Terpenes are any of a large group of volatile unsaturated hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of plants, especially conifers and citrus trees. Almost all essential oils from plants contain terpenes and over 40,000 different terpenoids have been isolated and characterised from natural sources. Terpenoids, also known as isoprenoids, are a subclass of the prenyllipids (terpenes, prenylquinones and sterols).
Monoterpenes are the terpenes that have been known for several centuries as components of the fragrant oils obtained from leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds of herbs and spices and fruits and vegetables. They have many powerful health benefits because of their potent properties that reduce inflammation and pain.
Examples of monoterpenes
- Camphene
- Carene
- Citral
- Geraniol
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Mentholm 1
- Myrcene
- Nerol
- Phellandrene
- Pinene
- Pulegone
- Sabinene
- Terpineol
Linalool is a critical precursor in the formation of vitamin E and is therefore a substance that can help with the healing of injuries and surgery. Linalool is found in cinnamon, citrus fruits, mint and many other aromatic herbs.
Pulegone is found in rosemary and breaks down acetylcholine in the brain, allowing nerve cells to communicate more effectively with one another and can improve memory.
All these substances are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. They also have analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties than can be used both internally and externally to help fight infections and disinfect household surfaces. Many of these terpenes can be easily absorbed through the skin. Terpene aromas and tastes range from sweet and sour to spicy and bitter.
Natural sources of terpenes in alphabetical order
- Apples
- Apricots
- Basil
- Bay leaves
- Bitter orange tree
- Blueberry
- Cannabis
- Caraway seeds
- Cedar
- Cherries
- Chilli peppers
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Coffee beans
- Coriander
- Curry leaf
- Dill
- Eucalyptus
- Fennel seeds
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Grapefruit
- Guava
- Hops
- Jasmine
- Lavender
- Laurel
- Lemon (especially the peel)
- Lemongrass
- Lilac
- Lime (especially the peel)
- Mango
- Melon
- Mimosa
- Mint
- Neem
- Nutmeg
- Orange (especially the peel)
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Passion fruit
- Peach
- Pears
- Peppercorns
- Peppermint
- Peppers
- Pine
- Pineapple
- Plums
- Raspberry
- Rose
- Rosemary
- Rosewood
- Rice
- Saffron
- Sage
- Spearmint
- Strawberry
- Tangerine (especially the peel)
- Tarragon
- Tea
- Tea tree oil
- Thyme
- Tomatoes
- Turmeric
- Violet
- Yarrow
Related subjects
- A-Z of nutrients
- Anti-microbial healing plants and foods
- Bacterial infections and natural antibiotics
- Brain and mental health disorders
- Fungi and yeast infections
- Hygiene toxins and health
- Nerve disorders
- Pain and inflammation
- Recovery from injury and surgery
- Sports nutrition
- Skin disorders
- Virus infections
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