What is Limonene?

Limonene is a common terpene found in cannabis and citrus plants, used for its natural citrus aroma and flavour. In this article we’ll take a closer look at the terpene, its uses, and holistic benefits.

What is limonene

Limonene, or d-limonene, is a common terpene, classified as a cyclic monoterpene, found in CBD products, and is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis after myrcene. However, it is also found in a variety of everyday plants such as citrus fruits and various botanicals.

As an essential oil, limonene is used as a natural ingredient in skincare and toiletries, but is commonly used as a flavouring agent in food and drinks. It has also been used as a holistic remedy by traditional healers for centuries to treat conditions such as stress, athlete’s foot and acne, and has been used as a natural insect repellent.

What is limonene found in?

As the name might suggest, limonene is found in lemons and other citrus fruits, as well as a range of botanicals such as juniper and rosemary. However, surprisingly, it is most potent in orange peel with around 97% in its rind.

Limonene is also abundant in strains of cannabis that smell like lemon. It is one of the most common terpenes in cannabis after myrcene.

Aroma and flavour profile of limonene

Limonene is commonly used in cannabinoids like CBD products for its citrus aroma and flavour profile with scents of lemon, orange, lime, and grapefruit.

The natural citrus flavour and scent of limonene is often used in other industries as a natural flavouring in food and drinks, and perfumes items such as skincare, cosmetics and toiletries.

Is limonene safe?

Limonene is a naturally occurring molecule in plants and herbs, and is completely safe. You have more than likely ingested and smelled it countless times without knowing. The question of safety with Limonene is usually in relation to cannabis, of which limonene is a common element.

What is limonene used for?

Aside from flavouring and perfuming everyday items, limonene has been used for centuries as a natural holistic treatment for various ailments, including:

Mood elevation

Similar to Citral, limonene has been used to energise and elevate moods for many years by traditional healers.

Stress relief

Although there is little scientific research into limonene for stress relief, traditional healers have used limonene as a natural remedy for stress and anxiety for thousands of years.

Antifungal properties

Like many terpenes, limonene has been used for centuries as an antifungal treatment, to help with conditions such as athlete’s foot.

Antibacterial properties

Similarly, limonene is said to have antibacterial properties with traditional healers using it as a holistic treatment for acne.

Limonene at B3 Labs

Years of research and development have gone into our unique terpene blend CBD products. Our products demonstrate a fine balance between flavour and efficacy which stems from substantial research into each and every terpene used.

Limonene blends are available in a range of white label products including tinctures, distillate vape cartridges, and e-liquids. Browse our product pages for more information.