Linalool is perhaps one of the most popular hemp terpenes due to its fragrant aroma and relaxing effects. Learn all about the linalool terpene in our complete guide!
When smoking hemp, the flavors and fragrant aromatics can make every experience with a new strain unique. Beyond those surface-level attributes, however, those flavorful and aromatic qualities can be linked to terpenes that do the mind and body good. The linalool terpene is a prime example.
Linalool is found in cannabis sativa plants, including certain strains of hemp, but it gained notoriety first as the prime terpene in lavender. The soft floral aroma of linalool can be overridden by spicier terpenes, but the flavor profile tends to smooth some of the rough edges of hemp terpenes like pinene and myrcene. Let’s take a closer look at linalool, linalool effects, and how to find it in different hemp strains and products.
What Is Linalool?
Linalool is considered to be a monoterpene compound, scientifically speaking. The terpene can be found in a number of plants, in some fruits, and of course, in plants from the cannabis sativa family. Just a few of the places you will find the linalool terpene beyond lavender include coriander, mint, cloves, mandarin oranges, jasmine, thyme, and certain types of fungi. In the natural world, linalool is found in a number of natural plant species because it serves as a line of defense against microbial activity.
Linalool has a long history of use as medicine throughout history, even though many instances of use were people relying on certain plants or fruits because they so obviously offered therapeutic value. Today, the linalool scent is used for its aromatic qualities in a long list of products like household products, health and beauty aids, and fragrances. But the terpene has also been highly praised for its potential as a medicinal agent. Linalool has been deemed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration.
Linalool and the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is directly responsible for processing the cannabinoids you take in when using hemp. However, linalool is not known to directly affect the receptors in the ECS. Instead, linalool seems to work through different bodily pathways, including the central nervous system, to offer therapeutic potential. Since certain ECS receptors are found in the central nervous system, the terpene could play a vital role in the entourage effect. The entourage effect is often used in reference to how cannabinoids and terpenes often work together to deliver more benefits than when used alone.
The Potential Benefits of Linalool
There is some speculation that linalool was once used as an antibiotic, some naturalists refer patients to linalool for help sleeping, and the list could go on. Even though linalool uses have not been well-established by scientific research in humans, the early data sure looks promising. In general, the linalool benefits we currently know can be broken down into how this terpene could be beneficial for the brain and for the body.
Linalool Benefits for the Brain
- Anti-epileptic properties – Linalool may block glutamate, which is an excitatory chemical in the brain that is related to epilepsy. While animal studies have shown promise of the use of linalool for seizure activity reduction, human studies need to be established.
- Reduced pain signal transmission – Linalool may reduce the activity of spinal cord cells, which can change the perception of pain.
- Potential reduction of brain plaque associated with Alzheimer’s – In animal studies, linalool has shown promise as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s patients by reversing some of the physical changes in brain structure.
- Counteract anxiety – Simply inhaling linalool aromatics has been proven to encourage a more relaxed state and soothe anxiety.
- Support better sleep – Linalool from lavender oil has been shown to be as effective for supporting sleep duration as well as diazepam in animal studies.
- Antidepressant-like activity – Both linalool and beta-pinene have been shown to offer anti-depressant effects.
Linalool Benefits for the Body
- Potential immune system support – Linalool may help protect the immune system from damaging neutrophils during periods of immune system stress, such as during an illness.
- Anti-microbial properties – Linalool have proven anti-microbial properties, which is why the terpene is often found in insect repellants. This particular attribute could prove beneficial for humans with certain hard-to-treat bacterial infections.
- Possible pain-reducing qualities – By reducing levels of acetylcholine in the brain, linalool may help to reduce muscle contractions and deter pain almost with a “local anesthetic action.”
High Linalool Hemp Strains
Linalool may not be as abundant in hemp as some other terpenes, but the terpene is definitely making its presence known in certain strains. Primarily, you will find strains that are bolstered as relaxing to contain higher levels of linalool, which is obviously no coincidence. Some strains you will find at TIMBR Organics with noteworthy linalool terpene levels include:
In traditional marijuana strains, linalool tends to be most prevalent in strains in the Kush family and hybrid plants like Do-Si-Dos.
Ready to Destress with Linalool? We’ve Got You Covered!
Once thought to only offer fragrant experiences to cannabis use, terpenes have stepped to the forefront as potential therapeutic agents much like cannabinoids. While terpenes like linalool are not always the most prevalent in comparison to something like CBD, these constituents definitely have good reason to be right where they are.
Linalool has gained popularity for its soothing qualities. So, if you appreciate a nice calming effect from your CBD smoke, a linalool-rich strain is a go-to choice.
If you are ready to try out linalool effects for yourself, take a look at our collection of premium smokable hemp at TIMBR Organics. For a traditional smoke, opt for raw hemp flower in a number of strains. For something more socially acceptable and discreet, we’ve got you covered with CBD disposable vape pens. We even have hemp pre-rolls and hemp cigs. All of our products are third-party lab tested for cannabinoid and terpene content, so take a look around to discover your route to a linalool terpene experience.
This article is not intended to serve as a substitute for advice or consultation from a certified doctor or health professional. Before trying CBD or hemp flower products, it is strongly advised to conduct your own research and consult with a licensed doctor. While the World Health Organization considers cannabidiol to be “generally well tolerated with a good safely profile,” more research is needed to properly evaluate the safety and efficacy of CBD for general use.
TIMBR Organics products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Thanks for reading our latest guide, we hope you enjoyed it! If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to post a comment, and don’t forget to check out the TIMBR Organics blog for more articles and guides!
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