The Best Terpenes for Arthritis

Arthritis affects an estimated 20% of American adults—and at least 50% of those 75 and older. This umbrella term encompasses over 100 different joint disorders that can cause chronic pain, inflammation and reduced mobility to a debilitating or even disabling degree. Like other root causes of chronic pain, a category that affects roughly a quarter of Americans, finding relief for arthritis pain can be challenging.

An increasing number of studies suggest, however, that a common class of plant compounds called terpenes could help people living with arthritis or chronic neuropathic pain address their symptoms. Studies into individual terpenes like humulene, have found that these compounds may reduce inflammation as well as the way neurons receive pain signals from the nervous system. Additionally, some cannabis terpenes have indirect benefits that correlate with arthritis symptoms. For example, limonene can reduce symptoms of anxiety by facilitating the release of dopamine and GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), which themselves can reduce sensations associated with pain and inflammation.

Now two separate studies published in 2024, one from the American College of Rheumatology, and one from the International Association for the Study of Pain, have even more promising findings. The former suggested that medical cannabis helped patients living with rheumatic arthritis conditions were able to reduce their use of common medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, sleep aids and muscle relaxers.

The latter was a federally funded study into the efficacy of compounds commonly found in cannabis plants. Its findings indicated that terpenes including geraniol, linalool, β-pinene, α-humulene and β-caryophyllene were active in models of chronic neuropathic pain.

What Are Terpenes?

To understand why these studies are so promising, it helps to know what terpenes are and how they interact with the human body. Terpenes are compounds produced by many plants, and are best known for the flavors and scents they contribute to citrus fruits, aromatic herbs like lavender, rosemary and sage, and even distinctive favorites like tomatoes, eucalyptus and pine trees.

Terpenes do more than just make great essential oils, however. When they interact with receptors in the body, they can produce diverse effects—from relaxing the respiratory system to neuroprotective qualities to reducing inflammation. The wide variety of effects that terpenes can have individually, as well as in synergy with one another and other plant compounds, give them an edge against complex conditions like arthritis that can produce a wide range of joint and nerve pain symptoms, and stem from numerous causal factors.

What Is Arthritis?

The term “arthritis” stems from the ancient Greek root words for joints and inflammation, and can range from common conditions like osteoarthritis to rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, to other diseases that impact the joints like gout, lupus and fibromyalgia.

Treatments for arthritis can vary almost as widely as the causes and symptoms of joint inflammation itself. NSAIDs are a popular first-line treatment, as are “counterirritants”—topicals with stimulating ingredients like menthol or capsaicin that can disrupt the nervous system’s pain-related feedback.

Pharmaceutical companies have also developed steroidal medications like prednisone or corticosteroid injections to treat joint pain, as well as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that can fight the autoimmune response that affects joint tissues.

Researchers and patients alike are always looking for new ways to counteract arthritis pain. These conditions are widespread, and can be so debilitating, that many are eager for relief—especially localized relief that can potentially reduce reliance on stronger, systemic medications that come with many adverse effects.

Osteoarthritis most often appears in the hands, knees and hips — the thumb’s basal joint is among the most commonly affected of all, which is why so much topical research has focused there. If your symptoms are concentrated in the hands and wrists, our guidance for desk and screen work covers the same areas.

How Do Terpenes Affect Arthritis?

Many arthritis medications work by interacting with receptors in the body, effectively switching them “on” or “off” for a period of time. That’s where terpenes come in. Research has shown terpenes also can act as agonists or antagonists of different receptors in both the nervous and endocannabinoid systems, which are closely intertwined. That means terpenes can activate or block receptors from transmitting signals that control different functions like joint movement or the body’s reactions to different stimuli or substances.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been the subject of increased scientific exploration since its relatively recent discovery in the 1980s. The ECS is a network of receptors that interact with molecular compounds, both those produced by the body known as endocannabinoids, as well as compounds produced by the cannabis plant. In the early days of cannabis research, it was postulated that many plant compounds, not just THC, were in play and creating an “entourage effect.” Research has since revealed that terpenes interact with endocannabinoid receptors both on their own and in synergy with cannabis compounds like THC and CBD.

The previously mentioned 2024 study by the International Association for the Study of Pain found that terpenes including geraniol, linalool, β-pinene, α-humulene, and β-caryophyllene could induce antinociception—that is, block neurons from feeling pain stimuli—in adenosine A2A receptors. Those are receptors that help control inflammatory responses in the immune system, and which can also be controlled through common anti-inflammatory drugs like methotrexate, sulfasalazine and aspirin.

Can CBD Topicals Help Arthritis?

Although current federal regulations prevent CBD brands from making health claims that have yet to be reviewed and approved by the FDA, there’s no denying people are interested in cannabis, the entourage effect and the properties of plant compounds—and incorporating cannabis into their health and wellness regimens.

In particular, CBD salves and other topicals have gained popularity for localized applications, like rubbing on joints affected by arthritis. People may use localized treatments like CBD topicals alone or with non-prescription drugs like topical and oral NSAIDs or sleep aids that work systemically or may be taken only a limited number of times throughout the day. Others living with arthritis and chronic pain like cannabis topicals because they can deliver localized support directly where they need it.

For smaller joints like the fingers and thumb, a lower concentration usually makes sense — Soothe Salve + is the gentlest of the three strengths.

Full-Spectrum CBD, Terpenes and Arthritis

For those who are curious whether topical CBD and terpenes might be compatible with their individual needs, however, it’s important to know what to look for in a CBD topical. Full-spectrum CBD products made by Entourus contain the full range of cannabis terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds that work synergistically with CBD. Our CBD + Terpenes line is infused with a specialized terpene blend, scientifically formulated to work with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Every Entourus salve uses full-spectrum CBD from non-GMO hemp grown in Central Oregon. Our CBD + Terpenes line adds a proprietary blend of more than fifty botanically derived terpenes, including limonene and humulene. Both lines come in 1000, 1500 and 2000 MG per 50 ML jar.

If your symptoms are more widespread, we’ve also written articles focused on joint aches and stiffness and what the science actually says about knee pain.

Learn more about cannabis topicals on our FAQ.