Health & Fitness

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes (pronounced tur-peens), or terpenoids, are aromatic metabolites found in the oils of all plants. Terpenes are chemical oils produced by plants that create the unique flavor, scent and effect of herbs, fruit and flowers. When smelling a flower or herb, your nose actually registers the unique terpene profile of the plant. More than 30,000 unique terpenes have been identified in plants, animals, microbes, and fungi, which create aromas and flavors. Terpenes help carry out biological functions, can serve as vitamins, pheromones, and hormones as well as influence the immune system. When combined, terpenes produce complex profiles. For example, the herb lavender smells pleasant, tastes slightly sweet and floral, and has a relaxing effect.

Terpenes are secreted along with cannabinoids in the flower’s sticky resin glands. They are responsible for cannabis’ smell, flavor and contribute to its overall sensory effect. Terpenes give the Blueberry cannabis strain its berry smell, Sour Diesel its skunky smell, and Lavender its floral aroma. Over 100 different terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and every strain tends toward a unique terpene type and composition. Terpenes play a key role in differentiating the effects of various cannabis strains. Terpenoid production evolved over time in plants, including cannabis, to attract pollinators and to act as defense compounds. Female cannabis plants produce glandular trichomes, which are glands that look like small hairs or growths that protrude from the flowers and leaves. Trichomes house crucial compounds, including cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), flavonoids, and terpenes.

Terpenes and cannabinoids interact synergistically to promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others promote focus and acuity. The effect profile of a given terpene can change when combined with other terpenes and cannabinoids in a phenomenon known as the entourage effect. Research suggests that terpenes offer medicinal value as they mediate our body’s interaction with therapeutic cannabinoids.

Technology has developed a method of distilling terpenes into highly concentrated forms that can be used individually or in conjunction with other terpenes. Terpene isolates are commonly used in cosmetic products, incense, food flavorings, perfumes, natural medicines and a wide variety of everyday products.

Pure, isolated terpenes are highly concentrated and may pose health risks if consumed or applied to the skin with out proper dilution. Working with terpenes is shaman-like, calling on an understanding the terpene to safely unlocking their amazing potential. For instance, certain varietals are more potent than others, meaning that one dilution method cannot be applied to every type of terpene. Achieving balance can be tricky but well worth the personal learning needed.

The essential connoisseur's guide to herbs and potions traditonally associated with enhanced sensual pleasure. Throughout history men and women have sought to increase their sexual pleasure through the use of a variety of substances. SEX DRUGS AND APHRODISIACS chronicles the results of this eternal quest. Includes discussions of yohimbe, fugu, absinthe, yage and other exotic specialties and includes a comprehensive history of sources, preparations, uses and effects. Finally this hard to obtain cult classic is available again.

Baby boomers are the demographic group of 77.3 million born during the post–World War II between the years 1946 and 1964, making up 38 million. They are divided into two groups: Leading-Edge Boomers and Trailing Edge Boomers, making up 37, 818 million. The Leading Edge Boomers were born between 1946 and 1955. They are generally more experimental, individualistic, free-spirited, and social-cause oriented. By comparison Trailing Edge Boomers—who missed the “Summer-of-Love” were born between 1956 and 1964. As a group they are generally less optimistic, have a distrust of government and general cynicism.

Baby boomers challenged the norms and demanded something different—and better at every stage. Senior-hood is no different. As Baby Boomers become Senior Boomer all aspects of aging, retiring, and dying will be challenged and radically altered.

There is a demographic tsunami coming. 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day through 2030. In 2014 there were 40 million seniors. By 2050 it projected to be 89 million seniors. There is a coming crisis that will confront every municipality in America. Seniors struggling with adequate money, housing, health care, mobility, quality of life and death.

Take finances. 46% of Senior Boomers have less than $10,000 in retirement savings, while 26% have no savings at all! They are relying on social security. In 2-14 there were 63 million recipients, while 91 million seniors on social security is projects for 2035. So while the number of recipients has grown dramatically, the number of workers support recipients has dropped precipitously, fro 42 workers for each recipient in 1945 to2.5 workers in 2035. Equally challenging are the coming crisis for seniors in housing, health care and end-of-life care.

With crisis comes opportunity. Every one of the challenges facing seniors—and the communities where they live—is a potential gold mine for those who provide solutions to those challenges.

Take housing. Senior Boomers are rewriting the playbook. Seniors want to stay in their home, which is known as “aging in place”, which is to live in one’s home, modifying the home and using products, services and conveniences to enable on to not have to move. Providing those services and products grow businesses that meet these needs. Retrofitting homes includes adding grab bars and ramps. Increasing the width of doorways. Adding a bathroom on the ground floor. Lowering counter tops and electrical switches. Adding pull out shelves. As a few examples. These projects can keep many handymen, contractors in business, architects, and City building Departments in business.

SENIOR BOOMERS will explore the challenges they are bringing and ways to meet them along with the ways that Senior Boomers will change how we view and experience aging.