This terpene probably sounds familiar; mostly found in the eucalyptus plant.

Eucalyptol has a long history, it has been used long before the 1800’s as herbal medicine commonly as a cough suppressant, mood lifter and antibacterial cleaner. It is also commonly known as Cineole.

Terpenes always vary and due to Eucalyptol’s low concentration in cannabis it will not always be listed but follow your nose. Eucalyptol can smell like traditional eucalyptus, it will also present with a minty fresh smell followed by a spicy yet cooling taste with some earthy tones as well. If unable to smell look for the description of cooling spicy, minty. Eucalyptol is also found in sweet basil, bay leaves, camphorwood, tea tree, ginger, rosemary and yes cannabis as well.

Eucalyptol has many powerful benefits.

Improve or maintain lung function and reduce mucous.
Positive affect on concentration and some positive correlation with increase cognitive performance.
Potential to increase blood circulation.
Can aid some people to maintain stable energy levels while easing tension.
There is also evidence when used topically there is a reduction of inflammation and pain.

FUN FACT : Large amounts of Eucalyptus is toxic to all animals and species EXCEPT for koalas, their bodies are specially built to filter out toxic aspects.

Strains containing Eucalyptol

Super Silver Haze
Bubba Kush
Girl Scout Cookies
Headband.

Vaporizer boiling point: 341^oF.

Eucalyptol and Tolerance breaks

First what is a tolerance break?

Earlier this month in our blog posts, we explained tolerance breaks. If you are medicating with THC on a regular basis, over time our THC receptors become desensitized. You may need a tolerance break if you are needing more frequent doses of THC and need to use strains higher in THC.

How can eucalyptol help?

As mentioned earlier, it can help decrease tension and when applied topically can ease pain and inflammation. If we combine some eucalyptus essential oil (or sweet basil, bay leaves, camphorwood, tea tree, ginger, rosemary) with CBD or CBD and THC in a lotion/oil. We can create a simple, yet effective topical pain relief cream to help with muscle aches and pains during a tolerance break (or at anytime!). CBD and THC absorbed topically can help decrease pain, topically absorbed THC would not interfere with a tolerance break.

Topical relief cream – Use for local pain in joints/muscles.

¼ cup coconut oil or cream of choice (unscented or light scented) –

5mL CBD or 1:1 oil of preference

2-3 drops of Eucalyptus essential oil (optional)

Use dime size amount and rub onto area of discomfort until evenly distributed onto skin.

Always use caution when using essential oils and ensure they are properly diluted – always read directions on label for more instructions on how to use essential oils *

Written by: Jamie Lee, CTE Kingston.