Limonene: Terpene Highlight
Limonene is a cyclic monoterpene that is present in many plants but is found in the highest concentration in the peels of various citrus fruits. This makes Limonene a major component in citrus essential oils. D-limonene is the more common isomer of Limonene and is the chemical form that is more often found in essential oils. It has been found to exhibit energizing and cleansing properties and is widely used for its fragrance and flavor. The aroma of limonene is most commonly found to be bittersweet, bright, and tangy much like the fruits in which it is found.
Benefits of Limonene
Limonene can help to stimulate both the body and mind while encouraging feelings of positivity. It works to eliminate stress and combat negative emotions that can lead to anxiety and depression. Limonene helps to combat fatigue and uplift the mood to help us feel energized and motivated. Limonene also exhibits antibacterial properties that make it useful for cleansing the body as well as household surfaces. It can also help to stimulate the immune system and help us recover from illness faster. Limonene’s anti-inflammatory properties allow it to help relieve joint and muscle pain and improve recovery time after an intense workout or injury. This also helps it to support a healthy respiratory system and offer relief for symptoms of asthma.
Limonene is found in citrus essential oils that can be photosensitizing and may cause irritation when skin is exposed to UV radiation from the sun. These essential oils must always be diluted to a low concentration before applying to the skin. Always be sure to wash the skin thoroughly and apply sunscreen before going outside when using these essential oils topically.
Essential Oils Containing Limonene
Sweet Orange Essential Oil can contain a very high amount of Limonene at around 90-93%. Sweet orange is known to uplift the mood and increase cognitive energy which keeps us more mentally alert and improves motivation. It also works to eliminate bacteria as well as being a powerful deodorizer.
Grapefruit Essential Oil also contains a large amount of Limonene, averaging around 93%. Grapefruit helps to boost the mood and clear the mind of negativity. It also boasts powerful antibacterial and antimicrobial effects and has been known to strengthen the immune system, helping to defend our bodies against illness.
Lemon Essential Oil contains around 50% Limonene. Lemon oil is invigorating and stimulating, working to increase our energy and boost our mood. It can help to increase our cognition and soothe feelings of frustration and irritability for a more focused and positive outlook.
Elemi Essential Oil is usually found to have about 42% Limonene. Elemi helps to fight mental and physical fatigue while also balancing the emotions. It works to clear congestion and ease coughs to promote easier breathing while also helping to combat respiratory infections.
Bergamot Essential Oil can be found to contain around 40% Limonene. Bergamot helps to relieve stress and anxiety while working to encourage relaxation in the mind and body. It also has expectorant properties that can help soothe congestion and other respiratory issues.
Check out some DIY recipes below using essential oils containing Limonene...
Bacteria Fighter Foaming Hand Soap
Hand washing is an important part of good hygiene and helps us to avoid bacteria and germs that may cause illness. Limonene in sweet orange and grapefruit essential oils team up with tea tree essential oil for powerful antibacterial and purifying benefits that can help to keep our hands clean and germ-free.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Foaming Soap Dispenser
- ¼ cup of Unscented Liquid Castile Soap
- ½ cup of Distilled Water
- 1 tbsp of Sweet Almond Oil
- 1 tbsp of Vegetable Glycerine
- 10 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
Instructions
Add all ingredients to the foaming soap dispenser, replace the top, and shake well to combine.
Respiratory Refresh Shower Steamers
Whether they be from seasonal allergies or just the common cold, coughs and congestion can leave us feeling like breathing is a chore. Limonene in elemi and bergamot essential oils helps to reduce inflammation in the sinuses, break up congestion, and soothe pesky coughs so we can breathe easily again.
Ingredients
- Witch Hazel in a Misting Spray Bottle
- Small Sized Hard Plastic or Metal Molds
- 1 cup of Citric Acid
- 2 cups of Baking Soda
- 10 drops of Elemi Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well using your hands. Spritz a small amount of witch hazel onto the top of the powder mixture and stir it in. Repeat this process until the mixture packs together easily. Scoop the mixture into each mold one at a time and pack them down tightly. Allow them to dry for at least 24 hours. Store them in an airtight container.
Directions for Use: Take 1 Shower Steamer into the shower with you and wet it under the stream of water to get it started. Place the steamer at the far end of the bath/shower stall. Not putting it directly under the water will help it last longer.
Positively Energized Aromatherapy Spray
Overworking ourselves can lead to mental and physical exhaustion that kills our motivation and puts us in a bad mood. Limone in sweet orange, lemon, and grapefruit essential oils works to give us a boost of energy while stimulating the mind and uplifting the mood.
Ingredients
- 4 oz Amber Glass Bottle with Spray Top
- 2 oz of High Percentage Alcohol
- 2 oz of Distilled Water
- 10 drops of Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- 10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil
- 5 drops of Grapefruit Essential Oil
Instructions
Add 2 ounces of high percentage alcohol to the bottle. Add the essential oils and fill the remainder of the bottle with water, leaving a little space at the top. Shake well before each use. Spray in an area
You may also enjoy...
