D-Limonene, or simply Limonene, is not only the third most common terpene in cannabis, but the second most common terpene found in nature generally - providing the strong citrus aroma of lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and other fruits.
Limonene is known for its aromatherapeutic benefits such as uplifting your mood. While it is found in indicas, sativas and hybrids, its known for helping sativas to create an exhilarating buzz, and also help to can offset the potential for lower moods or couch lock in indicas.
If you are looking for more information about this terpenoid, then you are in luck. In this article, we will tackle the many benefits of this terpenoid.
Terpenes are fragrant oils found in many plants throughout nature, and in cannabis they are secreted by the frosty-looking trichomes alongside cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes not only determine the smell of a cannabis strain, they may also modify its effects either through aromatherapy, directly interacting with our endocannabinoid system, or both.
Limonene is grown on plants not only as a defense mechanism to protect from predators due to its strong scent, but also to protect against harmful microbes, due to its anti-bacterial properties.
The D-Limonene compound offers many health benefits for people that consume it. Its benefits include: anti-anxiety, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. These health benefits are the reason why manufacturers of CBD oils are selling strains high in limonene or adding extra of the Limonene terpene into CBD oil products.
Here are the TribeTokes CBD Vape Strains that contain therapeutic doses of Limonene - definitely check them out if you think this terpene can benefit you!
Aside from CBD oils, Limonene is a popular food additive. It increases a dish's flavor and aroma. Brands also add this to their cleaning products, beauty products, and insect repellants for its pleasant smell and antibacterial / anti-fungal properties.
Manufacturers extract the Limonene terpene through the process of hydro-distillation. It can either be extracted from hemp or marijuana, or from other botanicals, and then reintroduced to pure CBD distillate along with other terpenes to recreate a flower strain.
This section will focus on the benefits of D-limonene terpenoid. If you are hesitant in your consumption of CBD products that have Limonene, this will hopefully set your mind at ease.
The anti-inflammatory effects of Limonene are well documented, especially in its ability to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (which is commonly found in colitis, and most recently in victims of the coronavirus). Chronic inflammation is absolutely rampant in our country, with 133 million Americans experiencing it in some way (40% of the population!). This is important because has been found to play a role in almost every chronic disease.
Using CBD oils or medications that have Limonene will help you combat inflammation in the future. Remember - prevention through diet, supplementation and lifestyle - is better than a cure!
Antioxidants help decrease cell damage. Limonene illustrates antioxidant effects that are beneficial for its users - it helps your immune system by assisting with the removal of free radicals throughout the body. In addition, limonene protects cells from oxidative stress induced by the exogenous addition of H(2)O(2).
Boost Your Heart Health
The term "lemon fresh" exists for a reason! Limonene is also known for its anti-viral, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Studies have shown limonene to fight against the trifecta of certain viruses, bacteria and fungi. As with many terpenes, plants produce limonene to help protect them against harmful microbes - and they can help protect our bodies as well.
Inhalation of limonene vapor increases serotonin and dopamine levels in the regions of the brain that are associated with anxiety. It can also promote muscle relaxation - and in scientific studies of mice, it even reduced Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms (who knew mice could have OCD)! Interestingly, we don’t yet know whether these effects of limonene are from aromatherapy or from directly affecting brain cells - unlike some of the other terpenes that have well-defined brain targets, such as linalool and b-caryophyllene.
Limonene is approved as a food additive by the FDA - it won’t harm your body to ingest. However, using a very strong, undiluted dose on your skin can cause skin reactions or irritations - so make sure its properly mixed within a product (basically, use caution if you're handling it as a raw essential oil).
If you are a fan of CBD flower or vapes, consider trying the ones that have Limonene. CBD oil on its own is useful, but combined with terpenes provides many desirable therapeutic benefits.
