Essential oils are famous for their healing properties, and monoterpenols are one of the most crucial components in these oils. Monoterpenes are a type of terpene alcohol found in various plants and herbs and have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. They are known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties and their ability to regulate the hormonal and cardiovascular systems. In this article, we will explore the properties and physiological benefits of monoterpenols in more detail.
Powerful Antibacterials and Antivirals
Monoterpenols are potent antibacterials and antivirals. They disrupt the cell membranes of bacteria and viruses, preventing them from replicating and spreading. Some examples of monoterpenols with antibacterial properties include geraniol, linalool, and thymol. These compounds are effective against common bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus and viruses such as the flu and herpes. In addition, monoterpenols are effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making them an essential tool in the fight against superbugs.
Monoterpenols also have immunomodulatory effects. They help stimulate the immune system, making it more effective at fighting infections. This is particularly important for people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or cancer. By boosting the immune system, monoterpenols can help to prevent infections and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Antifungals
In addition to their antibacterial and antiviral properties, monoterpenols also have antifungal properties. They can help to prevent the growth of fungi such as Candida albicans, which can cause infections in the mouth, skin, and genital area. Monoterpenols such as geraniol and citronellol are particularly effective against Candida albicans, making them a helpful treatment option for people with fungal infections.
Harmonizing the Hormonal System
Monoterpenols have been found to harmonize the hormonal system. They can help regulate the production and release of hormones such as cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. By controlling cortisol levels, monoterpenols can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can positively impact physical and mental health.
In addition, monoterpenols can help regulate estrogen levels in women. They have been found to have an estrogenic effect, meaning that they can help balance estrogen levels in Women experiencing hormonal imbalances. This can be particularly useful for women going through menopause, who often experience a range of symptoms related to hormonal changes.
Regulators of the Cardiovascular System
Monoterpenols have also been found to have a regulatory effect on the cardiovascular system. They can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. This is because they have a vasodilator effect, meaning they help widen the blood vessels and improve blood flow. Monoterpenols such as linalool and geraniol are particularly effective at reducing blood pressure, making them a helpful treatment option for people with hypertension.
Skin Regenerators: They Help Repair Skin Cells
Monoterpenols can also help to regenerate skin cells and promote healthy skin. They have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning they can help reduce redness and irritation. In addition, they can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Monoterpenols such as linalool and geraniol are particularly effective at promoting skin regeneration, making them a helpful ingredient in skincare products.
Properties and Psycho-Emotional Benefits of Monoterpenols
Nervous System Regulators
Monoterpenols have a regulatory effect on the nervous system. They can help reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality. This is because they have a sedative effect on the nervous system, meaning that they can help calm the mind and promote feelings of relaxation. Monoterpenols such as linalool and geraniol have been found to be particularly effective at promoting relaxation, making them useful tools for people with sleep disorders or anxiety.
Stimulants If Needed
While monoterpenols are soothing to the nervous system, they can also act as stimulants if needed. They can help improve focus and concentration, boost energy levels, and promote alertness. This is because they stimulate the nervous system, meaning that they can help increase brain activity and promote mental clarity. Monoterpenols such as limonene and pinene are particularly effective at promoting mental clarity and focus, making them a valuable tool for people with ADHD or other attention disorders.
Harmonizing and Toning
In addition to their physiological benefits, monoterpenols also have psycho-emotional benefits. They can help to promote feelings of harmony and balance and improve mood and emotional well-being. This is because they have a toning effect on the nervous system, meaning they can help balance emotions and promote feelings of calm and serenity. Monoterpenols such as geraniol and linalool are particularly effective at fostering emotional well-being, making them a valuable tool for people with mood disorders or anxiety.
Monoterpenols are a powerful component of essential oils that have a range of physiological and psycho-emotional benefits. They can help regulate the immune, cardiovascular, hormonal, and nervous systems, making them useful tools for a range of health conditions.
The Essential Oils With The Most Content in Monoterpenols
Rosewood Aniba rosaeodora Essential Oil: 85-95% (especially linalool up to 90%)
Ho wood Cinnamomum camphora CT linalool Essential Oil: 90-95% especially linalool
Palmarosa Cymbopogon martinii Essential Oil: 80-85% (mainly geraniol)
Coriander x Coriandrum sativum Essential Oil: 60-80% (especially linalool)
Thyme linalool Thymus linalool Essential Oil: 75% (mainly linalool)
Rose geranium Pelargonium x asperum Essential Oil: 50-65% (mainly citronellol, geraniol)
Rose Rosa damascena Essential Oil: 65-75% (especially citronellol, geraniol) HE and not Absolute
Spike lavender Lavandula spica Essential Oil: 65-40% (mainly linalool)
Neroli Citrus auriantium ssp amara Essential Oil: 65-45% (especially linalool)
Thyme to thujanol thymus thujanol Essential Oil: 54-60% (especially thujanol-4)
Sweet basil with linalool Ocimum basilicum linalool Essential Oil: 40-60% (especially linalool)
Mint Bergamot Mentha citrata Essential Oil: 40-60% (especially linalool)
Peppermint Mentha piperita Essential Oil: 40-45% (primarily menthol)
Tea-tree Melaleuca alternifolia Essential Oil: 35-50% (especially terpinen-4-ol)
Marjoram Origanum majorana Essential Oil: 38-45% (mostly terpinen-4-ol)
Fine lavender Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oil: 30-40% (especially linalool)
Lavandin super Lavandula burnatii Essential Oil : 30-40% (especially linalool)
Wild marjoram Thymus mastichinaEssential Oil: 30-40% (especially linalool)
Petitgrain bitter orange Citrus aurantium amara var. bitter orange Essential Oil: 25-35% (especially linalool)
Noble bay Laurus nobilis Essential Oil: 15-20% (especially linalool)