What is Ocimene?

If you are a cannabis lover, you may be familiar with the popular THC, CBD, CBG, and many other cannabinoids of the plant. However, these are not the only compounds found in the cannabis plant. There are certain elements, known as terpenes, that are in charge of one of the most important features of your favorite cannabis strain; terpenes.

Terpenes are present in many plants, flowers, and of course, cannabis. Over the years, more than 100 different terpenes have been found in the cannabis plant, and they give each strain its characteristic aromas and flavors.

While there are widely known terpenes, like myrcene, limonene, and caryophyllene, some others are not as popular. Among these lesser-known terpenes, Ocimene is one of the most fascinating. If you are new to this potent terpene, this article will guide you through all the basics of ocimene

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Ocimene Terpene

This unpopular terpene is responsible for sweet, herbaceous, and woodsy aromas. Found in mint, tarragon, mangos, basil, pepper, and parsley, it is not a dominant terpene in many strains. However, it can get to be the second to third most abundant terpene in different strains and cultivars.

Because of its delicious fragrance, many perfumers love to use this terpene to create sweet floral perfumes. If you come across a perfume with floral notes that reminisce you of orchids and lilacs, it probably contains ocimene.

Beta Ocimene

Although there is little to no research on this chemical variant, beta ocimene is best used for the making of perfumes.

Ocimene Effects

Flavor aside, ocimene has great benefits for the body and mind. This sweet terpene induces an energetic and uplifting effect, being more frequently found in Sativa strains. Ocimene is a great stimulant for your brain, boosting your creativity and motivation. Moreover, it has a great set of benefits that support your immune system.

In the plant kingdom, ocimene has an extremely important effect: it acts as a protective agent of the plant’s defense mechanism against plagues and diseases. For instance, aphids often stay away from many flowers due to the high concentrations of ocimene in their oils.

Some negative effects of ocimene include coughing (when inhaled directly into the lungs), irritation in the skin and eyes, and lung damage if swallowed.

Ocimene Benefits

While terpenes have been studied for years, ocimene is not the main focus of many types of research. For this reason, the few studies that have been conducted on this terpene are not enough to make serious statements. However, recent studies have shown the promising properties of ocimene.

Anti-inflammatory properties: a 2013 study shows that ocimene has the potential to suppress the production of inflammatory substances produced by the immune system.

Anti-fungal properties: using the essential oil Angelica major, a 2015 study analyzed the effects of ocimene against molds and yeasts, proving that it can be used as an antifungal agent against ringworm, and it is even used to extend the shelf life of dairy products.

Treat symptoms of diabetes: according to some research, ocimene may inhibit the proliferation of key enzymes connected to type 2 diabetes.

Antiviral properties: in a 2008 report, the essential oils of seven Lebanese species of trees were analyzed. Being one of the main constituents of these oils, ocimene was found to have inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV. This virus can cause severe acute respiratory syndrome and even herpes simplex virus.

Anti-congestant: ocimene’s main benefit is that of helping the body expel mucus and phlegm. This helps clear airways and improves respiration when smoked. However, one drawback is that users who smoke strains high in ocimene may experience coughs. For this reason, many consumers who want to avoid coughing should refrain from buying strains high in ocimene.

Ocimene Essential Oil

Often used in aromatherapy, ocimene is present in several essential oils such as Ho leaf oil, Bigarade oil, Bergamot oil, Hop oil, and Lavender oil.

Moreover, Bergamot oil and Lavender oil are the two most used essential oils used for their decongestant properties.

Ocimene Uses

Besides being used for the production of perfumes, there are other several uses for oils and plants that contain high levels of terpenes, such as:

Production household products such as antiperspirants, fabric softeners, shampoo, and soap.
Insecticides
Production of artificial essential oils

Ocimene Boiling Point

Ocimene has a very low boiling point, being around 66°C/150°F. For this reason, you may want to be careful not to lose its therapeutic properties by burning your cannabis. If you want to enjoy the health benefits of ocimene, it would be better to use a vaporizer and set it on low.

Ocimene Strains

Ocimene displays the best of its effects when in contact with other terpenes, especially pinene and myrcene. For this reason, the best way to enjoy the great effects of ocimene is by smoking cannabis or hemp strains. Although you may not have heard of this terpene until now, we are sure that you have tried some of these strains before:

White Fire OG
Sour Diesel
Clementine
Amnesia
Dutch Treat
Dream Queen
J1
Golden Pineapple
Purple Haze
Jack Herer