If you're just getting started with terpenes, odds are you're wondering how each isolate can be used. Terpene isolates can be used in hemp, CBD, and cannabis products as well as concentrates, vapes, foods, beverages, and aromatherapy infusions. This week, we're diving deeper into the delicate rose-scented and citrus-flavored terpene isolate known as Geraniol.
Geraniol Isolate
Geraniol terpenes (AKA Lemonol terpenes) are best known as the most prevalent terpenes found in geraniums, which have a very delicate, floral scent with a citrusy kick, known for repelling mosquitos and other flying insects similar to Valencene. It can be found in a variety of different plant species including tobacco, fruits, lemongrass, root vegetables, and spices.
As a monoterpene, it is most commonly found in plants that contain large concentrations of Linalool terpenes, which are also delicately floral and relaxing. However, it's also classified as an isomer of Citral terpenes. The floral aroma and citrusy flavor of Geraniol terpenes are reminiscent of citronella candles. They are commonly used as flavoring agents in pastries and desserts or as a scent boost in cosmetics and bath and body products.
Although Geraniol is less common in cannabis than many other terpenes, it provides a sweet flavor and floral aroma to cannabis strains like Harlequin and Kimbo Kush. It also offers a variety of whole-body benefits and therapeutic mental effects that aid in stress relief and pain reduction. Below, you’ll learn everything we know about the health benefits of Geraniol terpenes.
Benefits of Geraniol
Like most terpenes, Geraniol has been the focus of a handful of scientific studies that have highlighted its usefulness as an effective antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal agent. Terpenes are able to permeate the bacteria, microbes, and viruses making them susceptible to your body’s natural immune response. Geraniol was found to be effective against 18 varieties of bacteria and over 12 strains of fungus in this study.
Geraniol works well within the body as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Its ability to fight free radicals within the body makes it a possibly effective anticancer and antitumor agent. It may reduce inflammatory responses within the whole body. On the other hand, some studies suggest that Geraniol terpenes can reduce tumors, cause cancer cells to self-destruct, and completely inhibit the growth of colon cancer cells.
Further, in many animal models on hamsters and rats, Geraniol showed its ability to help mitigate the symptoms of a condition that causes plaque to form in the arteries called atherosclerosis. In similar studies, Geraniol was able to help manage diabetes and hyperglycemia by modulating body processes that naturally raise and lower natural insulin levels.
Last but not least, Geraniol terpenes showed to have a few positive effects on the mental state. When added to perfumes and creams, the citrus and floral aromas promoted relaxation and stress relief in some users. Additionally, a study showed that Geraniol terpenes were up to 5 times more effective than Linalool and Citronella for repelling mosquitos.
All in all, Geraniol offers a variety of potential health benefits. Before starting any dietary supplement or health regimen, even with terpenes, you should always talk to your doctor to rule out any possible complications from adding Geraniol terpenes to your products.
Natural Sources of Geraniol
Geraniol isn’t as commonly found in cannabis as it is out in nature, though it can be found in hundreds of different plants and even some insects. Honey bees produce Geraniol terpenes in their scent glands to help them mark nectar-bearing fruits and flowers and to tell other bees and predatory insects where their territory lies. This helps the bees to find food and pollination sites while also preventing potentially dangerous bees or insect colonies from forming on their turf.
As a very sweet and floral terpene, Geraniol is found in many flowers like roses, geraniums, and violets. It’s also found in fruits like citrus, blackberries, blueberries, and peaches. For this reason, it’s frequently used in the cosmetic and perfume industry as well as an additive flavoring agent in pastries and baked goods.
Cannabis strains with higher concentrations of Geraniol terpenes include Black Cherry Soda, Strawberry Cough, Purple Punch, and Lemon G.
TLDR; Geraniol Terpene Benefits:
Antioxidant
Anti-tumor
Anti-cancer
Anti-bacterial
Anti-fungal
Anti-viral
Anti-spasmodic
Anti-inflammatory
Neuroprotectant
Repels mosquitos
Reduces pain
Modulates body processes and makes it easy to manage diabetes and hyperglycemia
Mitigates symptoms of atherosclerosis (plaque in the arteries)
Common Uses for Geraniol Terpene Isolate
Whether through your favorite fruits and herbs or through a diffuser, Geraniol isolate smells and tastes great and works wonders within your body.
Geraniol terpenes can be safely added to all sorts of products to encourage relaxation as well as a host of potential health benefits. It can safely be eaten, drank, infused, and inhaled with a little bit of mixing. It can also be used to improve cannabis products like vapes and concentrates that may have lost cannabinoid potency or terpene content during extraction.
Add Geraniol terpenes to foods and beverages to enjoy the anti-inflammatory and mood-improving properties within the whole body. A few drops in your evening tea tastes sweet, herbaceous, and citrusy and can help you get to sleep fast with potent pain relief and a calming, soothing floral scent.
Add Geraniol terpenes to essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy infusions to enjoy a delicate floral scent that promotes long-lasting relaxation, repels mosquitos, and kills airborne bacteria and fungal spores.
Add Geraniol terpenes to concentrates and hemp oils made from strains with higher Geraniol content like Lavender Jones, Agent Orange, and Headband. Geraniol terpenes can make them smell and taste better and boost the potency of THC/CBD effects.
Just keep in mind that not all terpenes are created equal. Different terpenes will always have different effects, but they're not all made the same. We know you have a choice when it comes to terpene providers, but no other choice comes close to our level of quality.
At Peak Supply Co, our Geraniol terpene isolates are extracted from all-natural food-grade fruit, flower, and nut oils in our state-of-the-art facility. With our proprietary extraction and refinement method, we remove plant materials and any leftover impurities, leaving behind the purest terpene isolates on the market. Best of all, we even offer sample packs so you can try them all.