Ocimene

Ocimene name is derived from Ocimum, which is the Ancient Greek term for basil.

A lesser known terpene in cannabis with amazing potential medical benefits.

Ocimene has promising antiviral, antioxidant, and even anti-inflammatory properties.

Ocimene is recognized for its sweet, fragrant, woodsy scent.

Ocimene is a predominantly volatile chemical broadly used in perfumes and essential oil.

About Ocimene

Ocimene is a mono terpene – also known as Beta-Ocimene – is entirely responsible for sweet and herbaceous flavors of certain cannabis strains. You might have smelled it before, ocimene is one of the kinds of terpenes mostly found in perfumes and essential oils. Its medicinal properties (anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-fungal) bestow an uplifting effect. Even though its profile is not mostly herbal, the synergy between ocimene and other terpenes has an entourage effect. It can moderate the overall psychoactive effects of the plant.

Medical Benefits of Geraniol

Scientific studies suggest geraniol has many therapeutic uses. As mentioned above, Geraniol boast antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. We have discussed the medicinal benefits of Geraniol in detail.

Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties – Studies highlights geraniol protects against Candida albicans (a harmful fungus causing yeast infections and thrush). It can be used to knockout bacteria causing food poisoning.
Geraniol oil for cancer treatment – Geraniol is rich in Antioxidant, Antitumor, and Anticancer Properties, making it a promising terpene for the future study.
Geraniol is anti-inflammatory – As per the experiment conducted on rats, geraniol can suppress pro-inflammatory signaling and minimize inflammatory response.

Natural Sources of Ocimene

Ocimene might not be a primary terpene like Myrcene, Pinene or Caryophyllene, but it is found in various plants. Due to its smaller quantity, it can be somewhat challenging to discover.

Lavender

Basil

Orchid flower

Cannabis

Kumquats

Pepper

Mint

Parsley

Mangoes

Strains High in Ocimene

Dutch Treat Haze

Jack Herer

Snowcone

Snowcap

Sour Diesel

Clementine

Tangerine Frost

The Potential Benefits Of Ocimene

Ocimene provides natural protection to plants against pests. Due to its distinct aroma, many bugs like aphids tend to stay away.

As for humans, these antimicrobial properties can provide medicinal or aromatic therapeutic benefits.

In 2013, a research study of Federal University of Technology states that ocimene is an essential compound in black pepper encompass antioxidant and could benefit individuals suffering from diabetes.

In 2014, a further study revealed that ocimene extracted from CITRUS UNSHIU holds an anti-inflammatory, which was later found effective to suppress several bodily inflammatory substances.

Hopefully, further research will confirm its practicality for the following:

Antiviral Effect against HSV-1 virus
Antifungal Effect against cryptococcosis and dermatophytosis
Anti-Inflammatory Properties especially against dermatophytes
Anti-Oxidative Properties to manage and prevent type-2 diabetes and hypertension
Ocimene can be used in aromatherapy as a decongestant. Its aroma could minimize nasal discomfort.

Essential Oils High in Ocimene

Bigarade oil

Bergamot oil

Lavender oil

Ho leaf oil

Hop oil

Additional Facts on Ocimene

Ocimene has a boiling point of 150˚F (66˚C). Thus, one can isolate the taste and smell of ocimene in their cannabis strains.
It is believed that Ocimene can provide the best citrusy and uplifting effects.
Ocimene, other than organic solvents, is insoluble in water.

Lastly, the Ocimene name is believed to stem from the plant genus Ocimum, which is the Ancient Greek word for basil. You may have noticed that basil featured on our earlier list of plants that contain ocimene, which, knowing what you now know, makes complete sense.

What’s the best way to enjoy Ocimene?

Aromatherapy and diffusing essential oils happens to be the best way to enjoy the benefits of ocimene. Since it has a decongestant properties, it can cause coughing.

Ocimene can cause irritation to the skin and eyes, and can even damage your lungs if swallowed. That’s why we would recommend consulting your physician on this for a precise dosage and medications.