Getting Terpy with Aromatherapy
Digital Collage by Shan Shute via Pexels
When you hear “aromatherapy” in the 21st century, the word is usually being used by either your mom offering a solution to your chronic anxiety, or by an old friend trying to sell you a “unique business opportunity.”
Believe it or not, though, there are grains of truth tucked into those layers of herbaceous grift; many cultures worldwide inhale and ingest plant botanicals in a plethora of wellness and spiritual practices that date back centuries. It’s also more common and simple than we think - if you’ve ever enjoyed a scented candle or bath bomb, you’ve benefited from aromatherapy!
Whether it’s absorbed through the nose, lungs or skin, the benefits of traditional aromatherapy and cannabis go hand in hand. While not entirely responsible for the experience, many of the same plant compounds sought after in aromatherapy are also found in the trichome heads of the cannabis flower. You may be aware of terpenes, and how they can make strains range from sweet and fruity in aroma, to dank and gassy, as well as the influence they have on the plant’s effects. The ‘entourage effect’ of terpenes and cannabinoids working together can be taken even further by inviting other plant botanicals to the party (or to bed, or to the gym, or anywhere really.)
Meet some of the most popular plants used in aromatherapy – try adding your favourite to your next sesh!
Lavender – Originating in the mountains of the Mediterranean, lavender is now grown and cherished around the world. This sweet, herbal and ever so slightly spicy flower is often used to invite relaxation. Lavender also has a high concentration of linalool, a terpene known for its calming properties. For its pleasant scent and association with tranquility, dried lavender has become a popular smoking herb to add to cannabis, as well as in combination with CBD & CBN products for the ultimate nighttime routine.
Conifers – The needles and sap of trees like pine and cedar are used in the spiritual and medicinal practices of Indigenous cultures throughout North America. For us settlers, they continue to be some of the most popular choices in both home and body care. Its sharp scent evokes feelings of freshness and rejuvenation. Most conifers unsurprisingly, contain high amounts of pinene, another terpene commonly found in cannabis. Pinene is believed to be helpful in cleansing and clearing congestion, which is why many coniferous plants are boiled to make tea or a cleansing bath, with the steam being employed to open one’s airways. In cannabis, this terpene is also treasured for its focused, mood-boosting effects.
Eucalyptus – This cooling aroma will be instantly recognizable to anyone who’s ever used an over-the-counter salve when they’ve had a cold. The unique briskness of eucalyptus comes from a compound known as eucalyptol, or cineole, which is a lesser-known terpene found in select cannabis strains. Eucalyptus is a favourite in oil diffusion and topical treatments, making it a common ingredient in CBD topicals and bath products.
Mint – Often used in tandem with eucalyptus, mint is just as cool and refreshing! While not abundant in cannabis, menthol is a great complimentary terpene to add to the entourage. Responsible for helping to soothe skin, throats and tummies alike, it also leaves a satisfying ‘tingle’ when applied topically. This has made menthol a popular ingredient in both skincare and medicinal products. Like lavender, mint leaves are becoming a popular additive to joints and bowls for not only its refreshing aroma and smoothness, but also for the refreshing, invigorating sensation it provides, with the added bonus of a fresher-smelling exhale!
Aromatherapy may not be the medicinal cure-all that Facebook Huns tout it to be, but it remains an excellent practice to add to your wellness toolkit, right alongside cannabis. The best part of these two together are the endless combinations of cannabis strains and aromatherapy scents that can be mixed and matched to truly tailor our experience.
Studying? Smoking a pinene-forward strain coupled with a cedarwood candle may help set the scene for focus and bright ideas. Off to bed? Try a few sprays of lavender on your pillow as your CBD gummy kicks in. Whatever suits you best, try adding one of these plants to your cannabis ritual!
