Borneol
Camphor-mint, piney
Terpene
What is borneol?
Borneol is a bicyclic monoterpene alcohol found in camphor, rosemary, mint, and ginger. Its aroma is camphor-like and minty with a piney edge — a cooling, balsamic presence.
Effects
Borneol has a long tradition in Chinese medicine, where it's been used for pain and as a calming agent. Research supports anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial activity. In cannabis it adds a cool, minty-camphor note that pairs well with the pinenes.
Research note
The human evidence is limited, but its traditional use and consistent lab findings make it an interesting minor terpene to look for. A 2013 mouse study found borneol produced antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, aligning with its centuries of use in Chinese medicine as a topical pain remedy.
Conditions that cite this compound
These condition guides point here — they cover the same compound from the patient side.