When you evaluate the fragrances and tastes of a particular cannabis strain, what you’re really evaluating is that strain’s terpene profile. Found in cannabis and countless other plants, these organic compounds brim with an array of potent aromas and flavors. They also possess numerous health benefits.
Today we highlight the geraniol terpene, paying close attention to its effects, therapeutic uses, and, of course, those cannabis strains in which it is highly concentrated.
What is geraniol?
Geraniol is a naturally occurring fragrant terpene with a distinct sweet rose scent and a subtle, sweet flavor.
Like other terpenes, it is found in the essential oils of many aromatic plant species. Intriguingly, the scent glands of honeybees also produce it. The bees use it to tag nectar-bearing flowers.
Along with cannabis, geraniol is prolific in:
- geranium flowers (hence the name)
- lemongrass
- roses
- lemons
- oranges
- carrots
- blueberries
Essential oils containing geraniol
You can avail yourself of geraniol’s potential health benefits (more on that later) through any of the following plant-derived essential oils:
- geranium oil
- rose oil
- citronella oil
- palmarosa oil
Note that citronella essential oil and palmarosa essential oil (aka Indian geranium) are made by distilling two varieties of tall grass native to east Asia. Both are known for their crisp, fresh aroma and a broad range of commercial and therapeutic uses.
What is geraniol used for?
Geraniol has a raft of commercial applications, particularly in the fragrance and flavor sectors. Owing to an agreeable floral aroma, geraniol is commonly added to perfumes, deodorants, hair products, skin creams, moisturizers, cleaning products, detergents, etc.
As for food, geraniol is often used as a flavoring agent in candies, beverages, ice creams, and baked goods.
Moreover, geraniol is an effective insect repellent. It naturally has very low toxicity levels and so is increasingly favored over harmful chemical insecticides.
Therapeutic applications of the geraniol terpene
We’ve seen just how useful geraniol is on the commercial side of things. Now, what about its therapeutic applications?
As it happens, geraniol has exhibited a lot of potential in the medical realm on account of its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective activity.
Let’s see what the science has to say.
Anti-inflammatory
Geraniol has impressive anti-inflammatory properties. Several peer-reviewed studies have borne this out. One of them, published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, found that geraniol reduces inflammation and oxidative stress associated with traumatic spinal cord injury in rats.
Meanwhile, a European Journal of Pharmacology study concluded that geraniol may lower the risk of atherosclerosis (a condition that causes heart disease) by inhibiting the body’s inflammatory responses.
Anti-tumor
According to a 2016 review, the existing literature demonstrates that geraniol has therapeutic or preventative effects on the following cancers:
- breast
- lung
- colon
- prostate
- pancreatic
- hepatic
Furthermore, geraniol has shown an ability to make cancer cells more responsive to chemotherapy drugs. As a result, the review’s authors described geraniol as the potential basis for a “safe and effective multi-targeted anticancer agent.”
Neuroprotective
Geraniol may have a neuroprotective effect, according to a 2014 study. The point of the study was to determine whether geraniol can mitigate neurological damage caused by exposure to a chemical called acrylamide.
In their conclusion, the authors wrote that geraniol provides neuroprotection and could be used to help treat issues arising from neuropathy, or damage to nerve cells. However, they stressed that additional research is needed.
Anti-oxidant
A study published in the Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research found geraniol to have significant antioxidant properties. Specifically, geraniol exhibited benefits in relation to oxidative stress, a common feature of neurodegenerative conditions.
Anti-bacterial
A 2018 study published in Natural Product Communications evaluated geraniol’s anti-bacterial effects. Researchers tested whether combining geraniol with antibiotic medicines was beneficial in treating three bacterial infections—H. pylori, S. aureus (staph infection), and E.coli.
Geraniol was found to boost the efficacy of antibiotics in all three cases, leading the authors to conclude that it has “substantial” therapeutic potential as an anti-bacterial agent.
Anti-fungal
In 2018, Molecules published an article about geraniol’s anti-fungal properties. Along with the citral terpene, geraniol inhibited the growth of two fungi known to contaminate stored seeds and grains, especially in developing countries.
Therefore, geraniol could potentially serve as an effective grain preservative.
Other effects of geraniol
In addition to the health benefits mentioned above, geraniol may help alleviate symptoms brought about by the following conditions:
- depression
- anxiety
- insomnia
- mood disorders
Bear in mind that further studies are needed to determine the extent of geraniol’s medicinal capacity.
Cannabis strains containing geraniol
Geraniol doesn’t command individual strain profiles the way heavyweight cannabis terpenes like myrcene, linalool, and limonene do. Which isn’t to say that its influence is negligible. On the contrary, its sweet floral notes—which add nuance, complexity, and balance to various strains—are hard to miss.
Here’s a list of cannabis strains with substantial levels of geraniol.
Harlequin
Harlequin is a low-THC, high-CBD strain known for its mellow high and ability to induce deep, enduring relaxation. Tropical fruit is on display here, accompanied by a spicy earthiness.
Lemon G
Lemon G, true to its name, yields a vigorous blend of citrusy aromas. These give way to a subdued yet full flavor with just enough sweetness to balance out the sourness. Lemon G weighs in at 17% THC, providing an energizing and euphoric high.
Tahoe OG
This powerful indica gives off a pleasing aromatic mix of floral earthiness and sweet citrus. Tahoe OG also offers a major-league high marked by sensations of tranquility and euphoria.
Strawberry Diesel
A popular hybrid made from crossing the storied NYC Diesel and Strawberry Cough strains, Strawberry Diesel promises an intense high along with a palatable fusion of sweet fruit and diesel-like flavors.
Purple Punch
Purple Punch is an indica cross between Granddaddy Purple and Larry OG. It has a sweet terpene profile and traces of blueberry supplement strong grape notes.
FPOG
FGOP—short for Fruity Pebbles OG—is a hybrid bursting with sweet berry and tropical aromas. Expect a penetrating and long-lasting high.
Black Cherry Soda
Easily identified by its purple tinge, Black Cherry Soda is sweet, fruity, and very heady at 21% THC.
FAQ
What is geraniol's boiling point, and why is it important?
Geraniol has a boiling point of 229-230 °C (444-446 °F). Why should you care? Because when you’re infusing terpenes into food, e-liquid, etc., it’s essential not to overheat them lest their chemical structure become distorted.
See here for more on the significance of terpene boiling points.
Is geraniol the same as geranium?
Geraniol and geraniums are not the same. Geraniums are a type of flowering plant. Geraniol, on the other hand, is a terpene found in the essential oils of geranium and many other plants.
Can geraniol get you high?
Despite its presence in the cannabis plant, geraniol will not make you high. Nor will any other terpene, for that matter, regardless of how much you ingest. Terpenes do not have intoxicating properties.
Summary
While perhaps regarded as a minor terpene in the cannabis world, Geraniol has immense therapeutic upside. The available scientific literature shows that it delivers wide-ranging health benefits with little or no side effects. Cannabis strains high in geraniol tend to have complex profiles featuring diverse tastes and smells, augmenting the overall sensory experience.