Terpenes are the fragrant compounds that give plants like pine, lavender, and citrus their smell. You find them in whole foods, essential oils, and herbal supplements. They show up in aromatherapy, flavorings, and some dietary blends, normally mixed with other botanicals. Effects change completely depending on the specific terpene in question. Broad claims about all terpenes have no proof behind them.
Labs have studied individual compounds like limonene and linalool for particular properties. Yet solid human evidence for swallowing these compounds as supplements is thin and early-stage. Most research looks at breathing them in or applying them to the skin during aromatherapy, not oral use.
No standard dose exists for terpenes as a group. Follow the label on any blend you buy. Pregnant people, nursing people, and anyone on prescription drugs should be careful. Some terpenes can interfere with enzymes that process medications.