Want to become an essential oil expert? Then you’ll want to get to know your essential oils on a molecular level. Go beyond memorizing an essential oil’s uses and discover why an essential oil is beneficial. 

To do this, you’ll want to get acquainted with the chemical composition of your essential oils. We’ve looked at some essential oil constituents previously, but today we’re highlighting one component we love: linalool. What is the importance of linalool in essential oils and why do we recommend having linalool rich essential oils in your arsenal? Read on to find out. 

What Is Linalool?

Also spelled “linalol,” this common component belongs to the chemical family of monoterpenols. Monoterpenols contain a 10-carbon backbone and a functional group called hydroxyl. 

Linalool is a naturally-occurring aromatic compound found in a variety of essential oils like Lavender oil. It is known for its characteristic soft, subtly sweet and floral aroma. 

Essential oils that contain a significant amount of linalool (above a 40% concentration) include:

• Neroli
• Lavender- Spike
• Bergamot Mint
• Rosalina
• Thyme
• Coriander Seed
• Basil
• Clary Sage

These oils are generally nourishing and compatible with all skin types, including sensitive skin. Aside from being a skincare powerhouse, linalool offers an array of benefits.

Pain & Inflammation

Linalool lets the air out of inflammation and eases irksome pain problems. 

• In an in vitro study, scientists confirmed that Lavender essential oil offers pain-relieving potential and determined via GC/MS test that linalool and linalyl acetate were its primary components.[1]

Its anti-inflammatory activity benefits many types of inflammation, whether it be inflamed joints, respiratory inflammation, a bee-sting or inflammatory skin problems like psoriasis and dermatitis. 

Pain often follows inflammation. Well-documented for its pain-fighting potential, linalool can be diluted for topical use and applied to stiff joints, sore muscles, general aches and more. Here’s a helpful blend for when you’re feeling achy and inflamed.

Recipe

Massage this blend onto the affected area.

10 drops Basil

8 drops Lavender- Spike

6 drops Thyme

1 oz Tamanu

For even more pain relief, try Muscle Relief or Lavender Magnolia body oil.

Sleep

At the end of the day, our bodies crave sleep. Unfortunately, we don’t always get enough sleep. If restlessness is your nightmare, let linalool lull you to sleep. Countless studies have proposed linalool and linalool-rich oils’ ability to help you fall asleep, stay asleep and awake feeling well-rested. 

• A lab study revealed that a 1-3% dilution of linalool had a sedative effect on subjects after being inhaled for one hour.[2]

Recipe

If shut-eye is hard to come by, diffuse this blend for 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

5 drops Bergamot Mint

3 drops Neroli

3 drops Thyme

Stress

More and more, society is becoming increasingly stressed out. Some say this has a lot to do with being indoors for much longer than we once were. For a remedy, return to nature with stress-alleviating essential oils. 

Linalool has been tested for its ability to reduce stress and has proved itself beneficial in this area. 

• A 2010 study on aromatherapy found linalool had a calming effect on participants, along with the ability to reduce anxiety, increase social interaction and reduce aggression.[3]  

This ranks linalool-rich essential oils highly when it comes to balancing emotions and calming a busy mind. 

Recipe

Keep calm and carry on by using this stress-reducing blend in an essential oil inhaler or diffuser.

5 drops Coriander Seed

5 drops Lavender- Spike

5 drops Rosalina

Want even more pockets of stress relief throughout your day? Give Chamomile Lavender room spray a go by spritzing it when you need a little TLC. 

SOURCES:

1. Local Anaesthetic Activity of the Essential Oil of Lavandula Angustifolia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10630108/
2. Inhaled Linalool-Induced Sedation in Mice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18824339/
3. Effects of Inhaled Linalool in Anxiety, Social Interaction and Aggressive Behavior in Mice. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19962290/