Terpineol refers to a combination of four monoterpene alcohol isomers (the most common is α-terpineol). α-terpineol is a terpene alcohol isolated from natural oils such as pine, petitgrain, and cajuput oil. 

α-terpineol is found in a variety of plants including lilac trees, pine trees, lime blossoms, clary sage, coriander, lemon, star anise, mandarin orange, rosemary, lavender, juniper, eucalyptus, and cannabis. It is a critical component of tea tree oil and can also be found in barbed skull cap, Lapsang souchong tea,¹ a black tea from China.

α-terpineol has a pleasant aroma often compared to lilac and sometimes described as ‘forest-like.’ It is found in many household and personal products such as soaps, candles, perfumes, and lotions. It is also used in food for flavor in confections, beverages, and condiments.

Many studies support significant evidence towards α-terpineol’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory,² antibacterial,³ anticonvulsant,⁴ anti-microbial,⁵ anti-fungal,⁶ anti-proliferative,⁷ and anti-cancerous properties.⁸ Some studies also indicate that α-terpineol is an immune system stimulant, and when used in aromatherapy, it has been reported to clear the sinuses and shorten the life of the common cold. When used in combination with topical therapies, α-terpineol may enhance the permeability and effectiveness of a lipid-soluble solution.⁹

α-terpineol is found in a wide variety of cannabis plants, and many consumers will recognize its piney scent in many popular strains including Jack Herer, White Widow, OG Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies. It also tends to coexist alongside α-pinene, another common terpene found in cannabis, and may be overlooked due to α-pinene’s potent aroma. The presence of α-pinene in the same plant does not reduce the potency of α-terpineol in any way.