When describing strains of CBD, it is not uncommon to find adjectives such as woody, earthy, spicy that are used in describing their aroma, flavor and tastes. These characteristics are a result of terpenes that are present in them.
Terpenes are part of the naturally occurring substances that are found in virtually all plants. They are usually responsible for a plant’s aroma and flavor. There are over 200,000 of them and in the cannabis plant, there are around 200 terpenes that are extracted from either marijuana or hemp. Each of these has its unique scent and flavor and they can be used for different purposes. Learn more about them here.
With the popularity of CBD, more and more attention and focus are on terpenes to understand their unique and interesting properties. One of these is the terpene called humulene.
What is Humulene?
Contents
This terpene is common to a lot of plants and herbs. It is responsible for the unique flavors present in many herbs with a full earthy as well as woody aroma and taste. It is currently undergoing research for its potential anti-inflammatory as well as appetite-suppressing effects. Along with myrcene and caryophyllene, it is one of the most occurring terpenes that is found in cannabis. Another similarity of humulene with caryophyllene is that both are also found in beer.
Added to this, humulene can as well be found in some essential oils such as sage oil and Balsam fir trees. It is also found in Chinese ginseng which can be used for several purposes including boosting energy and as a natural antibiotic. Generally, it is found in a variety of plants and it is known and used in medicinal practices and applications.
As a terpene present in cannabis, it works with other terpenes to act as a natural defense against bacterial, fungi, and desiccants. They also prevent predation from pests such as rodents and insects.
Effects and Benefits Associated with Humulene
For most herbal medications, their effectiveness stems from the humulene content present in them. Also, when hops are steeped, it is released and can be used as a sedative. Below are some of its other wonderful effects.
Weight Loss
Humulene works as an anorectic which means it helps to suppress hunger and appetite. As a result, when it is combined with beta-caryophyllene, it can be used to promote weight loss.
Antibacterial and Antibiotic
Humulene has antibacterial and antibiotic applications. It has been used in the past and it is still as relevant today against bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus that brings about staph infection. Staphylococcus aureus typically lives in human bodies and on the skin. It is considered a potential disease causing organism but using this terpene can help to fight it off.
For Reducing Pain, Inflammation, and Arthritis
The terpene humulene works as a depressant and can be used as a pain reliever. It is also thought to be effective for relief from arthritis, tumors, fibromyalgia, bursitis and every other kind of condition that can benefit from a reduction of inflammation.
Treatment of Abnormal Cell Growth and Cancer
Humulene was found to decrease the glutathione (GSH) levels in the body while increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels when tested for its interaction with abnormal cells.
GSH as an antioxidant occurs naturally in the body and it is useful in preventing damage to important cells in the body. However, it also protects abnormal cells from getting targeted during cancer treatments such as chemotherapy. Fortunately, this terpene helps in this regard and with an increase in ROS, there is a reduction in the growth of abnormal or cancerous cells.
Cannabis Strains That Contain Humulene
Several strains of cannabis do have humulene in them with some having a higher content than others. Some of these include:
- OG Kush which is a classic Indica.
- Pink Kush. This strain is known for its potency as small doses of it can be quite useful for treating insomnia, pain as well as weight loss.
- Sour Diesel; sometimes called Sour D. It is a Sativa-dominant cannabis strain with a pungent aroma that smells like diesel. It is energizing and can be used for stress relief as well as for the reduction of pain and stress.
- Girls Scout Cookies (GSC) is a cannabis hybrid that when used brings about full-body relaxation. It is essentially good for relieving pain and nausea.
- White Widow is an earthy cannabis hybrid that can provide a burst of energy, euphoria as well as creativity. Alongside humulene, White Widow contains myrcene also.
- Headband is a strain with distinctive and unique lemon and diesel notes which works as a long-lasting as well as relaxing remedy for stress and pain. It is a three-way cross between Master Hush, OG Kush and Sour Diesel.
Other important strains that contain the terpene includes:
- Lifter CBD,
- Durban Diesel
- Hawaiian Haze
- Bubba Kush
- Super Lemon Haze
- Wagyu Kush.
How Humulene is Used?
Humulene can be effective when it is taken orally or topically. It can also be used in aerosols and sprays. It can be used as an addition to balms, rub and salves. When used in combination with beta-caryophyllene, its forces are amplified. You can check here https://cheefbotanicals.com/humulene-terpene/ to learn more.
Conclusion
Terpenes are essential parts of most plants and they occur naturally. They help to give each plant its scent as well as it flavor. A very potent one found in the cannabis plant is humulene. It helps to give many cannabis strains their natural and organic earthy and woody flavor.
It is one of the terpenes that make takingen cannabis quite enjoyable. You too can experience this by picking up a cannabis strain with the humulene terpene.