fact vs. myth: Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy utilizes various essential oils and other aroma compounds to improve health both mentally and physically, but is it used in cannabis, and if so, what are its perks?

Some might believe that to enjoy the benefits of cannabis, you must smoke, vape or eat it. However, that is not true, as it also has healthful benefits by smelling the plant’s aromatic terpenes.

“The ancient practice of inhaling essential oil scents, which are made from potent terpenes, has been healing humans for thousands of years – for a reason. Aromatherapy is considered alternative medicine, leaving many skeptical of its effectiveness. But the non-skeptics get it and therefore, continue to benefit from good, centuries-old fashioned healing,” stated Cannafloria Wellness.

“The olfactory system, as well as areas of the brain that respond to scent, are rich in cannabinoid receptors. When you inhale the scent of hemp-infused essential oils, you gain the same relaxing, health-enhancing benefits as from the more common, aforementioned methods,” it continued.

The essential oils that are used in aromatherapy are extracted from plants such as lavender, basil and peppermint – to name a few – all of which have “powerful terpenes” and give each plant a unique scent. However, these plants usually have about one or two primary terpenes, whereas cannabis has over 100 terpenes with various flavors and aromas. “As with other plants, cannabis terpenes are extracted to create healthful essential oils, which provide a bounty of natural healing for the mind, body and spirit,” (Cannafloria Wellness).

According to Herbivore Botanicals,

“Aromatherapy works with the body’s sense of smell to influence your endocrine and autonomic nervous systems. In the case of cannabis, studies have shown that the scent of cannabis alone can activate the body’s endocannabinoid system [the system of receptors in the body, built specifically to respond to cannabinoids]. This means the herbaceous aroma produced by cannabis offers subtle therapeutic reward –without tincture or toke.”

Like anything, the cannabis scent can bring an abundance of creative memories, positive mood-boost and pain management (Cannafloria Wellness).

Cannafloria Wellness explained, “From nostrils to [the] brain, the signature scents of essential oils trigger responses in the olfactory system, which directs the limbic system and amygdala to elicit a response.” ECS receptors respond to cannabis compounds the same way they do to natural cannabinoids produced within the body.

“The olfactory system is rich in cannabinoid receptors, especially CB1, which responds to both THC and CBD. THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis and CBD supports the immune system with balance and healing,” said Cannafloria Wellness. “CB1 receptors are also found in the limbic system and amygdala. When hemp-infused essential oil is inhaled, its molecules bind to these receptors and elicit a response that’s similar to the more common consumption methods.” thoughts and feelings. For example, it might remind you of a deep conversation or an artistic experience. “Being familiar with the divine applications of cannabis may even invite spiritual inspiration upon detecting the scent,” said Herbivore.

Cannabis oil also takes healing to a different level. Like essential oils, all cannabis oils are typically mixed with carrier oils to deliver a safe and effective healing. “Adding cannabis oil to the mix definitely takes healing to a higher level when you want to feel calm, focused, relaxed, renewed and radiantly healthy,” Cannafloria Wellness shared.

Inhaling distinct aromas of essential oils triggers a chain reaction within the body. One whiff sends the scent of terpenes to parts of the brain which directs the body to respond accordingly with relaxation, a

So, if you are looking to improve your cannabis experience and incorporate aromatherapy into it, make sure you do the research to learn the facts before believing the myths.

References https://aromafloria.com/blogs/cannafloria/ aromatherapy-does-the-smell-of-cannabis-terpenes-help-us-heal https://www.herbivorebotanicals.com/blogs/news/ cannabis-aromatherapy