Terpene Spotlight: Limonene

In the latest installment in our continuing series on individual terpenes, here we cover limonene - one of the most pleasant smelling terps. Which plants contain limonene? What are its flavors and aromas like, and what are some potential benefits? Read on for more.

If you haven’t already checked out our previous terpene spotlight on linalool and myrcene, be sure to do so right here, and also here. And if you’re brand new to the wonderful world of terpenes, you’ll want to start with our terpenes 101 before reading our spotlight on limonene.

What Does Limonene Taste and Smell Like?

Limonene is one of the most recognizable of all the terpenes, mainly because of its indistinguishable zesty scent that can be found in many citrus fruits. The most abundant amount of limonene is typically found in lemons.

"Limonene is one of the most recognizable of all the terpenes, mainly because of its indistinguishable zesty scent that can be found in many citrus fruits. The most abundant amount of limonene is typically found in lemons."

If you’ve enjoyed sweet treats like chocolate-covered orange peels and sherbert ice cream, then your taste buds have experienced limonene. Naturally, real lemonade also contains a good amount of limonene. Thanks to its pleasant scent, limonene is found in many balms, massage oils, and even in many household cleaning products.

Where is Limonene Found in Nature?

Limonene lends its scent to many plants in our natural world - including pine, juniper, mint, fennel, and rosemary. Rosemary is often found in massage oils and essential oils for aromatherapy. For industrial purposes, limonene is used as a solvent that helps remove excess oil from heavy machinery, as a paint stripper, and as an herbicide that is both effective and organic.

For many centuries of alternative medicine, limonene has been used in remedies to help with ailments like gallstones, heartburn, and bronchitis. Additionally, limonene has been used for many years thanks to its antimicrobial properties. More on the potential benefits of limonene later.

Limonene in Cannabis

In addition to myrcene, limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes that we’ll find in cannabis. Some of the most common cultivars containing limonene include Lemon Haze, Lemon G, and just about any variety from the cookie lineage.

What are the Potential Benefits of Limonene?

Limonene is one of the most potentially beneficial terpenes in existence. The benefits and uses of this citrus-scented terpene include antimicrobial and antibacterial, as well as potentially helping with anxiety and other mood issues.

A study from 2013 confirms that limonene can help to reduce or manage the symptoms of those of us suffering from depression or anxiety. Limonene doesn’t get you high as THC does, but its impact on our mood is noticeable. The way this terp can alter our state of mind is perhaps a part of the entourage effect of many cultivars.

But that’s not all. More research indicates that limonene can be used as an effective antioxidant and antigenotoxic. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, limonene can also be an effective pain reducer or as an analgesic.

HashDash - Educating the Cannabis Community

We hope you found value in our content shining the spotlight on the terpene limonene. Did you learn something, or have anything to add? Let us know - @hashdash on all platforms, except for Instagram, where we are @hashdashdotcom.

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