Ocimene Terpene: Strains, Benefits & More

Ocimene terpene is one of the aromatic terpenes chemicals responsible for the distinctive aroma and other beneficial properties. Well, more than 20,000 terpenes have been identified up till now in nature, but only a handful are truly exceptional for consumption.

Inhaling Ocimene terpene is like taking a deep breath of the woodland. The invigorating aroma of smokable wood heaven transports you right there!

Hemp’s flowery sweetness and distinctive woody aroma come from Ocimene strains. It is a monoterpene. Although Ocimene terpene is not particularly abundant in popular cannabis cultivars, it is still useful to gain knowledge about it.

This guide will cover all the information you need to know about Ocimene terpenes, including Ocimene terpenes effects and working.

What Is Ocimene?

Ocimene is a monoterpene with a sweet, woodsy aroma that can be found in a wide range of plants and foods. Ocimene can be found in many different plants, including:

• Mint
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Pepper
• Orchids
• Kumquats
• Mangos

Ocimene terpenes and their chemical variation beta-ocimene are both highly unstable in air and almost insoluble in water. They are acyclic terpenes such as myrcene. Some popular organic solvents, like acetone or ethanol, are soluble in Ocimene strains.

There are three forms of this compound discovered in nature: 

• β-Ocimene
• cis-beta Ocimene
• trans-beta Ocimene

Ocimene aids vegetation in warding off insect pests. It is also energizing due to the strong effects of Ocimene strains. It’s more common to discover plants that have stimulating effects.

Related: What Are Terpenes?

How does Ocimene Smell?

Despite taking its name from the Greek term for basil (Ocimum), Ocimene terpene does not have a basil-like flavor or aroma. This terpene emits a mild scent that is described as warm-herbaceous, citrusy, and earthy. 

For example, ocimene is likely responsible for the woodsy aroma found in many household cleaners. You might get attracted to these households if you are fond of woodsy aromas.

Ocimene’s sweet and floral fragrance makes it an ideal option when it comes to adding aromas to perfumes and other scented products. The flowery aroma of many plants, such as orchids and snapdragons, is heavily influenced by Ocimene terpene. It also functions as a pheromone in the honey bee hive to regulate social behavior. 

The Ocimene terpene in cannabis is responsible for its underlying lilac and metallic aromas. These may be detected by those with a more refined sense of smell. No matter the aroma, insects avoid it because Ocimene strains are sometimes used as a pesticide, as is the case with many other terpenes.

How do You Pronounce Ocimene?

The Ocimene terpene, pronounced “oh-sih-meen,” is a secondary substance found in cannabis. Perfumes and makeup often contain Ocimene strains. It can be found in cannabis but to a lesser extent than other main terpenes such as Limonene and Humulene.

Effects of Ocimene Terpene

Ocimene has great potential as a component against both viruses and many fungi. Unfortunately, the precise advantages of ocimene, particularly on humans, are not yet well-documented as per the scientific evidence.

Most of what we know about this terpene right now comes from lab experiments on animals or in Petri dishes. Some of the evident effects of Ocimene are as follows:

Effect on Fungi

Angelica’s antifungal activity due to major essential oil against Candida and other species was investigated in a 2015 research. The study was published in the Journal of Natural Medicines. 

This essential oil’s primary chemical components are ocimene and alpha-pinene. In this study, the researchers looked at how effective these ingredients were against the yeasts and fungi under observation. 

The research found that ocimene terpene, when combined with other elements, may exhibit antifungal activities, especially against cryptococcosis and dermatophytosis (ringworm). 

Effect on Viruses

The essential oil ocimene was one of seven examined in a study that was published in Chemistry & Biodiversity. Essential oils were studied for their potential to combat herpes simplex virus and SARS-CoV. The latter is a coronavirus that can cause the serious acute respiratory syndrome. 

Laurus nobilis oil, which includes beta-ocimene, alpha-pinene, cineole, and beta-pinene, was found to have an antiviral effect against the herpes simplex virus.

Effects on Inflammation

Research performed on the essential oil of Oenanthe crocata L. found that it possessed antifungal, antioxidant, as well as anti-inflammatory properties. The results were reported in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology in 2013. 

One of the primary constituents of this essential oil is ocimene terpene. In particular, ocimene-containing essential oil demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant effects, especially against dermatophytes. The results were verified and interpreted according to the study’s authors.

Is Ocimene Safe?

When used in the right manner, Ocimene terpene is not harmful. Highly concentrated terpenes can cause damage to the skin, lungs, as well as some of your internal systems. It is highly recommended to wear protective clothing and mitts when handling terpenes in a lab environment or for research purposes.

Know: Are Terpenes Safe?

To avoid potential dangers, ocimene must be diluted to a level of about 5%. The risks associated with ocimene strains at this dosage are very minimal to cause any harm.

How to Use Ocimene?

Ocimene has many prevalent uses, including but not limited to:

Perfumes & Cosmetics

Ocimene terpene is a sought-after component in a variety of fragrances and other types of cosmetics. It is often used due to its distinctive woody, minty, and flowery aroma which is attractive to the majority.

Essential Oils

Essential oils containing ocimene are utilized in the practice of traditional aromatherapy. The common uses are meant for the treatment of skin, metabolic, or infectious illnesses.

Learn: How to Use Terpenes?

Vaporizer Oils Flavors

Ocimene is a distinctive terpene that can be found in certain cannabis cultivars. It is extracted and used in the flavoring of vaporizer oil too. This terpene, along with some other terpenes, can be combined with other constituents. The resulting mixture can then be added to your favorite vape oil in order to simulate the aroma of a well-known cannabis strain.

Summary

Ocimene is a ubiquitous terpene that can be found in dozens of plant species, both related and unrelated to one another. Only a small number of species, with the notable exception of basil (Ocimum basilicum), which gives the Ocimene terpene its name, generate significant amounts of this compound.

There is not a lot of research done on this terpene to date, but some of the preliminary findings indicate that it may have powerful antiviral and antifungal effects. It is believed that plants generate it in order to ward off insects as a defense mechanism.

The preliminary findings of some important research indicate that this woody and herbal terpene may have the potential to provide numerous health advantages. One of the top ones is decongestion, possibly through the use of cannabis or essential oils. Still, a great deal of some authentic investigation is required before any final results can be published. 

FAQ

How do you feel while taking ocimene terpene?

You probably won’t notice the ocimene terpene effects (or any particular terpene) when ingesting high-quality cannabis.

Instead, you will experience what is known as the “entourage effect,” which is the synergistic impact of cannabis’s many compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more) on your body.

This mechanism explains why the same variety can produce widely varying effects among different users. However, research from 2011 shows that ocimene is stimulating when used alone, without any other terpene mixture.

To fully comprehend ocimene terpene effects on the human body, there is a lot more to study.

What effect does ocimene terpene have on your body?

Numerous investigations have demonstrated the antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties of ocimene.

More human investigations are needed to confirm these findings and learn the full extent of their effects on our bodies. 

Is ocimene a Sativa or an Indica? 

Ocimene is a terpene, not an Indica or Sativa. Because of this, it is not specific to either Indica or Sativa strains of marijuana and can be found in hybrids as well.

Learn More: Sativa or an Indica

What are the potential dangers of ocimene terpene use?

Inhalation of ocimene terpene causes respiratory irritation and wheezing. If ingested, this terpene can irritate the lungs and cause skin and ocular irritation as major side effects. It is important to take precautions when handling Ocimene terpene strains.