Terpene Tuesday: Guaiol

It’s our favorite day of the week – Terpene Tuesday! Today we’ll learn how to pronounce guaiol, and take a look at this lesser-known terpene’s flavor profile and therapeutic benefits. 

Hopping Through the Forest

Guaiol is also known as champacol. But why use champacol when guaiol is so fun to say? Guaiol, pronounced gwhy-ol, is a sesquiterpenoid alcohol with a pine aroma similar to pinene. With woodsy and rose-like undertones it can smell like walking through the woods. Beyond cannabis, it can be found in some coniferous trees, like cypress pines, but is most commonly found in the guaiacum plant. Guaiacum is a flowering tropical plant of the evergreen family native to the Carribean and South America. 

Say No to Syphilis 

While it isn’t found in as many common household products as other terpenes, it can be found in commercial insecticides and as a component of tea tree oil. Just because it doesn’t show up in our shampoos or lotions as often, however, doesn’t mean guaiol is any less beneficial than more commonly used terpenes. In fact, it’s been used for centuries in herbal remedies and traditional medicine. Back in the 16th century, the Spanish “discovered” the guaiacum plant, brought it back to Spain and used it to treat syphilis. Elsewhere throughout the world, it’s been used to ease menstrual symptoms, gout, sore throats and rheumatism. 

Study Harder

Its use in traditional medicine aside, the use of guaiol in modern medicine still needs more research. Early studies have shown that the terpene may have uses in the fight against cancer, particularly lung cancer. In addition to being anticancer, it has been found to have antibacterial, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Research is ongoing and hopefully more studies will unveil guaiol’s potential therapeutic benefits. 

It’s a Bit Hazy 

More research needs to be done on the cannabis front as well. While guaiol is found in numerous cannabis strains, not much is known past it’s woodsy aroma. It can be found in:

• Sour Diesel
• Royal Gorilla
• Kali Dog
• Haze Berry
• Blackberry
• Liberty Haze

The Future is Fresh 

Guaiol is a lesser-known terpene with loads of potential. Until more research is done, just enjoy the pine fresh aromas and pretend you’re deep in the forest. That’s therapeutic in itself.