Limonene

Limonene belongs to the family of terpenes or monoterpenes and is known for its properties:

• Lymphotonic, phlebotonic
• Digestive stimulant
• Atmospheric antiseptic
• Cortico-adrenal stimulant
• Antiviral
• Balsamic expectorant
• Analgesic

Limonene is an allergenic molecule. In its pure form, an essential oil mainly composed of terpenes or monoterpenes can cause irritations depending on the skin sensitivity of the individual. This irritation can be relieved by applying vegetable oil locally. Essential oils of turpentine and juniper berries can cause inflammation in the kidneys of patients with renal insufficiency.

Limonene is present in the following essential oils:

• Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
• Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
• Bergamot without bergaptene (Citrus bergamia)
• Black pepper (Piper nigrum)
• Eucalyptus globulus (Eucalyptus globulus)
• Eucalyptus radiata (Eucalyptus radiata)
• Fir Balsam (Abies balsamea)
• Green mandarin (Citrus reticulata)
• Green myrtle (Myrtus communis)
• Juniper berries (Juniperus communis)
• Labrador tea (Ledum groenlandicum)
• Lemon (Citrus limon)
• Litsea cubeba (Litsea cubeba)
• Neroli (Citrus aurantium var. amara)
• Niaouli (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
• Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
• Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)
• Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
• Spearmint (Mentha spicata)