Geraniol Terpene Medical Uses & Health Benefits
Geraniol is a floral-smelling terpene that is present in cannabis and various other plants. This terpene works alongside other cannabis compounds to create the signature effects and benefits of certain strains, and may contribute to the proposed “entourage effect” in which the various compounds in cannabis are thought to work synergistically.
Geraniol is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and wellness regimens due to its proposed health benefits, such as fighting against bacteria. More recent studies indicate that it could be beneficial for certain medical conditions, including various cancers, inflammatory arthritis, and neurodegenerative conditions.
An understanding of this aromatic compound will be helpful for medical cannabis patients looking for the most effective cannabis strains for their conditions.
What Exactly Is Geraniol?
Geraniol is an organic compound with a pleasant, sweet, floral, and citrusy scent found not only in cannabis but also in various other plant species, including geranium (from which the name is derived), palmarosa, rose, and citronella.
This monoterpene and essential oils that contain it are frequently used in the fragrance industry. Geraniol is also ingested in very small quantities when consuming plants that naturally contain it.
Medical Uses of Geraniol
The following are some interesting medical uses and health benefits of the geraniol terpene.
Aromatherapy
A common medical use of geraniol is related to its aromatic properties. The sweet floral smell is used to create a calm, soothing effect that helps with stress and anxiety. Some other benefits of using geranium-rich essential oils (such as geranium or rose oil) in aromatherapy are:
Boosting mood
Relieving tension and fatigue
Improving cognition and concentration levels
Preliminary research also suggests that geranium aroma is a potent remedy for treating anxiety in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Ongoing studies show geraniol in aromatherapy has therapeutic potential, but more research is needed to understand this terpene’s full capacity to treat certain ailments.
Antibacterial and Antifungal
Geraniol and essential oils containing its chemical compounds have excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties. Specifically, geraniol has been found to prevent the growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi in skin care products.
Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of geraniol and its effect on the elimination of free radicals in the body are being thoroughly studied. Many of these studies have shown the effectiveness of geraniol for treating inflammation and chronic pain as well as supporting general overall health. This makes geraniol a key compound in the treatment of medical issues related to inflammation, such as inflammatory arthritis. Some effective cannabis strains for pain relief, such as Harlequin, contain geraniol.
Neuroprotective
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of geraniol go hand in hand with the treatment of numerous other conditions, such as neurological disorders. One animal model suggested that geraniol improves passive avoidance memory and could be helpful in the treatment of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Geraniol has also been described as displaying neuroprotective activity.
Cancer
Studies have shown that geraniol displays tumor-inhibiting properties. This review published in the International Journal of Oncology shows that geraniol may be beneficial in suppressing tumor growth in numerous human cancers, and may also make cancer cells more receptive to chemotherapy.
Geraniol Is an Effective Insect Repellent
Geraniol has natural insect-repellent properties. It is even more effective as an insect repellent than other essential oils including citronella oil and linalool. This makes geranium oil a great solution for a non-toxic insect repellent that is safe for both humans and the environment.
Are There Any Side Effects of Geraniol?
The FDA recognizes geraniol as safe for human consumption. In fact, its extensive and long-lasting use in numerous other industries makes it a safe, well-known compound. There have been some isolated cases of allergic contact dermatitis resulting from exposure to geraniol. Do a patch test when trying a new topical product and consult with a medical practitioner to find the treatments that are best adapted to your situation.
Geraniol-Rich Cannabis Strains
The following are some popular cannabis strains that have a high geraniol percentage. You may recognize geraniol’s signature floral aroma in these strains.
Agent Orange
Black Cherry Soda
Great White Shark
Amnesia Haze
Dutch Hawaiian
Harlequin
Purple Punch
Lemon G
Tahoe OG
Kimbo Kush
All of these high-geraniol cannabis strains can be consumed by smoking flower, vaping flower or concentrates, ingesting tinctures or edibles, or rubbing infused lotions, oils, or creams on your skin. You will also benefit from the medical benefits of all the terpenes and cannabinoids present in these strains—in the ratios and quantities nature intended.
Pro tip: In Arizona, you can save on the 16% excise tax on cannabis purchases by presenting a valid AZ MMJ card at licensed dispensaries.
The Power of Geraniol Terpenes for Health and Well-Being
Geraniol is a powerful terpene that offers a plentiful range of health benefits due to its medicinal properties. It has a sweet and floral aroma that is used in aromatherapy to relieve stress and anxiety.
MMJ patients will benefit from geraniol’s:
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Neuroprotective properties
Geraniol is also effective as a natural insect repellent and may inhibit tumor growth, which is positive news for cancer patients.
Whether used for aromatherapy to alleviate everyday tension or more serious health conditions, geraniol is a powerful terpene with great therapeutic potential. Ask your cannabis doctor or a knowledgeable budtender to recommend their favorite geraniol-rich strains!
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