Many essential oils high in linalool and beta-pinene are well known for their ability to reduce sad and anxious feelings. Lavender and Clary Sage have high amounts of linalool, while lemon, lime and white fir have high amounts of beta-pinene. Scientists in Mexico City published their findings in June 2015 that both linalool and beta-pinene affect the monoaminergic system of the brain, which includes such well-known neurotransmitters as serotonin and dopamine, and the adrenaline/noradrenaline adrenergic system. Both linalool and beta-pinene act on multiple receptors of the monoaminergic system. Because multiple receptors are targeted, the effects of linalool and beta-pinene are more potent and long lasting than molecules that target only one receptor. Linalool and beta-pinene support brain chemistry balance in these receptors, which has the effect of reducing sad feelings.
Read the entire study here.
Guzmán-Gutiérrez SL, Bonilla-Jaime H, Gómez-Cansino R, Reyes-Chilpa R. 2015. Linalool and β-pinene exert their antidepressant-like activity through the monoaminergic pathway. Life Sci. 2015;128:24-29.
