Limonene is a terpene commonly known for its abundance in the cannabis scene, it’s found in strains like White Widow and Durban Poison, as well as our blends Lavender Liftoff and Hibiscus Sunrise. Limonene is also present in herbs such as sage, peppermint, and hibiscus, plus fruits like orange and lemon.
Limonene has a variety of effects on the immune system. Its antibacterial and antimicrobial effects are well established, and it is currently being studied for its potential to combat mood disorders, diabetes, and cancer among other ailments. (1)
"Limonene is the most important terpene for depression & anxiety." (2)
I like to think of Limonene as a mother.
Who do you call/text/run to when you’re freaking the F out?
I call my mum.
She calms me. But not in a naive way, in an honest way.
“Oh honey, I’m sorry you’re nervous about that, it must be very important to you.”
& the two words that I really need to hear: “it’s ok”
“It’s ok”
Not, “it’s going to be ok,” or, “you’re ok,” but, "it's ok."
The way my mum says it is like, “it’s ok that you’re having these feelings.”
Anxiety and depression exist. I’ve felt them each consume me, I’m sure you have too. It’s not that finding the perfect strain or that perfect combo of herbs is going to make your mental health struggles disappear, we’re just searching for some relief, some comfort, right?
I think of Limonene as that comfort I seek. That motherly voice saying, “it’s ok,” and really meaning it because she really sees you.
Sativa leaning strains are higher in Limonene. (3) I find this interesting because, as a gal prone to anxiety, I feel sativa strains tend to give me that anxious where-the-heck-is-the-door-cuz-I’m-out feeling. But it’s all about balance, and maybe an uplifting Limonene-rich herbal blend combined with a soothing flower strain can be the call from that motherly figure, arriving at just the right time with the universal message: “it’s ok.”
Sources and notes:
If you're uncertain of what a terpene is exactly, you can start you journey of here: what is a terpene? (and why should I care?)
2 & 3. A Woman's Guide to Cannabis: Using Marijuana to Feel Better, Look Better, Sleep Better–and Get High Like a Lady. Book by Nikki Furrer.