Pulegone : Know Your Terpenes

Are you familiar with the rumor that the scent of rosemary helps improve one’s memory? This is due in part because of the terpene pulegone, which rosemary has high concentrations of.

Pulegone has been linked to modulating acetylcholine levels in the brain. Acetylcholine helps facilitate communication between nerve cells and ultimately helps us keep memories stored better – meaning it can potentially counteract the short-term memory loss often associated with THC. Because of this, stress is reduced, adding to the relaxation felt throughout the body and mind that cannabis is known for. Pulegone is also known to help sedate and diminish fever along with loosening up mucus in air passageways and sinuses.

This terpene has a sweet rosemary and peppermint-like aroma, and to no surprise, is also found in peppermint, pennyroyal, and creeping Charlie. It’s a popular terpene used in perfumes and essential oils – it's also used in candles, as its scent tends to linger and is quite powerful. You’ll find it in hard candies as well to accentuate both taste and aroma.

Besides its therapeutic effects and odor it's disliked by bugs, making it a strong insect repellent.

Though pulegone is found in very low concentrations within the realm of cannabis, most strains containing a hint of rosemary or peppermint will have traces of this terpene.

Pulegone has a much higher boiling point than most, meaning 435 degrees Fahrenheit, is what it takes to vaporize this terpene and render it useless.

Also remember, terpenes affect each of us differently depending on our body chemistry and what compounds are present that they can act synergistically with, so keep this in mind when searching for alternative therapies