SIMPLY PUT:

While there is still a great deal to be discovered and understood, what you should know is that terpenes interact synergistically to create what scientists refer to as an “entourage effect”. The entourage effect magnifies the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components so that the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.

A BIT MORE COMPLEX:

The term “entourage effect” has become an important piece of vocabulary to describe the relationship between terpenes and other phytochemicals (chemicals made by plants).

Terpenes such as Myrcene, Nerolidol and Terpinolene have relaxing effects, while Alpha-Pinene is known to be uplifting. And when combined, they have been known to be vastly more effective than in isolation.

To learn more, check out the work of our favorite researcher, Dr. Ethan Russo. The complete version of Dr. Ethan Russo’s first paper on terpenes is available here.