There two types of linalool – there is (R)-linalool and (S)-linalool. (R)-linalool gives off  a woody, lavender-like smell that can be found in essential oils like rose, lavender, laurel and sweet basil. (S)-linalool’s aroma is often described as sweet and floral with a touch of citrus and is found in oils like coriander and sweet orange. These different variations of linalool can be found in approximately 200 types of plants!

It’s not hard to understand why so many plants contain the linalool terpene. Linalool is known to act as an anti-microbial – protecting plants from harmful micro-organisms. This property can be seen as a potential benefit for humans, as well.

Linalool, in the form of lavender, has been used as a sedative in traditional medicine for centuries. In fact, linalool has been shown to reduce levels of anxiety and help promote a healthy response to stress.

Studies also indicate that the linalool terpene has promising anti-inflammatory properties – helping ease the bodies reaction to injury, illness or tension.

Kayla loves to find Linalool in the chemical composition of any plant material that she has to work with while formulating. She says, “Linalool blends well with others, it brings a hint of relaxation to the party I’m creating in a beaker, and can always be depended on as an all-in-one terpene capable of doing great things alone but even more so working synergistically with other components.”