Contributed by Travis Buckmeier, Hempire Co.
We feel it is critical to talk about the current viral enemy we are facing and some simple ways we can effectively be pro-active against it, and better protect our families and even our furry friends! So, let’s talk about some things you may already have around the house and in the kitchen that contain terpenes and can benefit you in some surprising ways.
We are sure you’ve already heard about boosting up on your vitamin C, so while you're loading up on your oranges, make sure you save your peels, as we will talk about those later! Vitamin C is known to protect the immune system and is proven to help fight off infections. Studies have shown that taking vitamin C at the onset of a cold can reduce the length of your cold. Some natural sources of vitamin C include lemons, strawberries, oranges, raspberries, pineapple, kiwi, kale, spinach, and many more fruits and herbs. They also contain terpenes like limonene and valencene, which provide many of the immune-boosting and energizing effects!
Zinc is another great way to be proactive during the flu and cold season.
Studies have shown that zinc can help reduce the onset of a cold, but some sources warn that zinc tablets can have negative side effects such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and even losing your sense of smell. To get a little extra zinc without the risk of these negative effects, we prefer to avoid zinc supplements and instead eat foods high in zinc such as beef, chicken, oatmeal, almonds, cashews, chickpeas and kidney beans.
Other things that may already be in your pantry, like honey, contain both vitamin C and zinc.
Ginger is very high in vitamin C and boasts both terpenes linalool and limonene.
Oregano and thyme are commonly cited as great home remedies for colds. When we take a closer look, we notice that both of these herbs have a similar terpene profile. These terpenes have expectorant properties, meaning that they may help calm coughs by thinning mucus and allowing it to drain from the lungs, which is soothing your respiratory system.
Even everyday things like cleaning the floors of your home can be beneficial in multiple ways.
Alpha pinene is the main component in pine-sol and provides the smell we are all familiar with. While killing bacteria and viruses on your floor, A. pinene also acts as a bronchodilator, a compound that relaxes the muscles in your airways to help clear and expand them. Terpenes that act as bronchodilators include both alpha and beta pinene, linalool, limonene, and menthol which is a terpene found in mint that acts as the key ingredient of Vicks Vapor Rub. Adding these terpenes to a spray bottle and misting your home (dog beds, furniture, door handles, remote controls...) is an easy way to stay on top of the bacteria.
Aromatherapy is a tested and proven way to boost your immune system and if you use a diffuser in your home, now is a better time than ever to be utilizing it! Most essential oils are made up of an array of terpenes giving them their diverse range of beneficial properties. Tea tree oil, eucalyptus, frankincense, and bergamot are all common and excellent oils to diffuse into your home as they have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
When diffusing water is vaporized into the air along with the oils. This allows for your respiratory system, and that of your pet, to absorb the essentials into your body through inhalation and your integumentary system (your skin) has the ability to absorb the vapors that are in the air. Now, remember those orange peels mentioned earlier? Instead of tossing them away, you can toss them in a glass of water. This makes for a simple infusion, that along with other peels and rinds from various fruits boast antioxidants and other beneficial properties. Adding vinegar to that concoction makes a homemade, streak free window cleaner.
We feel it is important to note that water helps to regulate our body temperature. It also helps carry nutrients to the proper areas in our body, as well as aid in digestion and circulation. It is important to get enough water to allow our body to do these things. When we are ill, our water intake helps keep mucus thin rather than it being too viscous and clogging our airways.
We believe understanding the importance of our endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is critical. It is important to know that cannabinoids support your endocannabinoid system, which is critical to maintaining a healthy immune system. Our ECS regulates all of the systems in our bodies and CBD, or cannabidiol, is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been known to help reduce pain. We are seriously boosting our immune system and providing it with terpenes, other botanicals, and using CBD and other cannabinoids found in our full spectrum oils here at Hempire Co.
When it comes to terpenes, we all have a specific blend that we like to add to our oil. Mine, in particular, is actually the terpene profile from one of my favorite cannabis strains called Durban Poison. Its terpene profile boasts terpinolene, humulene, beta caryophyllene, linalool, myrcene, limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene and caryophyllene oxide. For me, it's the perfect energy booster, anxiety killer and pain reliever. All the while helping with mental focus and providing my system with immune-boosting, antiviral and antibacterial fighting properties.
Stay healthy and stay well.