WHAT IS GERANIOL AND WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THIS TERPENE?

WHAT IS GERANIOL AND WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THIS TERPENE?

All the flavour characteristics of cannabis come from the terpenes it contains. Terpenes are aromatic essential oils that give different cannabis varieties their characteristic smell and taste. They also have a number of health benefits.

In this article, we will focus on geraniol, one of the most distinctive and pleasant cannabis terpenes.

What is geraniol?

Geraniol is a terpene found in many types of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Its name is derived from geranium (or geranium), a plant known for its citrus scent. Geraniol has a characteristic scent that naturally repels insects and is therefore a major ingredient in insect sprays. This terpene is unique because it has a distinctive yet sweet scent profile. Like other terpenes, it is found in essential oils.

In addition to cannabis, geraniol is found in:

  • geranium flowers,
  • lemongrass,
  • roses,
  • lemons,
  • oranges,
  • peaches,
  • carrots,
  • blueberries.

Perhaps the most peculiar process of geraniol synthesis takes place in bees. Bees produce terpene in their scent glands and use it to mark certain fruits as a warning to other bees about to start a hive or occupy a pollination site in a particular area.

Health effects of geraniol

A number of terpenes derived from cannabis help our bodies to relieve pain and injuries. Recent research suggests that geraniol is able to fight serious diseases. Geraniol is of great importance in medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial and anti-fungal effects.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Geraniol has strong anti-inflammatory effects that can help prevent and treat infections. It also aids cell survival and has anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest that this terpene is of significant benefit in the treatment of wounds.

Anti-tumour effect

A survey of geraniol terpene published in the International Journal of Oncology in 2016 lists various ways in which geraniol fights cancer.

This terpene can fight the following types of cancer:

  • Breast,
  • lung,
  • colon,
  • prostate,
  • pancreas,
  • liver.

Antibacterial and antifungal effects

A study published in the journal Microbios conducted a combination of antibacterial and antifungal tests using five aromatic components of essential oils: cineole, citral, geraniol, linalool and menthol. Together with citral, geraniol was the most effective in fighting mould. Geraniol inhibited the spread of two moulds known to contaminate stored seeds and cereals. Geraniol could therefore serve as an effective cereal preservative.

Other effects of geraniol

In addition to the health effects mentioned above, geraniol may relieve the following ailments:

Geraniol in cannabis

Geraniol is not among the most widely used cannabis terpenes, yet its characteristic floral and citrus notes are the main element that gives several varieties their distinctive scent. This distinctive terpene is relatively easy to find in cannabis. Geraniol is found in a wide range of cannabis varieties, so you're sure to find a geraniol-rich variety to suit your medicinal needs.

Cannabis varieties containing geraniol

Although geraniol is considered a minor cannabis terpene, it has extraordinary medicinal benefits. Experimenting with new strains based on their terpene profiles can be an interesting way to learn about cannabis and its unique effects on the body. The floral scent and sweet taste are just the surface indulgences of geraniol; its effects can be much greater. As mentioned, this terpene has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can even be used in the treatment of inflammation and cancer.

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