Written by Dr. Pepper Hernandez ND, Ph.D.& BCTC Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner
As we continue to explore the rapidly expanding medicinal cannabis angle, it has become clear that terpenes play an important role in finding the ideal medicine for specific medical conditions. Terpenes have gained recognition due to molecular synergy which suggests that the therapeutic benefits of cannabis are enhanced by adding multiple cannabinoid compounds and terpenes found in a plant, rather than a single isolated cannabinoid. According to a study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, terpenes, such as Linalool, can directly affect brain processing by modulating the behavior of brain cells. Linalool is the most responsible for the recognizable marijuana smell, with its spicy and floral notes. In addition to cannabis, Linalool can be found in lavender, mint, cinnamon, parsley, cilantro, oregano, marjoram, wintersweet, and coriander. It has powerful sedative and relaxing properties, just like in these aromatic herbs. Research suggests that Linalool has the most powerful neuroleptic effect of all known terpenes, making it a useful antidepressant. It also boosts the effectiveness of CBD in the central nervous system, which is essential for an understanding of the body as a whole. CBD and Linalool have been found to have life-altering effects on people with nervous system issues, such as epilepsy, seizures, insomnia, and Alzheimer's disease. Linalool also has analgesic qualities of its own, modulating pain signals in the brain and reducing the body's stress responses when pain occurs. Linalool activates the body's parasympathetic response, which is activated when the body is resting and digesting food, fitting with Linalool's anti-anxiety effects. It reduces the excitability of cells in the spinal cord that transmit pain signals to the brain. Patients suffering from these ailments have all found aid in the Linalool terpene:
Supports Immune System
Arthritis
Depression
Epilepsy
Seizures
Insomnia
Alzheimer’s disease
Cannabis Cultivars high in Linalool also have these properties:
Anti-microbial
Anti-epileptic
Anti-anxiety
Muscle-relaxing
Pain-relieving
Some well-known Linalool cultivars are:
Grandaddy Purple
Amnesia Haze
Kosher Kush
Lavender
OG Shark
Do-Si-Dos
Blue Dream
According to a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, lavender oil has been used for centuries to calm anxiety and relieve emotional distress, and Linalool is the reason behind its effectiveness. However, it is important to note that all the information in this article is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources. Before beginning any new diet or lifestyle change, please consult your cannabis-educated primary healthcare physician or cannabis therapy consultant. Dr. Pepper Hernandez, ND Ph.D. is Dual Board Certified Holistic Health Professional. Multiple Award winning Naturopathic Nutritionist, Cannabis Therapy Consultant & Founder and Education Director of Cannabis Holistic Institute. To find out more about her private practice, educational programs, videos and other offerings you can find her on the massive interwebs, social platforms or drpepperhernandez.com. Go forth, Go Cannabis