Welcome back with another episode of our cannabis terpenes series. We already discussed what are cannabis terpenes previously. The star of our show today is ‘Limonene terpene’, where I will answer questions like, what is limonene terpene? What does it smell or taste like.
I’m your host taking responsibility for explaining you guys to more details and guidance about this topic. Let’s get the ball rolling!
Key Takeaways
- Limonene is an aromatic compound and is one of the most common terpenes that exist in cannabis strains.
- Limonene produces the smell reminding you of freshly squeezed lemons with the sour and tangy taste.
- The common uses of limonene are aromatherapy as well as existing in several products as the ingredients such as food and drinks, cleaning products, and beauty products.
- There are a handful of great medical benefits that limonene provides. Here are some of them: anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and anticancer.
- Some safety precautions need to be taken seriously, including those who are allergic to limonene and those with pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What Exactly Is Limonene Terpene?
First and foremost, let’s begin with the word ‘terpene’, a natural aromatic compound found in almost every plant with its special characteristics of producing unique smells and flavors.
Limonene is one of the most common terpenes that exist in cannabis strains including some of those beautiful flowers.
What Does Limonene Smell Or Taste Like?
Does the word ‘limonene’ remind you of something? Limon? That’s right, it’s lemon! There’s no doubt that Limonene will smell citrusy, fresh like a freshly squeezed lemon, that also includes limes and oranges. With all these scents that can freshen up your mood, it’s the reason why it’s being used as an ingredient in household cleaning products and fragrances.
If it smells like lemons, will it taste tangy and sour like them? Absolutely! According to its name relating to lemons, it will taste zesty like ones with some sweetness and bitter flavor added to it at the end.
Fun fact: ‘Limón’ is how you say lemon in Spanish!
Uses of Limonene Terpene
As mentioned earlier, Limonene is often used in fragrances. Guess what? There’s more of it, let’s check it out!
- Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is the way to improve your health and well-being by applying essential oils directly onto your skin with the massage technique, or using an essential oil diffuser and inhaling it in.
- Food and Beverages: In the food industry, limonene is a top type of terpene to be chosen as an ingredient in food like sodas, candies, and desserts for lemony flavor.
- Cleaning Products: Have you ever noticed that most cleaning products have a lemony odor? That’s because it has limonene that comes with the potential to break down fats and oils which makes cleaning easier.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Limonene can also be found in beauty products like cosmetics and hygiene products such as eye shadows, mascara, hair products, shampoos, and skin care products.
Note: Applying limonene products onto the skin is POSSIBLY SAFE as it might cause allergic reactions for those who have limonene allergies.
Medical Effects and Benefits of Limonene Terpene
Despite its wide use mentioned above, limonene is standing in the spotlight when it comes to medical advantages. Here are some benefits of limonene that can make your health better:
Limonene has the potential to reduce inflammation and chronic inflammation as well as serve as an antioxidant to help free radicals that cause cell damage.
With its properties to reduce stress and anxiety combined with the ability to elevate your mood, it’s perfect for those who seek a way to loosen their stressful mind and body. It is associated with the cortisol hormone, known as a stress hormone, and boosts the serotonin system which is responsible for making your body naturally feel good or in a good mood.
Limonene may have the ability to boost your heart health by elevating cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels.
As stated in a 2018 research, cancerous cells in mice were slowed down, and even paused the growth of them. Here is what’s more, another research found that people who consume citrus fruit peel, the source of limonene, face reduced risks of skin cancer than those who only consume citrus fruits and juices.
Safety and Precautions
Consuming limonene is safe within the amount provided in the food and personal products industry. It may irritate if it touches your eyes, therefore, you should avoid limonene contacting your eyes when applying products such as essential oils. It also irritates the skin of those who are allergic to limonene.
Some people may have side effects from consuming high-dose supplements. For those with pregnancy and breastfeeding, it’s recommended to avoid taking limonene supplements even though they are safe when taken in food amounts.
Conclusion
Limonene terpene is an organic compound found within the rind of citrus fruits. It gives a pleasant, citrusy smell as well as provides a sweet and lemony flavor. Due to its refreshing smell, it become one of the ingredients for food, drinks, cleaning products, and cosmetics.
Great things come with great responsibilities, in this case, limonene carries several benefits to the medical field as it has properties for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, reduces stress and depression, reduces heart disease, and is anticancer.
However, it also brings bad side effects for people with limonene allergies as it may cause irritation. For pregnant and breastfeeding ladies, avoiding taking supplements containing limonene is recommended for safety.
