Last verified: 17 days ago
Linalool
Also known as: linalool, (S)-(+)-linalool, (R)-(-)-linalool, 3,7-dimethyl-1,6-octadien-3-ol, lavender terpene
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
A plant terpene found in lavender. Early evidence suggests it may ease pain and support sleep when inhaled.
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What it does
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found in lavender, citrus, and many other plants. It gives these plants their floral scent. Early clinical research suggests that inhaling linalool may...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
What the Science Says
Linalool is a naturally occurring terpene found in lavender, citrus, and many other plants. It gives these plants their floral scent. Early clinical research suggests that inhaling linalool may reduce pain intensity in nerve pain conditions like postherpetic neuralgia, and it has been studied as part of a CBD-terpene blend that modestly improved deep sleep in people with insomnia. Most human evidence is preliminary, and linalool is rarely studied in isolation at defined oral doses.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to treat cancer in humans — lab studies on cancer cells don't translate to real-world treatment. No solid evidence it reliably reduces anxiety or stress on its own. Not a substitute for prescribed pain medication. No proven benefit for gut health, weight loss, or immune function based on available studies.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Inhaling linalool reduced pain severity and intensity in patients with postherpetic neuralgia.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 1% v/v inhaled concentration
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
As part of a CBD-terpene blend, linalool was associated with a modest increase in deep and REM sleep in insomnia patients.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 1 mg inhaled as part of multi-terpene blend with 300 mg CBD
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Oxidized linalool contact allergy is associated with measurably worse quality of life in dermatitis patients.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: N/A — safety concern, not a therapeutic dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — inhaled linalool is absorbed through the respiratory tract, but oral bioavailability in humans has not been characterized in the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Oxidized linalool is a known fragrance allergen and has been linked to contact dermatitis and reduced quality of life in allergy patients — check for skin reactions
- Most human studies use linalool as part of a multi-ingredient blend (e.g., with CBD or lavender oil), making it impossible to isolate its individual effect
- Lab and animal studies (cancer, psoriasis, mosquito control) are frequently misrepresented as human health benefits — these do not confirm effects in people
- No standardized oral dose has been established for any health condition in humans
Products Containing Linalool
See how Linalool is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Linalool do?
A plant terpene found in lavender. Early evidence suggests it may ease pain and support sleep when inhaled.
What is the effective dose of Linalool?
No established dose
Is Linalool safe?
Oxidized linalool is a known fragrance allergen and has been linked to contact dermatitis and reduced quality of life in allergy patients — check for skin reactions
What doesn't Linalool do?
Not proven to treat cancer in humans — lab studies on cancer cells don't translate to real-world treatment.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25