One of my favorite scents is citrus. Lemon, grapefruit, tangerine. I used citrus-scented products for lotion, perfume, candles, dish soap, face scrubs, and trash bags. In fact, I have a core memory of truly beginning my yoga journey by walking into a studio and my nose being greeted with the crisp refreshing aroma of lemon that I could only equate to walking into a fancy spa which eventually inspired me to want to create that kind of space for myself and for others. I simply cannot get enough. And a big part of that is the terpene limonene.
Limonene is the naturally occurring chemical compound that is found in the zest of oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus fruit. It can also be found in others as a secondary terpene in things like mint, juniper, pine, and fennel. It is one of the most common terpenes found throughout many cannabis strains.
This powerful terpene has been used for its medicinal properties for centuries. There is evidence that many indigenous peoples used a variety of citrus-based products for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and circulation. Limonene has also been used for aromatherapy which has been shown to help reduce stress and anxiety (that yoga studio was really on to something). Researchers have “extensively studied, proving anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antinociceptive, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihyperalgesic, antiviral, and gastroprotective effects, among other beneficial effects in health. In this review, we collected, presented, and analyzed evidence from the scientific literature regarding the usage of limonene and its activities and underlying mechanisms involved in combating diseases.”
Because this terpene has so many benefits, it may have an effect on your cannabis experience and can be found in both sativa and indica strains. Those who prefer limonene dominant strains have reported it helps them reduce pain, nausea, stress and anxiety. Popular limonene dominant strains include Banana OG, Purple Hindu Kush and Wedding Cake.
The most popular recommendation for Limonene-dominant strains is Berry White. Blueberry and White Widow crossed and made this beautifully sweet and fruity concoction. Enjoy this when you are planning on finding time to relax, unwind and feel at ease. This would pair well with a vanilla dessert or a chai tea.
What are some of your favorites? Have you ever tried any of the strains listed above? Let us know in the comment section below!
Learn More!
Dr. Addie Rae; Weedmaps.com; “Limonene” 06/20/2022; https://weedmaps.com/learn/the-plant/limonene#:~:text=Limonene%20is%20a%20terpene%20recognizable,terpenes%20to%20occur%20in%20cannabis.
American Botanical Council, “Lime”; https://www.herbalgram.org/resources/healthy-ingredients/lime/
Migiwa Komiya, Takashi Takeuchi, Etsumori Harada; NIH Pubmed.gov; “Lemon oil vapor causes an anti-stress effect via modulating the 5-HT and DA activities in mice.”; 09/25/2006; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16780969/
A J Vieira, F P Beserra, M C Souza, B M Totti, A L Rozza; NIH pubmed.gov; “Limonene: Aroma of innovation in health and disease”; 02/07/2018; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29427589/
Leafly; https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-limonene-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-cannabis-terpe
David Chester; Strangenie.com; “The Limonene Terpene: Strains, Effects, and Benefits.”; 10/08/2019
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