Terpenes to Boost Libido!

Terpenes are flavorful, aromatic compounds found in cannabis, plants, herbs, and all throughout nature. They each produce a complex array of physiological effects. Some terpenes can make you feel drowsy, while other terpenes are energizing, some terpenes can even improve your sex life! The subject of terpenes and sex has yet to be studied very extensively, but knowing the effects of terpenes and understanding what it takes to increase your libido will help you choose the best terpenes for sex and the most aphrodisiac marijuana strains.

Cannabis terpenes for sexual problems

If you’re not wanting it or digging it as much as you usually do and this is something that’s bothering you, it might be stress, anxiety, or depression that’s getting in your way of a good time. These issues can lead to a decreased libido, “performance anxiety,” emotional distance, and other common sexual problems that can be challenging to conquer in even the best relationships. Terpenes can help you move past these problems and improve your sex life because of their powerful effects on both the body and the mind. In order to enjoy sex to the fullest, you need to be feeling relaxed and reasonably happy. If you’re feeling extremely worried or sad, even the best partner in the world won’t be able to get you into it. To help you get in that relaxed, happy state most conducive to sexual bliss, you want to choose terpenes that are known to have calming or euphoric effects. Avoid strains that are rich in terpenes that can lead to drowsiness. You need to be able to relax, but you don’t want to put yourself to sleep, either!

The best cannabis terpenes for sex

So what are the best terpenes for sex? The verdict is still out, but many commonly believe the best terpenes for sex are limonene and linalool. Here’s how these two terpenes can improve your sex life:

Limonene - This terpene helps give you that lighter-than-air, head-in-the clouds sense of euphoria and relaxation that’s just right for relieving stress and improving your mood so that you can more easily get in the mood for love. Super Lemon Haze and Durban Poison both have high levels of limonene.

Strains with high limonene content:

• Banana OG
  
• Berry White
• Black Cherry Soda
• Cinex
• Do Si Dos
• MAC
• Purple Hindu Kush
• Quantum Kush
• Strawberry Banana
• Tahoe OG
• Wedding Cake
• White Fire OG

Experiment! See what works for you, or consider custom ordering a terpene blend high in limonene, linalool, designed to smell deliciously inviting.

Linalool - Technically a terpenoid, linalool is similar to limonene in that it’s relaxing and great for stress relief. It also provides benefits as an antidepressant. Linalool does have some sedative qualities, though, so don’t overdo it. Amnesia Haze is a great sativa strain with a high level of linalool.

Strains with high linalool content:

• Lavender
• LA Confidential
• Amnesia Haze
• Granddaddy Purple (or GDP)

Terpenes for enhanced sensation of touch

Many seasoned cannabis users will tell you that certain strains increase sensitivity to touch and change tactile sensations for the better. However everyone’s different, so some strains and strain blends may enhance touch for you, while your partner’s body may respond to differently.

If you've enjoy using cannabis for a while and know your favorite strains, try balancing out your favorite THC-dominant strain with a CBD-dominant strain like ACDC. It gives you a rich terpene profile coupled with the synergistic effect of CBD and THC.

ACDC is a sativa-dominant strain with 14 percent CBD and less than 1 percent THC.

Here are some other strains to really ramp up erogenous play and give you the tingles:

• Bubblegum Kush, an indica-dominant strain
  
• Sour Diesel, a pungent sativa
• Jillybean, an indica-dominant strain

RELATED: Terpenes (and Cannabis Strains) For Headaches and Migraines!

Strains to reduce anxiety

Many people can have stage fright or the nervous jitters, and terpenes can help calm the nerves. Along with plenty of convincing anecdotal evidence, current research Trusted Source also shows that cannabis terpenes are shown to reduce anxiety.

A small 2018 study analyzed cannabinoids and terpene levels of different strains. Participants rated those most effective at treating their anxiety.

The top strains for anxiety were:

• Bubba Kush, an indica
• Skywalker OG, an indica-dominant hybrid
• Blueberry Lamsbread, a sativa-dominant hybrid
• Kosher Kush, an indica

Essential oils for sex

Terpenes are the little-known agents in essential oils which give them their aroma and physical effects. 

• Cinnamon

• Ylang yang oil - This oil affects emotional balance, and the cardiovascular and hormonal systems. Even better, Ylang ylang is known as one of the most powerful essential oil aphrodisiacs because it influences sexual energy and enhances relationships. She says that ylang ylang can encourage a more sensual and erotic experience during lovemaking. Ylang ylang can also help with impotence and a low libido because, like rose oil, it supports the circulatory system. Ylang ylang contains linalool, geraniol, farnesol, among other terpenes.
• Clary sage - Clary sage is the oil of “clarity and vision,” according to Szura’s book, but as an aphrodisiac, it works by affecting the hormonal system, she says. If the hormones aren’t balanced, the result can be low libido. There are other natural ways to boost a low libido, but clary sage may help by elevating mood, according to a study in Phytotherapy Research, and depression can wreck your libido.
• Jasmine -  the oil of “sexual purity and balance,” and is particularly excellent for use by women. It brings out positivity while reducing anxiety, apathy, depression, and feelings of indifference.
• Patchouli - the oil of “physicality,” Szura explains. Patchouli has an earthy, woodsy aroma, and reduces anxiety, increases energy, and stimulates desire while decreasing inhibitions. That means it can be grounding and stabilizing; it also compliments yoga, tai chi, or any practice that connects the spirit with the body and the earth.
• Rose - there's a reason roses are closely associated with love. Essential rose oil supports the circulatory system, and blood flow to the nether regions is crucial for sex. At the same time, it’s a very sensual and romantic scent that science indicates is emotionally uplifting. Geraniol is a terpene found in rose, largely responsible for these effects.
• Sandalwood 

• Bergamot

Terpenes to avoid beforehand

Just as essential as knowing which terpenes improve sex, knowing which terpenes can inhibit sex is equally as useful. Unless exhaustion is your problem and you just need to get some more sleep before you feel ready for sex, myrcene is a terpene that you’ll want to avoid in high concentrations. This is because myrcene has a very strong sedative effect, deeply relaxing the mind and body into a state commonly known as “couch lock.”

You simply won’t be motivated or energetic enough for sex--all that movement, all that expenditure of energy...how can you possibly do all that when you can’t even bring yourself to stand up?! Indicas have more myrcene than sativas; in fact, it’s the myrcene content that determines how a strain is classified. If the strain has a concentration of the myrcene terpene greater than .5%, it’s considered an indica, while if it’s below .5% in myrcene, it’s considered a sativa. What this means is that if you want to avoid myrcene, choose a sativa, unless you have coffee or some stimulant to balance out the powerfully sedative effects myrcene brings on.