Geraniol: Everything you Need to Know about this Terpene and its Benefits

The delicious sweet and floral aroma of geraniol has made it an essential component in the cosmetics and perfume industries. However, the applications of this terpene go far beyond, as it exhibits multiple therapeutic properties that could make it an ally in the wellness and health industry.

What is Geraniol?

Geraniol belongs to the monoterpene family, a group of organic compounds that consist of 10 carbon atoms and form the base of many other terpenes.

This compound, which is present in the terpene profile of many cannabis strains, provides a very characteristic aroma that stands out for its floral, fruity notes with a touch of citrus.

Aroma and Taste of Geraniol

The aroma and taste of geraniol are described as sweet and floral, although some users also describe slight hints of citrus fruits.

This aromatic profile offers a floral and fruity taste with notes reminiscent of roses, making it a widely used element in both cosmetics, food, and beverages.

This terpene, which is one of the components of cannabis aromatic profiles, is also found in other plants and fruits, including:

• Geranium: This is where its name comes from, as this plant is one of the richest sources of geraniol.
• Rose: Historically used in perfumery, rose oil is another important source of geraniol.

However, there are many more! Here’s a list of all the sources of geraniol that can be found in nature:

Although geraniol is not one of the main terpenes found in cannabis (like b-Caryophyllene or Linalool), it adds floral and fruity notes to some cannabis strains (you’ll find a few examples towards the end of this article).

Therefore, it can be determined that, when geraniol is present in significant quantities in the profile of cannabis genetics, it provides:

• A floral aroma: Distinctive sweet and floral notes. A smooth and pleasant touch that provides a hint of freshness and sophistication.
• A fruity flavor: Geraniol delivers slightly citrusy or fruity flavors, contributing to a complex flavor profile that complements other terpenes present in the cannabis profile, like Limonene or Myrcene.
• Sweet tones: The sweet touches of geraniol in some strains help soften or balance their flavor and aroma, which would otherwise have a strong earthy or spicy taste.

Ultimately, cannabis genetics containing geraniol are suitable for users seeking a sophisticated and floral yet fresh profile.

Terpene profiles cannot only add premium cannabis aromas to flowers that have lost their aromatic power for whatever reason (adverse growing conditions or genetics, for instance), but they can also enhance the sensory experience of extracts and edibles.

Therapeutic Properties of Geraniol

Not only does geraniol provide aroma and flavor, but it also showcases properties that are beneficial at a therapeutic level.

This compound can be a great ally for our health, as multiple studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in treating various conditions.

And not only that… In cosmetics, this compound is not just an aromatic element: its pain-relieving effects and its ability to fight certain types of bacteria and fungi have been investigated, making it a valuable ingredient for the development of skin care and wellness products.

Several scientific studies support the properties of geraniol, which include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial in various contexts.

• Antimicrobial properties: Some scientific studies have shown that geraniol can inhibit the proliferation of bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. It can also combat pathogens which affect the respiratory system, like Streptococcus pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, this terpene has also proven effective in treating fungi such as Candida albicans.(1)
• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: Several in vitro studies and studies with animal models have concluded that geraniol is a potent antioxidant due to its ability to neutralize free radicals (the cause of oxidative stress). Moreover, this terpene is also useful for reducing inflammation. (2)
• Anticancer properties: Some scientific studies suggest that geraniol may induce apoptosis (programmed cell death), thereby halting tumor cell growth. Other studies also claim that this compound could have potential as a chemopreventive agent due to its capability to enhance the effects of conventional cancer treatments. (3)

These properties make geraniol a compound of great interest in both the cosmetic and medical industries, with significant therapeutic potential that’s still under research.

Geraniol and the Entourage Effect in Cannabis

There’s been much talk about the entourage effect of cannabis compounds, that is, the synergy between its components (cannabinoids and terpenes), which enhances and regulates the effects of each molecule.

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Geraniol also participates in the entourage effect and benefits from it, enhancing the effects of the chemical profile of the cannabis plant.

This terpene, along with others like caryophyllene or humulene, interacts with cannabinoids such as THC or CBD to modulate both the therapeutic and recreational effects of cannabis.

This means that geraniol (just like the other terpenes contained in cannabis resin) not only contributes to the plant’s aroma and flavor, but also influences its effects.

Uses of Geraniol in the Cannabis Industry and Other Sectors

As mentioned above, geraniol has multiple applications across different sectors, from cosmetics to food and medicine.

In the cannabis industry, geraniol can be used in combination with other terpenes to create “terpene profiles,” which are unique and exclusive to the cannabis plant. There’s no other plant in the plant kingdom that contains as many different terpenes. This explains why the aromas, flavors, and effects of the different cannabis terpene profiles are so complex and effective.

Keep in mind that the amounts of geraniol found in nature are very small, even in the terpene profiles of cannabis. Therefore, since a terpene profile will always be more effective than a single isolated terpene (in terms of benefits and properties), we always recommend using terpene profiles.

Safety and Recommended Terpene Dosage

Terpenes are safe when used in appropriate concentrations. Therefore, we recommend that you carefully read the product sheet of each terpene profile (especially the dosing information). You can also check out our articles on terpenes so you can learn more about them, get the most out of them, and craft truly special products.

Which Cannabis Strains Contain Geraniol?

Although geraniol is not considered one of the main terpenes of cannabis (i.e., those generally found in larger amounts), this terpene can be found in small amounts in the following strains:

Holy Grail Kush is an American cannabis strain that derives from the cross between Kosher Kush and The OG #18. This is one of the most representative Kush strains in organoleptic terms, with a very characteristic earthy taste and aroma with sweet hints of herbs and pine.

Sweet Tooth is a highly appreciated cannabis strain (particularly in Europe) born from the cross between Sweet Pink Grapefruit and Blueberry F1. Its flavor and aroma are a blend of sweet, earthy, and floral notes with hints of incense and pine.

Girl Scout Cookies is a renowned cannabis strain derived from the cross of OG Kush and Durban Poison. In terms of flavor and aroma, it delivers a combination of sweet, earthy, citrusy, and spicy Kush notes with hints of mint and vanilla, and with a floral and fruity undertone.

Conclusion: The Power of Geraniol in Natural Wellness

Geraniol is much more than just a floral aroma. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties make it an important ally in the pursuit of natural wellness.

Moreover, its role in the entourage effect, which enhances other terpenes and cannabinoids in the cannabis profile, helps improve the user experience.

Want to experience the benefits of geraniol? Cali Terpenes offers high-quality terpene profiles, including some which are rich in geraniol, to improve your well-being and bring nature to your daily life.

1. Fajdek-Bieda, A.; Pawlińska, J.; Wróblewska, A.; Łuś, A. Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Geraniol and Selected Geraniol Transformation Products Against Gram-Positive Bacteria. Molecules 2024, 29, 950. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29050950
2. Lin L, Long N, Qiu M, Liu Y, Sun FH, Dai M. The Inhibitory Efficiencies of Geraniol as an Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antibacterial, Natural Agent Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infection in vivo. Infect Drug Resist. 2021;14:2991-3000
3. MDPI and ACS Style Mączka, W.; Wińska, K.; Grabarczyk, M. One Hundred Faces of Geraniol. Molecules 2020, 25, 3303. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25143303