Terpenes
Terpenes Profile: Germacrene
Germacrene is a terpene produced by a number of plant species. Unlike some terpenes, germacrene is not used for fragrances or flavoring. In fact, germacrene can actually be dangerous if swallowed in large quantities.
Certain types of insects, such as the tobacco budworm moth, are naturally drawn to the presence of germacrene in plants. In fact, germacrene can actually activate the antennal receptor neurons of these moths. 1 Plants that contain large quantities of germacrene, like red dead nettle, tend to attract a lot of bees. Researchers are still studying the different ways this terpene can influence insects.
In addition to aromatherapy benefits, germacrene has a range of medicinal properties. Plants containing germacrene have been used in traditional medicine in countries across the world. 2
Natural sources of germacrene include angelica root, bergamot, basil, bay leaf, caraway seed, clary sage, and chicory root.
Alleviates Stress
Some essential oils that contain significant amounts of germacrene, like clary sage oil, have mild narcotic properties. Aromatherapy that involves germacrene can boost mood, and can even help some individuals experience feelings of euphoria or happiness.
In fact, researchers have found that inhaling clary sage oil can increase the amount of oxytocin in a person's saliva, meaning it has been empirically linked to improving mood. 3
Germacrene contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it great for topical application onto cuts, scrapes, or wounds.
While moths and some bees are drawn to germacrene, it can repel a wide range of other pests. For instance, it’s an effective mosquito repellant. If an essential oil containing germacrene is used in a candle or a diffuser, it keeps away insects while providing other health benefits.
Studies that compared germacrene to commercial mosquito repellants yielded positive results. 4
In a randomized trial, researchers looked at the impact that clary sage essential oil had on a person's blood pressure. The study, which focused on female patients, found that clary sage oil reduced blood pressure in the patients being studied. 5
Experts recommend that adults sleep for a minimum of seven hours each night. Unfortunately, many individuals struggle to get sufficient sleep. Aromatherapy with relaxing essential oils can help people unwind, allowing for a good night’s. 6
While germacrene can be relaxing, it can also provide a surge of energy. Many plant oils have warm, licorice-like scents that can be highly stimulating.
Inhaling germacrene can help clear the sinuses and relieve congestion. This terpene can also act as an expectorant, helping clear out mucus. These properties make this terpene helpful for relief from both cold and allergy symptoms.
From increasing energy to repelling insects, to clearing up congestion, germacrene is a chemical powerhouse with wide-ranging health benefits. Try adding bergamot, clary sage, or caraway seed essential oils into your daily routine to experience the benefits that germacrene has to offer.
Whether it’s in a topical application with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil, a few drops in a bath, in a room diffuser, or in a personal essential oil diffuser, you’re sure to find health benefits in germacrene.
Classification: Sesquiterpenes
The chemical formula for germacrene: C15H24
Molar mass: 204.35 g/mol
Boiling point: 236.4 °C (457.5 °F; 509.5 K)
Certain types of insects, such as the tobacco budworm moth, are naturally drawn to the presence of germacrene in plants. In fact, germacrene can actually activate the antennal receptor neurons of these moths. 1 Plants that contain large quantities of germacrene, like red dead nettle, tend to attract a lot of bees. Researchers are still studying the different ways this terpene can influence insects.
In addition to aromatherapy benefits, germacrene has a range of medicinal properties. Plants containing germacrene have been used in traditional medicine in countries across the world. 2
Natural sources of germacrene include angelica root, bergamot, basil, bay leaf, caraway seed, clary sage, and chicory root.
Uses for Germacrene
Alleviates Stress
Some essential oils that contain significant amounts of germacrene, like clary sage oil, have mild narcotic properties. Aromatherapy that involves germacrene can boost mood, and can even help some individuals experience feelings of euphoria or happiness.
In fact, researchers have found that inhaling clary sage oil can increase the amount of oxytocin in a person's saliva, meaning it has been empirically linked to improving mood. 3
Speeds Up Healing of Wounds
Germacrene contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, making it great for topical application onto cuts, scrapes, or wounds.
Repels Insects
While moths and some bees are drawn to germacrene, it can repel a wide range of other pests. For instance, it’s an effective mosquito repellant. If an essential oil containing germacrene is used in a candle or a diffuser, it keeps away insects while providing other health benefits.
Studies that compared germacrene to commercial mosquito repellants yielded positive results. 4
Maintains Healthy Blood Pressure
In a randomized trial, researchers looked at the impact that clary sage essential oil had on a person's blood pressure. The study, which focused on female patients, found that clary sage oil reduced blood pressure in the patients being studied. 5
Improves Sleep Quality
Experts recommend that adults sleep for a minimum of seven hours each night. Unfortunately, many individuals struggle to get sufficient sleep. Aromatherapy with relaxing essential oils can help people unwind, allowing for a good night’s. 6
Boosts Energy
While germacrene can be relaxing, it can also provide a surge of energy. Many plant oils have warm, licorice-like scents that can be highly stimulating.
Reduces Congestion
Inhaling germacrene can help clear the sinuses and relieve congestion. This terpene can also act as an expectorant, helping clear out mucus. These properties make this terpene helpful for relief from both cold and allergy symptoms.
Conclusion
From increasing energy to repelling insects, to clearing up congestion, germacrene is a chemical powerhouse with wide-ranging health benefits. Try adding bergamot, clary sage, or caraway seed essential oils into your daily routine to experience the benefits that germacrene has to offer.
Whether it’s in a topical application with a carrier oil like coconut, almond, or jojoba oil, a few drops in a bath, in a room diffuser, or in a personal essential oil diffuser, you’re sure to find health benefits in germacrene.
Classification: Sesquiterpenes
The chemical formula for germacrene: C15H24
Molar mass: 204.35 g/mol
Boiling point: 236.4 °C (457.5 °F; 509.5 K)
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