Limonene is one of the most frequent naturally occurring monoterpenes found in many essential oils and in the Cannabis plant. Monoterpenes are a class of terpenes that consist of two isoprene units and have the molecular formula C10H16.
That may sound complicated. All we really need to understand is that terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that every living plant produces. It gives each plant its unique character, aroma, and flavor.
Terpenes don’t just stop with scent. They also have many therapeutic and medicinal properties, which is why they are becoming more and more popular.
One of the most well-known terpenes is Limonene. Just as its name implies, you will find Limonene in lemons and limes. It is also prevalent in many citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits.
Let’s look into what else this Cannabis terpene has to offer.
Main Keypoints:
- Commonly found in fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruit, and orange peels and rinds, Limone has a unique citrusy aroma.
- Used in natural insect repellents, Limonene is a frequent ingredient in many household items, cosmetics, and hand cleansers.
- Limonene may help with a variety of health issues and have the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant while providing support for cardiovascular health.
What is Limonene?
Limonene is one of the hundreds of terpenes such as borneol, eucalyptol, caryophyllene, and humulene in live plants. Terpenes are essential oils that produce plants’ unique scents and flavors, including cannabis. In fact, along with Myrcene, Limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes to occur in cannabis.
Limonene is one of the most common terpenes in nature and is in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. Its aroma will remind you of running through a grove of ripe oranges.
Limonene has long appeared as an ingredient in cleaning products, aftershaves, cosmetics, hand cleansers, and other personal care items, used as a flavoring agent in foods and often as orange oil in natural insect replants.
Like other terpenes, an overview of Limonene suggests it possesses promising health benefits, especially when combined with cannabinoids like THC.
How is Limonene Used?
You will also find this terpene in cosmetics, cleaning products, and natural insect repellants as a flavoring agent in foods to deliver a lemony flavor.
Perhaps most exciting is that Limonene research has revealed medicinal qualities in preliminary studies, especially when combined with cannabis as part of the entourage effect.
Where is Limonene Found in Nature?
As you may have guessed by its name, the Limonene name comes from lemons and limes but also originates in various other citrus fruits. Today, Limonene is usually extracted from orange peels and rinds.
Limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes found naturally in cannabis plants.
What Does Limonene Smell Like?
Two forms of this terpene share the same properties but have slightly different scents:
- l limonene offers a sour turpentine-like smell mixed with pine.
- d limonene is the other chemical compound. This food-grade version produces an aroma similar to citrus fruits and is more popular. The d limonene mirrors the scent of lemons, oranges, grapefruits, limes, and other citrus fruits. Limonene in cannabis plants gives marijuana strains a distinct citrusy aroma.
Regardless of the form, the citrus scent of Limonene creates an uplifting and energizing aroma.
What Does Limonene Do? What Are The Benefits?
You are likely to find Limonene throughout a variety of household cleaning products. But perhaps Limonene’s greatest attribute is a natural option for various health issues. It has the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, provide cardiovascular support, and so much more.[1]
What is Limonene Used For?
The list of Limonene’s potential therapeutic benefits is lengthy. These are some of the most beneficial medicinal possibilities:
Anti-Inflammatory
There is no doubt that chronic inflammation can harm your body and contribute to a significant cause of health concerns. Limonene may help.
In animal studies, Limonene reduced nitric oxide production, helping to reduce certain inflammatory conditions.[2] More recent human studies indicate that Limonene may help reduce inflammation and support joint health.[3]
Support Weight Loss
It may be a little early to draw a final conclusion, but Limonene appears to help reduce appetite.[4]
Anti-Carcinogenic
In preliminary studies, dietary d-limonene appears to have a potential protective effect on especially skin irritation and specific skin carcinogenic cells.[5] Published research revealed that Limonene helps with other carcinogenic concerns.[6]
Cardiovascular Health
Heart issues are still the number one cause of death in the United States.[7] In animal tests, scientists have discovered that Limonene may reduce certain risk factors for heart issues, such as elevated cholesterol, blood pressure, and triglyceride levels.[8],[9] Although more research on humans will be needed, this research provides hope for the future.
Mood, Anxiety, and Stress.
The aroma of citrus is a natural way to elevate feelings of energy and positivity. Now, there is actually science behind the benefits of Limonene for mood support.
Researchers have found Limonene as a dietary supplement may play a beneficial role as an anti-stress substance.[10] In addition, in animal studies, Limonene was found to help inhibit anxiety-related behavior.[11]
Is It Safe To Use?
On their own, terpenes like Limonene do not have significant psychoactive properties, so in that manner, they will not get you high. When combined with cannabinoids, Limonene acts to embellish your experience.
Limonene is considered safe, with little risk of side effects, as long as you follow relevant directions. Under the current regulatory guidelines, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that d-limonene is safe and approved for flavoring and as a food additive.[12]
Limonene’s appropriate dose will depend on factors such as age, gender, weight, and overall health.
Be cautious if you apply concentrated Limonene directly to your skin, as this essential oil may cause some irritation. [13] Still, no adverse allergic reactions have occurred in the majority of people.
Of course, you should always check with your personal healthcare provider before using any supplement, herbal, plant-based medicinal remedy, or terpene, as there may be unwanted side effects during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you are taking medications.[14]
Is Limonene Legal?
In general, Limonene and all terpenes are legal on their own. However, when terpenes come from marijuana, they may be illegal under federal law and local regulations in certain areas.
As a result, cannabis-derived terpenes operate in a legal gray area. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp, including hemp-derived CBD and terpenes. And some states have legalized cannabis and its terpenes. The legality of Liomene depends on your city, state, and laws.
You will always want to check to understand the regulations in your state to assure you are using a legal substance.
How Does Limone Play a Role in the Cannabis Plant?
This terpene brings the aromatic effects of citrus to your cannabis experience. When combined with the THC or other cannabinoids, Limonene adds to the impact of feeling high with a delightful taste and smell.
Terpenes impact a plant’s potential medical abilities. Yes, terpenes have benefits on their own. However, their most significant advantage may be the way they enhance the health effects of cannabinoids.
In other words, not only will Limonene give individual strains a unique flavor and aromas, but it may also contribute to their overall wellness outcomes.
The Entourage Effect
When terpenes and marijuana work together in harmony, the entourage effect occurs. The entourage effect causes the THC in marijuana to interact positively with the terpene compounds and create more potent therapeutic effects.[15]
For example, Limonene works to enhance how the body absorbs cannabinoids and other terpenes.
This heightened result occurs when terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce more significant results than any of them alone.
If you are searching for a way to elevate your cannabis experience and promote your health, choose a strain that combines marijuana and terpenes. So keep an eye out for any Limonene enriched strains.
Final Thoughts
Limonene is a common terpene identified in lemons, limes, grapefruit, and orange peels and rinds, producing a unique citrusy aroma. Limonene plays a significant role as a terpene when combined with cannabis as part of the entourage effect. Limonene’s uplifting and energizing scent can enhance your cannabis experience.
In addition, research suggests that taking Limonene may provide therapeutic benefits for various health issues. This includes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and so many more health and wellness advantages.
At Bio Wellness X, we are on a mission to make legal, high-quality hemp-derived THC and CBD products more accessible for people nationwide. With one goal in mind, our cutting-edge products provide natural relief!
We recognize that taking Liomene may offer wellness benefits with medical applications. Visit our website to learn more about how our wide range of quality products can support your physical and mental health.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16734569/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25622554/
- Ibid.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18809464/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11142088/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3692564/
- https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5772658/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23838456/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24125633/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33548867/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23573938/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23573938/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26526880/
- https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
By reading this legal information, you agree to release the author of any liability related to or arising from your use of this data. This post contains no legal advice. The legal status surrounding Hemp-derived products is new and constantly changing. We continuously work hard to do our best to give you the most updated information. We recommend checking your current state’s laws or federal hemp laws before purchasing any industrial hemp-derived products (CBD, THC) in Mississippi. The data in this post is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or give any medical advice. Do your due diligence and seek your doctor’s advice, especially if you are in doubt or are currently taking any prescription medications. Safer than sorry is always a great idea when consuming new products.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Limonene is a potent terpene that may help with various health issues. Research suggests that taking Limonene has the potential to act as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant while providing support for cardiovascular health. As a terpene, taking Limonene enhances the health effects of cannabinoids and contributes to overall wellness as part of the entourage effect.
Limonene is considered safe, with little risk of side effects. Under the current regulatory guidelines, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) confirms that d-limonene is safe and approved for flavoring and as a food additive.
Be cautious if you apply concentrated Limonene directly to your skin, as this essential oil may cause some irritation. Consuming extreme terpene levels (over eight grams daily) may lead to temporary nausea and vomiting. Always check with your healthcare provider before using, as there may be unwanted side effects during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or if you are taking medications.
The medicinal effects of Limonene include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and mood support, among other beneficial health results. Limonene can elevate your cannabis experience and deliver citrus fruits’ pleasant aroma and flavor.
