Linalool

PhytochemicalTerpene

What is it

Linalool is a monoterpene alcohol found in lavender, coriander, basil, rosewood (Ho leaf), and many other aromatic plants. It is widely used as a flavoring and fragrance ingredient and is the dominant aroma compound in several relaxing herbal extracts.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Anxiety symptoms (oral lavender oil)

Good Evidence

Multiple controlled studies of Silexan (oral lavender oil rich in linalool) show modest reductions in anxiety symptoms.

How it works

Linalool has shown anxiolytic and sedative effects in animal models, possibly through modulation of GABA receptors and adenosine pathways. Inhaled linalool from lavender has been studied in small human trials suggesting reductions in anxiety markers. As an oral compound, linalool is metabolized quickly by the liver and may not reach the same brain concentrations as inhaled exposure. Most evidence for human relaxation effects comes from lavender essential oil (which contains linalool plus linalyl acetate), particularly the orally encapsulated product Silexan.

Dosage

There is no established oral dose for isolated linalool. Silexan (lavender oil) is typically dosed at 80 mg per day in studied formulations. Inhaled aromatherapy doses are unstandardized.

When and how to take it

Lavender oil capsules are typically taken once daily, often in the evening for sleep or daytime for anxiety.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Isolated linalool (e.g., from Ho oil)

Used as flavor or fragrance ingredient.

Rapidly metabolized orally

Lavender oil capsules (e.g., Silexan)

Studied form for anxiety support.

Standardized to linalool and linalyl acetate

Safety

Generally well tolerated at culinary and aromatherapy levels. Skin contact with oxidized linalool can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized people. Oral lavender oil capsules can cause belching and mild GI upset.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding without medical advice. People with known linalool or lavender contact allergy should avoid topical use. Use cautiously with sedatives.

Interactions

Theoretical additive effects with sedatives, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. Lavender oil studies in Silexan have not flagged major drug interactions.

Food sources

Lavender, basil, coriander

Amount
Trace
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Will sniffing lavender help me relax?⌄

Some controlled inhalation studies suggest modest short-term anxiety reduction. Effect sizes are small.

Is linalool the same as lavender oil?⌄

Linalool is one of the main components of lavender oil but is not the whole essential oil.

References

Linalool on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Linalool (ChEBI:17580) — ChEBI link

Linalool (PubChem CID 6549) — PubChem link

Linalool on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Linalool (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Linalool with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.