Geraniol

Does this terpene sound familiar?

This terpene seems familiar because you’ve seen it and smelled it for years. Geraniol is found in geraniums, an easy-to-grow plant that is common in flower beds across the country. It smells like roses and citronella, and can also be found in grapefruits, peaches and lemongrass. Geraniol’s delicate and sweet profile makes it a popular ingredient in aromatic essential oils.

Geraniol is believed to have a wide range of health benefits. It’s antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant effects can help ward off harmful viruses and infections, while it’s anticancer and neuroprotective qualities could potentially slow the progress of serious medical conditions.

When used in aromatherapy, geraniol can also help enhance your mood, relieve anxiety and insomnia, and lower stress levels.

Hungry for Terpenes?

Experiment with some of these geraniol-rich ingredients:

• Lemon
• Roses
• Bergamot
• Carrot
• Coriander
• Nutmeg
• Blueberries
• Blackberries

Feel, live and taste the ways you can benefit from geraniol!

Feel

Geraniol-infused essential oils, when combined with a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba, can help stimulate healing in scrapes, burns and other minor skin wounds. It can also help ease inflammation caused by acne.

Live

Geraniol’s anti-fungal and antibacterial properties make it a great addition to homemade soaps and household cleaners. It’s also especially effective as an insect repellent – even more so than common repellents like citronella and linalool.

Taste

While ingesting geraniol-infused oil is not recommended, this fresh and fragrant terpene can be found in citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits and oranges, as well as in blueberries, blackberries and peaches. Try noticing it the next time you make a summer fruit salad or a comforting cobbler!