Citronellol
Rosy, citrus — citronella's cousin
Terpene
What is citronellol?
Citronellol is a monoterpenoid alcohol found in citronella, lemongrass, geranium, and rose. Its aroma is rosy and citrusy — the clean, bright scent behind much of geranium's character.
Effects
Citronellol is famous for its insect-repellent and antimicrobial activity (it's a key component of citronella oil). In cannabis it contributes a rosy-citrus floral note, brightening a profile the way geraniol does but with a slightly fresher, more lemony feel.
Research note
Its outdoor reputation is better established than its medicinal one, but there's more to it than scent. A systematic review of citronellol's pharmacology cataloged consistent anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial findings in animal and lab models, and a 2024 study showed beta-citronellol's anti-inflammatory and gastro-protective activity in mice. In flower it's still mostly about the scent, but the chemistry is genuinely active.
Conditions that cite this compound
These condition guides point here — they cover the same compound from the patient side.