What are the benefits and effects of linalool?

Linalool is one of nature's most potent therapeutic cannabis terpenes. This floral-scented compound smells like lavender and delivers anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and anxiety-crushing benefits.

Linalool works with THC and CBD through the entourage effect to create more balanced and effective experiences than any single compound delivers. nama's microdosed gummies and drinks harness this natural synergy, giving you precise control over your experience.

How does linalool make you feel?

Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene alcohol found in over 200 plants, including cannabis, lavender, and bergamot. Whether you're inhaling linalool through essential oils or enjoying linalool-rich cannabis strains, you can expect these effects:

• Your mind and body unwind, tension melts away, and you experience a deep sense of calm and relaxation.
• Racing thoughts slow down, and nervous energy fades.
• You experience a gentle lift in mood.
• Aches and physical discomfort become less noticeable.
• Drowsiness sets in when linalool reaches higher concentrations in your system.
• You stay mentally clear, focused, and relaxed, without the brain fog.

Everyone reacts differently to linalool, but most people experience these soothing, relaxing effects. This terpene tweaks brain chemicals, especially serotonin, to help you feel balanced and calm without knocking you out.

Linalool's anti-inflammatory properties

Chronic inflammation damages your tissues, but linalool blocks this process at the source. This bioactive compound inhibits pro-inflammatory enzymes and reduces cytokine production that triggers swelling and pain. 

Research shows linalool reduces inflammation more effectively and for longer periods than synthetic linalool created in laboratories. Synthetic linalool is commonly used in perfumes and cosmetics because it's cheap to make, but it can't match the power and lasting effects of natural linalool from plants. Linalool from the cannabis plant activates your body's anti-inflammatory pathways while preventing oxidative damage that makes inflammation worse. These anti-inflammatory properties relieve arthritis, inflammatory bowel conditions, and autoimmune disorders.

Pain-relieving and analgesic effects

Linalool stops pain signals before they reach your brain by activating your central nervous system pathways. It blocks sodium channels in nerve fibers and changes how neurotransmitters communicate at pain receptors.

Peana et al. show that linalool reduces inflammatory pain by activating opioid and cholinergic systems. It's most effective against neuropathic pain, including diabetic nerve damage and fibromyalgia.

Cannabis naturally contains linalool alongside other therapeutic compounds for pain relief. Try our Pain Plus gummies with five cannabinoids for targeted pain management without drowsiness

Muscle relaxant properties of linalool

Linalool is a natural muscle relaxant. It prevents muscle spasms and reduces tension more effectively than many prescription relaxants. Poyton et al. show how linalool blocks nerve impulses that trigger muscle contractions while reducing responses to neurotransmitters, like acetylcholine, noradrenaline, and serotonin, that cause muscle tension. 

Athletes use linalool for post-workout recovery, and people with chronic conditions find relief from persistent muscle pain. It fights tension headaches, neck stiffness, and lower back problems.

Sedative effects and sleep promotion

Linalool is the major compound in lavender, a plant renowned for its sleep-promoting properties. This terpene enhances your brain's relaxation systems, increasing GABA activity while reducing cortisol and other stress hormones that keep you awake. 

According to a 2022 study, inhaling lavender's linalool-rich aroma helps people fall asleep and experience better sleep quality. The sedative effects are gentle and natural, quieting racing thoughts and physical tension without the grogginess that pharmaceutical sleep aids often cause.

Smoking cannabis can damage your respiratory system, but consuming linalool through edibles is safe and controlled. Our Sleep Plus gummies combine 2 mg of THC with 25 mg of CBD and 3 mg of melatonin from hybrid cannabis naturally rich in sleep-promoting terpenes.

Neuroprotective benefits for brain health

Linalool is a powerful antioxidant that protects your brain cells from damage. A 2021 study found that linalool shields neurons by neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species, preventing cell membrane breakdown, and reducing cell death. It fights off hydrogen peroxide-induced stress while keeping cells healthy and functioning. 

Linalool breaks down brain plaques, protects synaptic transmission, and supports hippocampal neurogenesis in aging patients. Research shows it may reverse brain damage and behavioral problems in aging mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

Anti-nausea properties and digestive support

Linalool tackles stomach upset and nausea by calming your overactive digestive system. It reduces gut inflammation and stops the muscle contractions that cause cramping and discomfort. It reduces motion sickness, chemo-induced nausea, and morning sickness by targeting serotonin receptors in your intestines while supporting healthy gut bacteria. Many people find that it relieves general stomach problems, bloating, and digestive issues when other treatments don't work.

Linalool’s immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties

Linalool strengthens the immune system and defends against harmful microbes. It targets Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including resistant strains like MRSA and E. coli, by disrupting cell membranes and key enzymes. Its antifungal action against Candida supports microbial balance. 

A 2022 study reveals this terpene causes membrane rupture, protein leakage, and metabolic collapse in pathogens. Linalool also breaks down harmful bacteria and fungi, stopping them from growing and spreading. 

Anti-anxiety and mood-enhancing effects

Linalool rebalances neurotransmitters through serotonergic receptors in your brain to reduce anxiety. It interacts with postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors and α2 adrenergic receptors to block the antidepressant activity when these pathways are disrupted. This terpene also modulates the monoaminergic pathway while reducing cortisol production that fuels worry and panic. 

Clinical trials using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale show reduced symptoms after linalool treatment. The anxiolytic properties are effective for social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorders (GADs), with the mood-lifting benefits coming without emotional blunting or dependency issues associated with conventional antidepressant drugs.

Our Relax Plus gummies blend 5 mg of THC and 25 mg of CBD with other soothing compounds to help you unwind. These hybrid gummies are crafted for calm, and they’re just a click away, so treat yourself today.

Therapeutic applications of linalool

Linalool is used in aromatherapy, perfumes, cosmetics, and food flavoring because of its pleasant lavender-like scent and safety profile. Because it tackles multiple health issues, medical professionals use linalool as a natural approach to help treat medical conditions.

• Alzheimer's disease treatment: Neurologists use linalool therapy to reduce brain plaques and cellular tangles while supporting synaptic transmission and hippocampal neurogenesis in patients with cognitive decline.
• Depression and anxiety clinics: Mental health professionals incorporate it into treatment protocols that target the monoaminergic pathway and HPA axis as an alternative to conventional antidepressant drugs.
• Aromatherapy practices: Practitioners blend carrier oil formulations using essential oils from Coriandrum sativum, Cinnamomum osmophloeum, and Cinnamomum camphora for targeted treatments.
• Gastroenterology clinics: Specialists use linalool to improve gut microbiota balance and strengthen the microbiota-gut-brain axis in patients with digestive disorders.
• Neurological rehabilitation: Therapists apply treatments that promote neuron differentiation, neurite development, and synaptic connectivity in patients with neurobehavioral impairments.
• Dermatology applications: Skin specialists prescribe topical treatments that regulate sebum production, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against ultraviolet-B damage through antioxidant activity.
• Stress management centers: Healthcare providers use protocols that modulate the neuroendocrine system, influence neuropeptide Y release, and support neuronal plasticity.
• Research institutions: Scientists study linalool's effects on gene expression, epigenetic components, Nrf2 expression, and BDNF serum levels to understand its therapeutic mechanisms.
• Integrative medicine: Practitioners leverage its natural origins and floral scent properties to target oxidative stress mediators, lipid peroxidation, and inflammatory processes through different routes of administration.
• Medical cannabis dispensaries: Licensed facilities formulate linalool-rich strains to enhance anxiolytic effects and provide better therapeutic outcomes through the entourage effect.

What are the side effects of linalool?

Most people use linalool without any side effects. Linalool has FDA GRAS status, which means it’s safe for most people. Side effects happen rarely and usually only with excessive exposure or in sensitive individuals. Mild reactions you might experience include:

• Skin irritation or allergic reactions from direct contact.
• Throat or nasal irritation from inhaling large amounts of essential oil.
• Stronger drowsiness, especially if mixed with other sedatives.

With extremely high doses, you might face liver stress and allergic reactions in people sensitive to fragrance ingredients.

Cannabis products, such as our Delta 9 gummies, contain linalool levels far below toxic amounts. If you experience persistent skin irritation, breathing issues, or unusual drowsiness, reduce exposure and talk to your doctor. 

How linalool enhances your cannabis experience

Just like other terpenes, linalool changes everything about how cannabis affects you. On its own, THC can sometimes make you anxious or paranoid. But when linalool is present, it impacts your central nervous system through different pathways, targeting GABA receptors and your monoaminergic system to counteract unwanted effects. You experience THC's benefits without the harsh side effects.

This is why hybrid cannabis delivers superior results. Hybrid strains contain multiple terpenes, including linalool, and create a complex profile of natural compounds that enhance each other's effects. Remember the entourage effect? Single-compound products can't match this natural synergy where cannabinoids and terpenes amplify each other’s benefits while minimizing the side effects. While cannabinoids target specific receptors, linalool takes alternative routes through your brain, providing more comprehensive therapeutic relief.

Our microdosed gummies and THC beverages use hybrid cannabis to capture this synergy. Try our Buzz Packs™ for a flavorless powder that transforms any drink into a soothing buzztail™ with 5 mg of THC and 5 mg of CBD. This convenient option lets you create custom THC drinks while benefiting from the natural terpene profiles found in hybrid cannabis.

If you want to stick to delicious gummies, our Bliss edibles combine 5 mg of THC with 5 mg of CBD from hybrid strains. This balanced experience comes from whole-plant compounds working together rather than isolated ingredients.

Best nama products with natural terpene benefits

nama™ specializes in medical cannabis edibles that harness the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds found in hybrid strains. Our hybrid Delta 9 gummies showcase the power of natural products working together. Each gummy contains precisely measured cannabinoids from hemp that include cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other beneficial compounds. 

Our products deliver the anxiolytic effects and antioxidant properties that come from whole-plant medicine, not isolated synthetic compounds.

For liquid options, order Buzz Drops™ and transform any beverage into therapy. With just 2.5 mg of THC and 2.5 mg of CBD per dropper, these drops deliver a mild buzz that won't knock you out. Whether you're supporting a soberish lifestyle by cutting back on alcohol or simply want to unwind after a long day, our microdosed approach offers consistent results without the hangover.

All our products use premium hemp-derived extracts that are federally legal and third-party tested. Order today and experience the balanced effects that only hybrid cannabis can deliver.

Don’t worry, all our edibles are federally legal in the U.S.

Resources

A.T. Peana, P.S. D'Aquila, F. Panin, G. Serra, P. Pippia, M.D.L. Moretti, Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils, Phytomedicine, Volume 9, Issue 8, 2002, Pages 721-726, ISSN 0944-7113, https://doi.org/10.1078/094471102321621322.

Peana AT, D'Aquila PS, Chessa ML, Moretti MD, Serra G, Pippia P. (-)-Linalool produces antinociception in two experimental models of pain. Eur J Pharmacol. 2003 Jan 26;460(1):37-41. doi: 10.1016/s0014-2999(02)02856-x. PMID: 12535857.

Poyton, Curtis & Roy, Mary Louise & Cheesman, Matthew & Lavidis, Nickolas. (2015). Effects of Lavender and Linalool on Neurotransmission and Contraction of Smooth Muscle. Pharmacognosy Communications. 5. 217-225. 10.5530/pc.2015.3.7.

Dos Santos ÉRQ, Maia JGS, Fontes-Júnior EA, do Socorro Ferraz Maia C. Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2022;20(6):1073-1092. doi: 10.2174/1570159X19666210920094504. PMID: 34544345; PMCID: PMC9886818.

Rossana Migheli, Giada Lostia, Grazia Galleri, Gaia Rocchitta, Pier Andrea Serra, Valentina Bassareo, Elio Acquas, Alessandra T. Peana, Neuroprotective effect of (R)-(-)-linalool on oxidative stress in PC12 cells, Phytomedicine Plus, Volume 1, Issue 4, 2021, 100073,

ISSN 2667-0313, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100073.

Sabogal-Guáqueta AM, Osorio E, Cardona-Gómez GP. Linalool reverses neuropathological and behavioral impairments in old triple transgenic Alzheimer's mice. Neuropharmacology. 2016 Mar;102:111-20. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.11.002. Epub 2015 Nov 6. PMID: 26549854; PMCID: PMC4698173.

Mączka, W.; Duda-Madej, A.; Grabarczyk, M.; Wińska, K. Natural Compounds in the Battle against Microorganisms—Linalool. Molecules 2022, 27, 6928. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27206928

Dos Santos ÉRQ, Maia JGS, Fontes-Júnior EA, do Socorro Ferraz Maia C. Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2022;20(6):1073-1092. doi: 10.2174/1570159X19666210920094504. PMID: 34544345; PMCID: PMC9886818.

Gunaseelan S, Balupillai A, Govindasamy K, Ramasamy K, Muthusamy G, Shanmugam M, Thangaiyan R, Robert BM, Prasad Nagarajan R, Ponniresan VK, Rathinaraj P. Linalool prevents oxidative stress activated protein kinases in single UVB-exposed human skin cells. PLoS One. 2017 May 3;12(5):e0176699. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176699. PMID: 28467450; PMCID: PMC5415184.

Further reading

Do terpenes contribute to a cannabis high?

How does hybrid cannabis reduce inflammation?

What does borneol do in cannabis?

Top anti-nausea terpenes

Can hybrid weed make you giggle?

What are the best terpenes to soothe you to sleep?

Which terpenes give you euphoria?

What are the side effects of hybrid weed?

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