Have you ever heard of “limonene”? I hadn’t either. But, let me share with you what it is. It is the oil extracted from the peels of oranges and other citrus fruits. So, what do you do with it? Well, it has many different uses. But, first it is important to understand that limonene is a chemical found in the rind of citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, and oranges. And it is especially concentrated in orange peels. I have come to understand that limonene belongs to a group of compounds known as terpenes and it is one of the most common terpenes found in nature and may offer several health benefits. So, what does all this mean? And how good is it for us? Well, it has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-stress, and possibly disease-preventing properties. Pretty cool huh! Limonene is used in a range of products, including food, cosmetics, and eco-friendly pesticides. It can also be found in supplement form, as it may boost health and fight certain diseases. However, be cautious: limonene is considered safe for humans with little risk of side effects and that FDA recognizes limonene as a safe food additive and flavoring. But, when applied directly to the skin, limonene may cause irritation in some people, so caution should be used when handling its essential oil. When I shop in my local health food stores, I have also seen that limonene is sometimes taken as a concentrated supplement. Because of the way your body breaks it down, it’s likely safe consumed in this form. However, that said, human research on these supplements is lacking and more research is needed. I believe it’s best to consult your healthcare practitioner before taking limonene supplements. Just some information that you may not have known and so, now you do!