Myrcene
Aroma: Herbal · resinous · musky
Found in: Hops, mango, thyme
A common plant volatile; isolated myrcene should not be assumed to produce sedation in humans.
PubChem compound record ↗BOTANICAL CHEMISTRY LIBRARY
Explore the molecules behind the aromas.
A searchable, evidence-aware reference to plant volatiles, aroma chemistry and common sources. Explore chemical families without exaggerated medical claims.
Evidence matters: A terpene’s smell or laboratory activity does not establish that inhaling or consuming it treats a condition. Essential oils can irritate skin and can be dangerous if swallowed. Never use boiling-point charts as vaping instructions.
15 researched entries
Terpene explorer
Search by name, topic or description; filter by category. Each entry links to a supporting authoritative reference.
Limonene
Aroma: Citrus · orange peel
Found in: Citrus peel, dill, caraway
Different optical isomers can smell different; skin sensitization is possible, especially with oxidized material.
PubChem compound record ↗α-Pinene
Aroma: Pine · resin · forest
Found in: Pine needles, rosemary, conifers
One of two commonly discussed pinene isomers; an aroma is not proof of a clinical effect.
PubChem compound record ↗β-Pinene
Aroma: Woody · green · pine
Found in: Conifers, rosemary, herbs
Structural isomer of alpha-pinene with a different odor character.
PubChem compound record ↗Linalool
Aroma: Floral · lavender · sweet
Found in: Lavender, coriander, basil
A constituent of many essential oils; human effects of isolated linalool remain uncertain.
PubChem compound record ↗β-Caryophyllene
Aroma: Peppery · woody · spicy
Found in: Black pepper, cloves, hops
Studied for CB2 receptor activity in experimental models; this is not proof of clinical benefit.
PubChem compound record ↗Humulene
Aroma: Woody · earthy · hoppy
Found in: Hops, sage, coriander
Also called alpha-humulene; often occurs alongside caryophyllene.
PubChem compound record ↗Terpinolene
Aroma: Fresh · herbal · woody
Found in: Tea tree, cumin, nutmeg
Used in fragrance research; odor descriptors vary with concentration and mixture.
PubChem compound record ↗Ocimene
Aroma: Sweet · green · floral
Found in: Basil, mint, orchids
Multiple geometric isomers exist; identify the exact isomer when comparing datasets.
PubChem compound record ↗Geraniol
Aroma: Rose · sweet · floral
Found in: Rose, geranium, citronella
Widely used in fragrances; may trigger contact allergy in some people.
PubChem compound record ↗Nerolidol
Aroma: Woody · floral · green
Found in: Neroli, ginger, jasmine
Exists as cis/trans isomers; research on therapeutic applications is preliminary.
PubChem compound record ↗Eucalyptol
Aroma: Camphor · eucalyptus · cooling
Found in: Eucalyptus, rosemary, sage
Also known as 1,8-cineole; concentrated essential oils require careful handling.
PubChem compound record ↗Menthol
Aroma: Mint · cooling
Found in: Peppermint, cornmint
Produces a cooling sensation through sensory receptors; avoid applying near infants’ faces.
PubChem compound record ↗Camphor
Aroma: Sharp · medicinal · woody
Found in: Camphor tree, rosemary
Concentrated camphor can be toxic, particularly if swallowed by children.
PubChem compound record ↗Bisabolol
Aroma: Soft · floral · sweet
Found in: Chamomile, candeia tree
Common in cosmetic formulations; product effects cannot be attributed to one molecule alone.
PubChem compound record ↗Frequently asked questions
Do terpenes determine cannabis effects?
Terpenes contribute to aroma. Claims that a single terpene reliably predicts a particular human effect are not established.
Are terpenes and cannabinoids the same?
No. They are different chemical classes, though both can occur in the same plant.
Are essential oils safe to ingest?
Do not ingest concentrated essential oils without qualified medical guidance; some can cause poisoning.
Why are aromas described differently?
Odor depends on concentration, isomer, mixtures, individual perception and context.
Sources & editorial standards
Our entries summarize established anatomy or chemical identity using the linked references. Interpretive statements are deliberately cautious. A link to a source supports the general topic, not necessarily every detail of an entry. No clinician or scientific editor has independently reviewed this website; review by a qualified expert is recommended before launch.
PubChem chemical database · NIH NCCIH: Aromatherapy · NIH NIEHS: Essential oils · NCI: Aromatherapy and essential oils
Last editorial compilation: October 2026. Recheck external links and guidance periodically.