For decades it was believed that terpenes did not play an essential role in Cannabis other than determining a particular aroma. We now know that terpenes have a significant impact on both the human body and the brain and modulate brain cells’ behavior.
Terpenes exist throughout the plant world and can promote several health benefits, such as boosting your energy or helping you sleep. Linalool is one of the more than two hundred terpenes identified in Cannabis and is commonly used by patients looking to balance their Endocannabinoid System. In this article, we will dive into the details of linalool and how this terpene might help improve your health and wellbeing.
Perhaps Linalool is a terpene isolate you’re considering adding to one of your signature blends. Maybe you’ve already got a few blends on hand, Linalool prevalent among them, and you want to know what Linalool benefits might apply to your product. Or maybe you just want some good ol’ Linalool education.
6 Amazing Linalool Benefits You Need to Know About
- Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Reducer: Linalool is useful for dampening overractive responses to injury or sickness.
- Anti-Epileptic: Linalool is “very powerful in it’s anticonvulsant quality”
- Stress Reducer: Linalool inhalation has been shown to act as an anxiolytic (anxiety reducer) and may boost immune system performance.
- Vampire Deterrent: Linalool can deter mosquitos with 93% efficiency.
- Sedative: Linalool can improve sleep and increase energy the following morning!
- Anti-Microbial Modulator: Linalool may improve anti-microbial properties.
What is Linalool?
Like most botanical terpenes, Linalool is not specific to any one plant. You’ve no doubt encountered linalool if you’ve ever smelled lavender, either fresh, dried, or in the form of an essential oil. Linalool can be found in upwards of 200 plants, ranging from:
- Lamiaceae (lavender, mints, scented herbs)
- Lauraceae (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood)
- Rutaceae (citrus fruits)
- Fungi
- Birch trees
Linalool has a floral aroma similar to lavender with a touch of spiciness that lends to its many commercial applications in creams and oils.
One of the most common ways to ingest linalool is through inhalation of lavender oils containing the aromatic compound. It doesn’t stick around like other substances because your body metabolizes it quickly.
Plus, studies suggest Linalool has many health benefits.
Linalool is found abundantly in nature, and it is widely used for many purposes. It is known for its calming effect and ability to bring elevated stress levels to almost normal conditions. It is frequently used in perfumes, cosmetics, soap, and essential oils therapy. Several flavored beverage brands even use linalool as an all-natural flavoring.
In traditional aromatherapy, linalool provides an exceptional therapeutic capacity to alleviate skin burns without scarring. It has local anesthetic effects that can be compared to menthol and procaine, and has established sedative, antidepressant, anxiolytic, and immune potentiating effects. Linalool is believed to represent a significant portion of the Essential Oils of Cannabis.
The Entourage Effect
Dr. Ethan Russo gave in 2011 a more in-depth look into the understanding of the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes through the studied and known Entourage Effect. In his paper “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-terpenoid Entourage Effects,” published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, Russo explains how cannabinoids and terpenes associate in the human body, exerting the effects of one another, creating a different, or “greater,” efficacy based on the molecules present and the ratios.
That same study revealed that the interaction of the terpenes linalool, limonene, and the cannabinoid cannabigerol (CBG) helps treat MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), the most treatment-resistant form of staph infection.
CBD, limonene, and linalool interaction can fight acne and treat other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. The combination of THC, cannabinol (CBN), and linalool can enhance sedative effects.
While linalool can provide a wide range of benefits for patients, it is most notably recognized for its efficacy in relaxation and anxiety control. In fact, it can be used as a sedative, aid for sleeping disorders, or treat Alzheimer’s Disease. When administered by a medical professional or experienced caretaker, linalool’s sedative effects are significant enough to serve as a tranquilizer and help patients suffering from conditions like psychosis.
In addition, linalool also serves as an antidepressant, analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for conditions ranging from clinical depression, anxiety, arthritis, Dravet Syndrome, dystonia, epilepsy, and fibromyalgia. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are also gaining popularity among endurance athletes for enhancing performance and recovery times.
Linalool in a nutshell
As we unleashed more knowledge about cannabinoids and terpenes, we realized that we haven’t fully understood its potential for patients. Linalool is considered a minor terpene, but its benefits can be endless.
Linalool is a powerful terpene due to its effect on the serotonin receptor. It helps treats conditions such as anxiety and depression and can help to combat insomnia. Its medicinal properties could also help treat several types of cancer.
As always, if you are interested in adding products containing terpenes for medicinal purposes, we recommend that you consult with your primary physician.
Strains High in Linalool
You can find considerable amounts of the terpene in the following strains, although compared to other terpenes it usually never gets higher than the 3rd or 4th spot. Linalool is responsible for calming and even sedative effects, and helps decrease anxiety.
Dark Matter OG. This stellar newest addition to our line of fine cannabis is a heavy hitting indica dominant hybrid.
Zkittlez. This indica leaning strain is relaxing yet keeping you focused and alert.
Lavender. An indica-dominant hybrid with a distinct floral and spicy aroma.
Do-Si-Dos. Another strain with indica effects that offers a blissful euphoria and complete relaxation.
Chem Dawg. A potent hybrid with a strong cerebral high.
In Conclusion
Cannabis is a rare source of natural linalool, a unique and exciting terpene that has shown to provide calm and decrease anxiety as well as a number of other potential benefits.
Thank you for this article! Believe it or not we use a vape pen buddhi’s smile that contains high levels of linalool. My teenage son suffers from seizures. Tried two different doc prescriptions that have made him either worse or much more sedated. He had two seizures in two days a few weeks ago. Tough stuff. I then let him try this vape in small amounts. He liked it right away! He talked better and more often. He is both calm happy and clearer. He has been seizure free since. God bless medical marijuana available in Canada now.