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Linalool

Monoterpene alcohol

Soft, floral, and sweet — the signature scent of lavender. Calming and soothing.

Aroma Profile

floral lavender sweet

Medical Effects

Anti-anxiety

Strong evidence

Mechanism

NMDA receptor blockade; serotonin reuptake inhibition; enhanced GABAergic currents 2–7 fold

Supporting studies

Metabolic Products of Linalool and Modulation of GABAA Receptors

Hossain, S.J. et al.

Front Chem (2017)

Linalool enhanced GABAergic currents 2–7 fold, explaining its anxiolytic and sedative effects.

Silexan (lavender oil) vs paroxetine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Kasper, S. et al.

Int Clin Psychopharmacol (2014)

Silexan (80 mg linalool) was as effective as paroxetine 20 mg for GAD — the gold-standard SSRI.

Sedative

Strong evidence

Mechanism

Increases adenosine (sleep neurotransmitter); GABAergic modulation

Supporting studies

Linalool odor-induced anxiolytic effects in mice

Harada, H. et al.

Front Behav Neurosci (2018)

Linalool odor activated GABAergic pathways producing anxiolytic effects without motor impairment.

Analgesic

Moderate evidence

Mechanism

NMDA receptor antagonism; opioid and cholinergic pathway modulation

Supporting studies

Linalool produces antinociception in two models of pain in mice

Batista, P.A. et al.

J Med Food (2010)

Linalool produced antinociception in both glutamate-induced and formalin-induced pain models.

Synergies (Entourage Effect)

Linalool + CBD

Enhanced anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory effects

preclinical

Linalool + Myrcene

Combined sedative effects for enhanced sleep

clinical (JCSM 2025)

Related Conditions

💪 Chronic Pain 🧘 Anxiety 😴 Insomnia & Sleep 🌤️ Depression 🤕 Migraines 💆 Muscle Spasms

Strains High in This Terpene

Blue Dream

THC 17–24% hybrid

Wedding Cake

THC 22–27% hybrid