve anxiety.

Where can you buy the best terpenes for anxiety?

Many CBD products exist on the market, but many don’t include terpenes. But the importance of terpenes should not be understated. A CBD product with a strong terpene profile can help stop an anxiety attack in its tracks. Our online store has quality CBD products with terpenes.

Terpenes to avoid for anxiety

Given the success of terpenes with anxiety, could some terpenes make anxiety symptoms worse? While many terpenes reduce anxiety, a few are “anxiogenic,” meaning they can potentially cause anxiety.

For the most part, terpenes can alleviate anxiety disorder symptoms. If anything, anxiety sufferers may need to avoid medical marijuana and use CBD oil instead. Why? The THC in medical marijuana binds to endocannabinoid receptors in your brain, which can overstimulate the amygdala and cause anxiety as well as paranoia.

A hemp terpene, on the other hand, is gentler and not likely to cause extreme anxiety or paranoia. That said, some terpenes are better than others for generalized anxiety disorder. 

Why be aware of the effects of terpenes before you take them?

If you want to manage anxiety, you’ll want to avoid anxiogenic terpenes as much as possible. Look instead for relaxing terpenes such as linalool and limonene, which give citrus fruit its unique smell. Different strains of hemp and cannabis will also have specific terpene profiles, some of which may be more stimulating versus relaxing. 

Which terpenes should you avoid if you have anxiety?

In the world of medical marijuana, you’ll see many different cannabis strains marketed. They’ll often come with funny names like “Blackbeard Soup” (not a real name). As mentioned, the difference in cannabis products is usually the terpene profile but can also include THC content. Different CBD products may also contain unique mixes of cannabis terpenes but typically (not always) lack THC.

First you need to select a product based on not just terpene profile but THC content.

We recommend being careful with any CBD product that contains THC, because THC can cause anxiety (as explained above). Second, look for terpene formulas with relaxing terpenes such as linalool, limonene, and myrcene. 

Check the actual terpene content in the CBD product and not the name being marketed. 

Which terpenes could actually cause anxiety?

More study needs to be done on terpenes, so only a few potentially anxiogenic ones have been discovered. Two terpenes that might increase anxiety are guaiol and terpinolene. In one study, both were found to potentially increase anxiety, with guaiol being more suspect. 

But the potential anxiogenic properties of a CBD or terpene product also depend on the formula as a whole.

For example, terpinolene, an uplifting terpene, won’t increase anxiety if included in a formula of relaxing terpenes but could if used on its own in excess.

Tips on combining terpenes with other substances to soothe anxiety

Terpenes often work best when combined with other antianxiety remedies such as CBD oil. With the right terpene profile, you can potentially get rid of anxiety for good!

Which substances can safely be combined with terpenes?

First, if you are on any medical prescriptions, check with your doctor first before taking terpenes, especially when combined with CBD. There may be certain drug interactions to be mindful of.

Otherwise, taking terpenes with your existing over-the-counter supplements should be relatively safe. Not enough study has been done, but it’s likely you can take terpenes with other herbal medicines for anxiety without major side effects. The one caution is to not overdo it—one of the reasons why THC is contraindicated for anxiety is that it can overload the cannabinoid receptors leading to overstimulation.

A quick note: if you are using essential oils, you are already using terpenes. That’s because essential oils are basically terpene blends!

How do you make the most out of terpenes?

Most products with terpenes should recommend a dosage range for the right terpene levels. As with CBD, the dosage may differ from person to person.

If you feel that your terpenes are not working for you, check the dosage level (if you are taking them with CBD) or get a better quality product. 

How do you combine terpenes with CBD products?

While you can purchase terpenes separately, they are generally sold for CBD oil producers and may be confusing to laypeople to use. One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of terpenes with CBD is through a professionally developed product such as our CALM tincture. Otherwise, you’d have to purchase plant terpenes and CBD oil separately to combine on your own.

Terpenes with broad-spectrum CBD

Wisdom Essentials uses botanical science to create highly effective CBD and terpene formulas that alleviate anxiety. With broad-spectrum CBD and terpenes such as limonene, you can enjoy the benefits of the entourage effect with our products backed by authentic third-party lab reports.

Check out our online store for high-quality CBD products that include terpenes for anxiety.