A Deep Dive Into Citrus Terpenes
Terpenes (also known as terpenoids) are the largest and most diverse group of naturally occurring compounds.
As the plant’s secondary metabolite system, which is a plant’s version of an immune system or defense system, terpenes are aromatic compounds, meaning they create fragrances that come from various plants, flowers, and fruits.
Used in the food industry as flavorings, terpenes are also used as fragrances in the perfume industry. More and more people are seeking out alternative options to help alleviate discomfort, calm emotions, and support sleep by soothing discomfort and relaxing the mind.
Humans can use terpenes to protect themselves against bacteria and viruses by taking the form of essential oils. Common plant sources of terpenes include:
- Tea tree
- Thyme
- Cannabis
- Spanish sage
- Citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, and mandarin
Terpenes are responsible for the fragrance, taste, and pigmentation of plants. They also have a wide range of medicinal uses. In nature, they protect plants, animals, and microorganisms from abiotic stresses. This means warding off pathogens, predators, and competitors.
Today, terpenes are used in modern medicine for various drug treatments. Citral terpenes, in particular, are known to support immune health and function. That is why Peels CBD Oil is created from orange peels.
The naturally pure terpenes create a similar effect to terpenes produced by the cannabis plant. It features the same holistic effects without hemp or cannabis.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are natural compounds produced by plants and animals. There are two kinds of cannabinoids -- phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids are found in plants, while endocannabinoids are naturally produced in our bodies.
Cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating the body’s overall well-being, managing sleep, mood, and soothing the symptoms of stress.
Terpenes are the fragrant essential oils found in plants -- giving blueberries, lavender, and hemp their signature scents.
Citrus terpenes act on receptors in cells and neurotransmitters. They enhance norepinephrine activity, increase dopamine activity, and augment GABA, which is known as the “downer” of neurotransmitters.
When you inhale something, molecules of terpenes enter the nose, infuse the sinuses, and then get sorted by olfactory receptors. After that, they are processed in the olfactory bulb, which is the area that makes sense of smells.
The terpene molecules then dock with cells and through a highly complex system, triggering a host of physiological and psychological effects, such as uplifting your mood.
Limonene
Derived from the French word for lemon, Limonene is the bioactive food component found in citrus peels such as orange peels and several other citrus fruits.
Today, limonene is commonly used to promote weight loss, soothe stomach aches, and aid in treating coughs. The mechanism behind limonene activity is still under investigation but has been used in folk medicine for centuries.
Citrus terpenes are also used in Ayurveda, which is a popular medicine system that originated about 3,000 years ago in India. Its foundation is based on medicinal herbs, minerals, metals and practicing vegetarianism.
The orange oil glands suggest an essential biological purpose for the terpene compound in fruit aroma and plant interactions with its environment in the plant world.
Limonene is known for its uplifting and invigorating scent. The extracts and rinds of citrus fruits are the key components of many non-toxic cleansing agents and household products. In addition to its flavorful, citrus profile and potential as a soothing agent, several studies reveal that limonene has also displayed prospective wellness properties.
Along with calming the digestive tract, limonene also helps calm the mind and relieve stress. As a natural mood booster, it helps elevate mental state and support overall wellness.
With limonene, you can experience the benefits of stress relief while steering clear of the negative side effects that come with harsh medical treatments. In fact, there is growing preclinical and clinical evidence to support the usage of CBD oils for many conditions. It is an alternative option to help temporarily soothe chronic pain, digestive issues, and sleep issues without the adverse effects of marijuana.
Today, there is a major focus on reducing opioid prescriptions and preventing nonmedical use to combat our country’s opioid crisis. As interest grows to find more possible treatment options for patients experiencing pain, utilizing essential oils is a holistic pathway for treating chronic pain.
Essential oils that contain limonene are widely used by humans to help ease feelings of stress and tension, along with potential mood-altering effects.
Limonene is shown to help support heart health. It may lower the risk of heart conditions by reducing certain risk factors, such as elevated cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels. However, more research still needs to be done before concluding.
Final Takeaways
Citrus terpenes can be utilized to promote overall health and wellness and prevent the risk of illness before it even begins.
By using essential oils, humans can protect against bacteria and viruses. In addition, this provides a soothing remedy without harmful side effects or addictive properties.
Citrus terpenes can be found in essential oils, plants, food, cosmetic products, bath products, and aromatherapy. It can be used as household cleaning products, adhesive remover, and to remove oil from machine parts. Terpenes are also used as a paint stripper and an alternative to turpentine.
Peels CBD Oil is unrivaled in its purity and taste. It is certified THC-free, certified pesticide-free, free from heavy metals, mycotoxins, and bacteria. It is the same exact molecular structure as Cannabis and Hemp-derived CBD.
Made from the terpenes of orange peels, Peels CBD Oil contains healing properties similar to the cannabis terpene without the high psychoactive experience. However, unlike other CBD products, the derivation from orange peels means zero percentage of THC content.
Now everyone can squeeze the most happiness out of their day.
Sources:
Clinician’s Guide To Cannabidiol And Hemp Oils | Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Therapeutic And Medicinal Uses Of Terpenes | Medicinal Plants