The Health Benefits of Linalool
You have probably heard about phytonutrients like beta-carotene, but have you ever heard of linalool, pronounced lin-uh-lull? Don’t know what phytonutrients are? Read this article.
Linalool is a terpene, or monoterpene alcohol, contained in many plants including cilantro, coriander, basil, oregano, grapes, teas, bay, laurel, marjoram, lemon, mace, nutmeg, mandarins, cardamom, sage, thyme, mint, ginger, cinnamon, celery, rosemary, lavender, fennel, and more![1] It has also been found in rosewood, apricots, cranberries, and papaya.[2]
According to the Tisserand Institute, linalool has been used in perfumery, being isolated from essential oils; most of this is synthetic, however.[3] Synthetic or isolated nutrients don’t even come close to natural nutrients in their whole food state; they are not the same. We believe in the synergistic effect of all phytonutrients. Read our helpful resource about how they are different and why natural nutrients, as opposed to isolated or synthetic, are safer and much more beneficial.
Linalool has displayed antimicrobial activity and anti-inflammatory activity.[4] It has also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. A study in Phytomedicine evaluated linalool’s anti-inflammatory properties in distilled or extracted essential oils.[5]
Essential oils containing linalool are often used in aromatherapy. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) in particular has been used due to its natural antioxidant power. Coriander and other medicinal plants/spices can act as reducing agents and can scavenge free radicals and more due to the phytochemicals they contain.[6]
You can use coriander in many recipes, such as curry. You can also get coriander by taking our Fiber & Spice!
In addition, a study in Pharmacological Research says that linalool “has sedative effects at the central nervous system (CNS).”[7]
The Last Bite
Linalool may contribute to a plant’s many benefits. Many side effects can come with synthetic antioxidant supplements, so it’s best to get antioxidants through natural sources. Strive to incorporate more plants into your diet that contain linalool, such as coriander, cardamom, celery, and lemon, and take your Balance of Nature!
[1] “Top Plants Containing Linalool,” Natural Medicine Facts (naturalmedicinefacts.info), accessed August 20, 2020, https://www.naturalmedicinefacts.info/chemical/16225.html.
[2] “Essential Oil Constituents in Food Part 2: Linalool,” Tisserand Institute, July 7, 2020, https://tisserandinstitute.org/learn-more/linalool/.
[4] C.F Bagamboula, M Uyttendaele, and J Debevere, “Inhibitory Effect of Thyme and Basil Essential Oils, Carvacrol, Thymol, Estragol, Linalool and p-Cymene towards Shigella Sonnei and S. Flexneri,” ScienceDirect (Food Microbiology/Elsevier, February 2004), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0740002003000467.
[5] A.T. Peana et al., “Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Linalool and Linalyl Acetate Constituents of Essential Oils,” ScienceDirect (Phytomedicine, 2002), https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304701804.
[6] Ulagaddi Rajeshwari and Bondada Andallu, “PDF” ( Andhra Pradesh, India, 2011).
[7] L Re et al., “Linalool Modifies the Nicotinic Receptor-Ion Channel Kinetics at the Mouse Neuromuscular Junction,” U.S. National Library of Medicine (Pharmacological research, 2000), https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10887049/.
