Ocimene is a terpene, a substance that has unique flavors, aromas, and health advantages that can be found in a variety of plants in nature, including cannabis plants. Particularly uplifting, ocimene has a warm, woodsy, citrusy scent as well as anticonvulsant, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor qualities.
Apart from its application in cannabis products, ocimene finds its way into commonplace items such as fabric softeners, pest repellents, antiperspirants, shampoos, soaps, and hard-surface cleaners. It is also a widely used ingredient in fragrances.
What Is Ocimene?
Some cannabis strains (cultivars) have a sweet, woodsy, herbal scent that is caused by the terpene ocimene. Its uplifting effects may also have some therapeutic benefits, particularly when combined with other cannabinoids to create the entourage effect. In search of a cannabis strain that is suitable for daytime use, this is a great terpene to keep an eye out for.
From the Greek word “ociumum,” which means basil, ocimene is derived. Not surprisingly, basil contains ocimene as well. Other plant sources of ocimene include orchid flowers, mangos, tarragon, parsley, mint, and hops.
Ocimene Health Benefits and Uses
When it comes to complementary and alternative natural medicines, ocimene has some impressive potential benefits. Anticonvulsant, antifungal, antitumoral, antidepressant, and decongestant effects are some of its medicinal qualities.
Anticonvulsant
Cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes such as pinene, cymene, and ocimene are among the anti-convulsant compounds found in cannabis. Because of this, terpenes like ocimene may be extremely helpful in controlling epilepsy-related seizures.
Antifungal Agent
Ocimene’s antifungal qualities make it a great addition to cleaning supplies, soaps, shampoos, and washing powders and liquids. Ocimene is a helpful terpene in topicals containing cannabis because of its antifungal qualities.
Antitumoral
It has been demonstrated that oximene possesses antitumor properties with cytotoxic activity against leukemic, liver, lung, colon, melanoma, and oral cancer cells. These are the findings of laboratory tests conducted on cells, not on humans.
Antimicrobial
Because of its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties, oximene may act as a barrier against a variety of infections. These resources may aid in the prevention of antibiotic resistance.
Antidepressant
Ocimene is said to have uplifting properties that may aid in the management of anxiety and depression.
Decongestant
Ocimene is used in aromatherapy treatments, which use essential oils for therapeutic purposes, because it has been reported to have decongestant properties. Because of this, ocimene may be helpful in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) and asthma.
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Ocimene Possible Risks and Side Effects
Anticonvulsants such as ocimene have the potential to induce “anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome,” which may interact with medications like valproic acid or benzodiazepines that are used to control seizures.
Also Read: Benefits, Side Effects and Uses of CBD Oil
If you use cannabis to treat conditions like epilepsy or lessen seizures, you should exercise caution and speak with a doctor because cannabinoids in cannabis, especially CBD, may also prevent antiseizure drugs from being metabolized.
Furthermore, smoking ocimene-rich cannabis strains (cultivars) has been known to cause coughing, even though ocimene is used as a decongestant. Applying topicals, tinctures, and vaporizers can lessen these adverse effects.
Ocimene-Rich Cannabis Strains
Though it is found in all strains and is not specific to sativas, ocimene is frequently observed in uplifting sativa-dominant strains.
Various cultivars or strains that have demonstrated elevated levels of ocimene include:
- Chocolope
- Dutch Treat
- Strawberry Cough
- Golden Goat
- Arjan’s Haze #3
- Himalayan Gold
- Purple Haze
- Super Lemon Haze
- Space Queen
