Terpenes are molecules found in all botanicals, from vegetables and fruits to foliage. They’re aromatic compounds partly responsible for giving strains their unique smell and flavor. Beyond aroma and taste, terpenes may also play a role in each cannabis strain’s overall effects.1
Eucalyptol is a terpene that may have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. But what differences and similarities does eucalyptol share with other terpenes? And how can it benefit your cannabis consumption?
What is Eucalyptol?
Terpenes are compounds found in almost all plants, including cannabis. They are partly responsible for the plant's unique flavors and aromas.
Over 120 different terpenes have been identified within the cannabis plant. These terpenes are split into five main classes: miscellaneous terpenes, triterpenes, diterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and monoterpenes.2
Eucalyptol, also known as 1,8-cineol, is one of 61 monoterpenes. It’s best known for its minty, refreshing smell and taste. It is used for various medicinal and industrial purposes, as well as as a flavoring agent.3
It’s used as an ingredient in many spices, especially those like rosemary used for Thanksgiving meals, which contribute, in part, to the signature aroma of the holiday. It’s also the main terpenoid present within the Eucalyptus plant species.
While its smell is pleasant, eucalyptol may also have several effective functions. The terpene may have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, pain-relieving, and antioxidant properties, among others.4
What Does Eucalyptol Smell Like?
Eucalypotal, or 1,8-cineole, is an organic compound that is a colorless liquid with a camphor-like odor. It has a spicy but cooling scent and is used across a wide range of industries for its aroma and flavor.
Consumers associate eucalyptol the most with the smell of eucalyptus trees. The eucalyptol terpene is a significant component of the essential oil that comes from these trees.
Due to the presence of eucalyptol, foods with this terpene, such as certain herbs and spices such as rosemary, may have a refreshing and invigorating taste. Its flavor is reminiscent of eucalyptus with a bittersweet undertone.
Eucalyptol is a valuable component in some essential oils, including those from the rosemary and eucalyptus leaves. It’s also a useful addition to flavoring agents and fragrances and is present in some cannabis strains such as The Menthol.3
Effects and Benefits of Eucalyptol
According to the available research, eucalyptol may provide several potential benefits, and its uses have been documented throughout history.3,5
First, eucalyptol may be a potent anti-inflammatory. Evidence also suggests it may deliver pain-relieving, antiviral, antimicrobial, and other effects.
Furthermore, eucalyptus has been demonstrated to be a penetration enhancer that may improve the skin's penetration of drugs.
As an antioxidant, eucalyptol may shield cells from oxidative stress that's induced by free radicals. This may promote cellular health and even longevity.
Eucalyptol's antimicrobial properties make it potentially effective against a spectrum of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and even fungi. Research shows that this attribute might be valuable in combating infections.
In addition, the terpene may help alleviate respiratory symptoms. It does so by widening and relaxing the airways, which may facilitate easier breathing and relieve congestion.
In terms of pain management, eucalyptol demonstrates analgesic effects. These effects provide relief from discomfort associated with various conditions. It may even induce cell death within unhealthy cells, suggesting a promising avenue for certain cancers.3,4
What Other Plants Contain Eucalyptol?
Eucalyptol's uses vary depending on the plant in which it is found. Foods with eucalyptol have unique qualities and effects. Below is a list of some of the plants that contain the terpene.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus smells strongly of eucalyptol—a fresh, clean, and refreshing scent with hints of camphor and citrus. Traditional medicine has used plants containing eucalyptus oil for centuries to treat various issues, such as inflammation and congestion.5 It may even treat some respiratory conditions.3
Rosemary
Rosemary is famous for its culinary uses as a flavorful herb. In traditional medicine, the herb is also used to relieve muscle pain, enhance memory, and improve digestion. Rosemary has an herbal, woody fragrance with a camphor undertone.
Camphor Laurel
Camphor oil treats various symptoms, including congestion, infection, inflammation, irritation, and muscle pain. In traditional medicine, it's used for pain relief, heat clearance, and even resuscitation. It might be recommended to someone to treat symptoms of inflammation-related conditions like arthritis.5 Its strong, camphor-like odor is distinct and heavy with the scent of eucalyptol.
Tea Tree
Tea tree oil contains eucalyptus oil, which is traditionally used for its antimicrobial properties. It may help with symptoms of various skin conditions, including acne, cuts, and infections.3,4 The oil has a fresh, medicinal scent with hints of camphor, bringing out the eucalyptol.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves are a culinary herb, but they have also been used medically to aid digestion and relieve respiratory symptoms. Their spicy, aromatic fragrance offers a subtle hint of eucalyptus and clove.6
Other Plants That Contain Eucalyptol Include:
- Sweet basil
- Sage
- Mint
- Certain cannabis cultivars
What Conditions Can Eucalyptol Help With?
Eucalyptus oil, which contains high levels of eucalyptol, is used in many over-the-counter ointments for colds and coughs, as it has the ability to relieve congestion. Clinical trials with patients with respiratory disorders have demonstrated the terpene’s potential to help with conditions like rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Eucalyptol may also potentially help with several other conditions, such as digestive issues, inflammation, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. The terpene may also help patients with diabetes mellitus, cardiac-related heart diseases, diarrhea, peptic ulcer disease, and epilepsy. It’s also used in some mouthwashes for its minty flavor and antimicrobial properties.3
A recent survey from NuggMD of 603 medical cannabis patients found that medical cannabis use was as effective as opiates for their neuropathic pain. Recent evidence indicates eucalyptus oil's possible role in managing conditions involving neuropathic pain.3 It’s not uncommon to see eucalyptol in creams and various ointments marketed to help with conditions that cause joint and muscle pain. It is possible that strains rich in eucalyptol may be ideal for pain.
Best Strains for Eucalyptol
Below are some of the strains high in eucalyptol. Each carries its signature aroma, flavor, and unique effects.
The Menthol
The mintiness of eucalyptol is prominent in The Menthol. The strain delivers a refreshing flavor; consumers report feeling focused, energetic, and talkative. Medical patients also report that it may help with symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety.
Bubba Kush
Bubba, Bubba OG Kush, or Bubba Kush, is a famous name within the cannabis community. A heavier cultivar, users often feel relaxed, hungry, and sleepy after consuming this Kush cultivar. Consumers report using Bubba Kush for symptoms related to insomnia, pain, and stress.
GSC, for short, Girl Scout Cookies, contain a mix of powerful terpenes, including eucalyptol. Its effects may be happy and giggly; some users even report experiencing increased hunger and reduced nausea.
Headband
Referred to as simply HB, Headband is a notable hybrid that can cause a person to feel uplifted, creative, and euphoric. It may also help consumers relax. Medical patients often recommend the strain for combating high levels of stress and to ease symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Super Silver Haze
Also known as Silver Haze or SSH, Super Silver Haze is a sativa cultivar many users report making them feel uplifted, euphoric, energetic, and creative. It's well-known by many patients for helping symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
References
- Masyita A, Mustika Sari R, Dwi Astuti A, et al. Terpenes and terpenoids as main bioactive compounds of essential oils, their roles in human health and potential application as natural food preservatives. Food Chem X. 2022;13:100217. Published 2022 Jan 19. doi:10.1016/j.fochx.2022.100217 ↩︎
- Radwan MM, Chandra S, Gul S, ElSohly MA. Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes and Alkaloids of Cannabis. Molecules. 2021; 26(9):2774. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26092774 ↩︎
- Hoch CC, Petry J, Griesbaum L, et al. 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol): A versatile phytochemical with therapeutic applications across multiple diseases. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. 2023;167:115467-115467. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115467 ↩︎
- Chandorkar N, Tambe S, Amin P, Madankar C. A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions, molecular mechanisms, and clinical implications of the genus Eucalyptus. Phytomedicine Plus. 2021;1(4):100089-100089. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100089 ↩︎
- Lee SH, Kim DS, Park SH, Park H. Phytochemistry and Applications of Cinnamomum camphora Essential Oils. Molecules. 2022;27(9):2695. Published 2022 Apr 22. doi:10.3390/molecules27092695 ↩︎
- Batool S, Khera RA, Hanif MA, Ayub MA. Bay Leaf. Medicinal Plants of South Asia. 2020;63-74. doi:10.1016/B978-0-08-102659-5.00005-7 ↩︎
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