How Terpenes in Drinks Can Boost Your Mood & Mindset

Plants are great communicators. One of their best messages? Terpenes - the aromatic molecules you inhale when you peel an orange or walk through the bush. But there’s more to these compounds than meets the nose: they can literally shape how you feel.

In this article we unpack the real science of how plant terpenes interact with your vagus nerve and neurotransmitters - gently supporting mood, focus, and relaxation, one sip at a time.

TL;DR: Terpenes - aromatic compounds from plants like citrus, lavender, and pine - have a direct line to your body’s nervous system. They interact with your neurotransmitters and stimulate the vagus nerve, helping to support mood, focus, and relaxation. When you sip a terpene-infused drink, you’re activating your parasympathetic nervous system (your body’s “rest and digest” mode), reducing stress and inviting in a gentle, feel-good calm.

What Are Terpenes? (And Why Do We Care?)

Terpenes are tiny but mighty. Found in nearly every herb, fruit, and flower, they give each plant its signature scent and flavour. In the wild, they’re a kind of botanical Swiss Army knife - attracting pollinators, deterring pests, and helping plants recover from stress.

When you sip a Terps & Co drink, you’re getting a blend of over 40 plant-sourced terpenes, each chosen for its unique interaction with your nervous system. It’s flavour with function - science, but make it sippable.

How Do Terpenes Affect Mood? The Real Science

1. Neurotransmitters & Brain Chemistry

Research shows terpenes interact with brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine - think of them as nature’s way of tuning your mood, motivation, and sense of reward. For example:

• Limonene (from citrus): Linked with higher serotonin, bringing a lift in mood and energy.

• Linalool (from lavender): Studied for calming, anti-anxiety effects.

• Myrcene (in hops, mango): Associated with relaxation and gentle unwinding.

• Pinene (in pine, rosemary): Boosts focus and clarity.

• Beta-caryophyllene (from pepper): Binds to CB2 receptors, helping balance stress and inflammation.
  
  

2. The Vagus Nerve & Parasympathetic Magic

Here’s where it gets even more interesting. Terpenes don’t just play with your head—they can talk to your whole nervous system, including the vagus nerve.

The vagus nerve is your body’s “rest and digest” switch. Certain terpenes (like linalool and pinene) can help activate this nerve, nudging your system into parasympathetic mode - that relaxed, grounded state you also reach with yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.

The results? Less stress, lower blood pressure, a boost to your immune system, and an immediate sense of calm.

3. The Entourage Effect

Here’s another secret: terpenes don’t work alone. The “entourage effect” is the sciencey way of saying plant molecules (terpenes, flavonoids, etc.) are team players—together, they amplify each other’s positive effects. That’s why Terps & Co blends, not isolates, for a more nuanced, reliable vibe.

How Does Drinking Terpenes Feel?

It’s not about getting “high”—terpenes are non-psychoactive. Instead, they gently tune your mood:

• With friends: You might feel more relaxed and sociable.

• Solo: You may notice more focus, creativity, or wind-down.

• During stress: Smoother mood, less tension, and a soft sense of well-being.

Everyone’s experience is a little different, depending on the blend, your setting, and even your mindset.

FAQs - The Science, Fast

Are terpenes safe?
Yes! They’re naturally present in the foods you eat and air you breathe. Recognised as safe, non-toxic, and non-intoxicating.

Do Terps & Co drinks get you high?
Nope - just gently shifts mood, without psychoactive effects.

Are there calories, alcohol, or caffeine?
Less than 3 calories per serve. Trace alcohol (<0.5%, like kombucha). Zero caffeine.

How do you drink them?
Mix, pour, shake, or sip - just like your favourite spirit or RTD.

Final Sip: Science Meets Sensory Ritual

The secret to Terps & Co? We’re not just making drinks - we’re bottling the chemistry of connection, calm, and good times. Thanks to plant terpenes and a little help from your vagus nerve, you can reset, refresh, and actually remember the best moments of your night.

Science says relax. Your next great vibe is a sip away.

References:

Research Article “Effect of aromatherapy on autonomic nervous system regulation with treadmill exercise-induced stress among adolescents”

Research Article “Aromatherapy Benefits Autonomic Nervous System Regulation for Elementary School Faculty in Taiwan”