Our sense of smell is uniquely wired to our emotions and memories. Unlike our other senses, scent information travels directly to the limbic system—the emotional center of our brain. That’s why a particular aroma can instantly transport you back to your grandmother's kitchen or to Christmas as a child. The remarkable compounds behind these effects are called terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, though they are commonly associated with cannabis due to the plant's high concentration of them. But their influence extends far beyond cannabis—they're nature's own emotional toolkit.
Nature’s mood modulators
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout the natural world, from forest pines to citrus fruits. In cannabis, these compounds work in harmony with other plant constituents to create what's known as the "entourage effect." This is the idea that all the compounds in cannabis—like THC, CBD, and terpenes—work better together than alone. When combined, they’re thought to create a stronger, more balanced effect.
Recent neuroscience research has revealed that our response to scents isn't just psychological—it's deeply physiological. When we inhale terpenes, they interact with our olfactory system and can influence various neural pathways, affecting everything from stress hormone levels to neurotransmitter activity.
In short, terpenes are why the smell of a fresh forest might energise you, or why lavender helps you unwind after a long day.
The science behind scent and emotion
Terpenes are more than just pleasant aromas—they’re bioactive compounds that can influence our mood, stress levels, and even cognitive function. Here’s a list of common terpenes found in nature and the effects they’ve been shown to have on humans:
Limonene
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Found in: Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and limes.
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Effects: Uplifting and energising. Limonene is known to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting a sense of focus and positivity.
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Suggested products: Tulita Vikasa - Eau de Parfum, Addition Studio Incense - Mandarin, Lime & Basil, Posie Aromatic Room Spray - PIP OR Vahy Isle of Blanc Room Spray
Linalool
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Found in: Lavender, mint, and coriander.
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Effects: Calming and relaxing. Linalool is often used to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and ease feelings of tension.
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Suggested products: Abel Nurture - Eau de Parfum, Addition Studio Soft Landing Candle, Vahy Tarkine - Room Spray
Pinene
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Found in: Pine trees, rosemary, and basil.
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Effects: Invigorating and clarifying. Pinene is associated with improved alertness, memory retention, and respiratory benefits.
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Suggested products: flowrclub Northern Lights candle, Abel Green Cedar Eau De Parfum, Addition Studio Essential Oil Blue Gum and Lemon Myrtle
Myrcene
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Found in: Mangoes, thyme, and lemongrass.
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Effects: Sedating and soothing. Myrcene is known for its relaxing properties, often helping with sleep and muscle tension.
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Suggested products: flowrclub Purple Haze candle, Abel Pause - Eau de Parfum
Caryophyllene
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Found in: Black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
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Effects: Balancing and anti-inflammatory. Caryophyllene interacts with the endocannabinoid system, potentially reducing pain and stress.
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Suggested products: Tulita Agati - Eau de Parfum, Vahy Ember Haze Room Spray
Humulene
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Found in: Hops, sage, and ginger.
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Effects: Grounding and appetite-suppressing. Humulene is often associated with a sense of calm and focus.
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Suggested products: Abel Black Anise - Eau de Parfum, flowrclub wedding cake candle, Abel Cobalt Amber - Eau de Parfum
Terpinolene
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Found in: Apples, tea tree, and nutmeg.
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Effects: Refreshing and uplifting. Terpinolene is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to promote relaxation without drowsiness.
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Suggested products: flowrclub blue dream candle, Addition Studio Incense Tube - Australian Native, Abel Laundry Day - Eau de Parfum
Eucalyptol
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Found in: Eucalyptus, rosemary, and camphor.
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Effects: Clearing and invigorating. Eucalyptol is often used to enhance mental clarity and support respiratory health.
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Suggested products: Addition Studio Incense Blue Gum and Lemon Myrtle, Addition Studio Soft Landing Candle
Understanding your scent response
One of the most remarkable aspects of terpenes is how personally we respond to them. The same compound might evoke different emotional responses in different people, influenced by our memories, biology, and life experiences. This is why paying attention to how different scents affect you personally can be so valuable for emotional wellbeing.
When you encounter a scent that makes you feel good, you're not just experiencing a pleasant smell—you're discovering something meaningful about how your nervous system responds to that particular combination of compounds.
Terpenes remind us that nature holds the key to our emotional balance. From the crisp scent of pine forests to the soothing aroma of blooming lavender, these natural compounds offer a way to reconnect with the world around us. Whether you’re seeking focus for a busy day, calm after a stressful moment, or energy to tackle a new challenge, there’s a terpene and a product to match.
Explore Astrid Alchemy’s fragrances now and find your new favourite:
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