Top Five Best Strains for Racing Thoughts
Racing thoughts often feel like an unstoppable whirlwind in your mind, making it hard to focus, relax, or sleep. This mental state frequently accompanies anxiety disorders, impacting your quality of life. While edibles for anxiety relief might offer some help, many are finding relief through cannabis for calming racing thoughts.
Cannabis has gained attention as a potential natural remedy for various mental health issues, including racing thoughts. Certain strains contain compounds that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which might promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Research published in the Journal of Cannabis Research suggests that cannabis could have calming effects, potentially aiding in managing racing thoughts.
However, not all cannabis is the same, and some types might be better for racing thoughts than others. Today, we’re going to discuss what racing thoughts are, what causes them, and how cannabis may help you overcome them.
Keep reading to find the best strains for racing thoughts and anxiety.
Key Takeaways
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Racing thoughts are often linked to anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, and lifestyle factors.
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Cannabis can help manage racing thoughts by interacting with the endocannabinoid system to regulate stress and cognitive processes.
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Cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBG, and HHC each play a role in reducing anxiety, slowing thoughts, and promoting relaxation.
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Indica strains, due to their sedative effects and calming terpenes, are typically better suited for alleviating racing thoughts compared to sativas.
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Methods like vaping, edibles, and tinctures offer various ways to consume cannabis, allowing individuals to find what works best for their lifestyle.
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Combining cannabis with relaxation techniques, like meditation or yoga, can maximize its calming effects and provide long-term benefits.
What Are Racing Thoughts?
Racing thoughts describe a rapid, uncontrollable flow of ideas, worries, or images that flood your mind.
This mental whirlwind can be overwhelming, making concentrating, relaxing, or even falling asleep difficult. You might find yourself replaying past events, imagining future scenarios, or grappling with endless concerns.
Often linked to anxiety disorders, racing thoughts can create a cycle of stress that impacts your ability to enjoy daily activities or find moments of peace. The relentless mental chatter leaves many feeling drained, both mentally and emotionally.
Racing thoughts can manifest in various ways, including:
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Constant worry about multiple topics, shifting rapidly from one to another
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Fixation on a single concern, obsessively turning it over in your mind
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Difficulty focusing on tasks or following conversations
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Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that feel uncontrollable
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A persistent sense of mental urgency or pressure
Understanding the nature of racing thoughts is essential to managing them. Techniques like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, or alternative therapies can help quiet your mind.
Recognizing how racing thoughts impact your well-being can empower you to seek effective solutions. With the right strategies, you can regain a sense of calm, clarity, and control in your daily life.
Let’s find out what causes racing thoughts.
Common Triggers of Racing Thoughts
Understanding what triggers racing thoughts is the first step toward effectively managing them. Various factors, from emotional stressors to lifestyle habits, can spark or worsen an overactive mind. Here, we explore the most common triggers and offer actionable strategies to address them.
Stressful Life Events
High-pressure situations, major life changes, or relationship challenges often cause racing thoughts. Stress can cause your mind to spiral into a series of "what-if" scenarios, making it difficult to focus or relax.
Anxiety Disorders
Racing thoughts are commonly linked to anxiety disorders, including the following:
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): This condition often manifests as an endless stream of worries about various aspects of life.
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Panic Disorders: These can lead to racing thoughts as your brain reacts to perceived threats during a panic attack.
Sleep Deprivation
A lack of quality sleep exacerbates racing thoughts. Sleep deprivation impairs your brain's ability to regulate emotions and thought patterns, making it harder to quiet your mind.
Stimulants
Substances like caffeine, nicotine, and certain medications can accelerate your thought processes and contribute to an overactive mind.
Overthinking
Habitually overanalyzing situations can lead to a spiral of racing thoughts. This pattern often stems from a need for control or fear of uncertainty.
Emerging Research: Cannabinoids and Cognitive Processes
Recent studies indicate that certain cannabinoids may have a calming effect on mental states, potentially helping to alleviate racing thoughts.
Research highlights the potential of cannabinoids in managing cognitive processes and reducing mental hyperactivity. Consulting a healthcare professional about the use of cannabinoids may provide new avenues for relief.
Identifying Your Triggers
Recognizing personal triggers is crucial for managing racing thoughts effectively. Keep a journal to track patterns and situations that lead to an overactive mind.
Once you’ve identified triggers, create a tailored plan that includes stress-reduction techniques, improving sleep hygiene, moderating stimulant intake, and seeking professional help for underlying conditions.
Addressing the triggers of racing thoughts can help you regain mental clarity and emotional balance, paving the way for a calmer, more focused mind.
How Cannabis Can Help Alleviate Racing Thoughts
Cannabis offers a promising avenue for those struggling with racing thoughts, largely due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a critical role in maintaining homeostasis in the body and regulating mood, stress responses, and cognitive functions.
Cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, CBG, and HHC, interact with ECS receptors, primarily CB1 receptors in the brain and CB2 receptors in the immune system, to modulate neural signaling.
This modulation can potentially slow overactive thought processes, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
Let’s explore how individual cannabinoids contribute to alleviating racing thoughts and fostering mental clarity.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, influencing the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward and pleasure.
This surge in dopamine can create a sense of calm and euphoria, which may temporarily interrupt racing thoughts. Also, THC affects the amygdala, a region of the brain involved in processing fear and anxiety, potentially dampening hyperactive responses to stressors.
However, the effects of THC are dose-dependent. Low to moderate doses can relax the mind and reduce stress, helping to quiet intrusive thoughts.
Conversely, higher doses may overstimulate CB1 receptors, leading to heightened anxiety, paranoia, or an increase in mental chatter. For this reason, strains with balanced THC levels or those combined with CBD are often recommended for individuals prone to racing thoughts.
CBD
Cannabidiol (CBD) provides a non-intoxicating alternative for managing racing thoughts. Unlike THC, CBD does not bind directly to CB1 receptors but instead influences serotonin receptors (5-HT1A), which play a vital role in regulating mood and anxiety.
By improving serotonin signaling, CBD may help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety, creating a clearer mental state less prone to spiraling thoughts.
CBD also modulates GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity, the brain’s primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. Increased GABA activity promotes relaxation by counteracting the overactive neural pathways responsible for racing thoughts.
CBG
Cannabigerol (CBG), often called the "mother cannabinoid" because other cannabinoids are synthesized from it, is gaining recognition for its unique cognitive and emotional health effects.
CBG interacts with both CB1 and CB2 receptors and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, which regulate the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in the body's stress response.
By modulating norepinephrine levels, CBG may help reduce the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety, including racing thoughts.
CBG has also been shown to influence serotonin receptors, much like CBD, contributing to its potential to improve mood and enhance focus. Emerging research indicates that CBG may also promote neurogenesis, the growth and development of new neurons, which could support better cognitive function and emotional regulation.
HHC
Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a hydrogenated derivative of THC, is a relatively new cannabinoid gaining attention for its milder psychoactive effects.
HHC interacts with CB1 receptors similarly to THC but with less potency, making it a potentially more tolerable option for individuals sensitive to THC's intensity.
HHC's potential to modulate dopamine levels can help balance mood and reduce the mental pressure often associated with racing thoughts.
Moreover, preliminary studies suggest that HHC may have anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce stress and mental hyperactivity.
Its versatile effects can range from mild relaxation to moderate euphoria, depending on the dosage, making it an intriguing option for addressing racing thoughts without overwhelming psychoactive effects.
The cannabinoids contained in aren’t the only factors to consider in terms of the best strains for paranoia and anxiety, as the difference between Indica and sativa matters, too, as do their respective terpenes.
Indica vs. Sativa for Racing Thoughts
Choosing the right strain of cannabis is critical when using it to address racing thoughts. The differences between indica and sativa strains primarily lie in their terpene profiles and the effects they produce on the body and mind.
Indica strains are widely regarded as the better choice for calming racing thoughts. Their terpene profiles often include myrcene, known for its sedative effects, and linalool, which promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
Indica strains also tend to have higher levels of CBD relative to THC, which helps counteract the overstimulating effects of THC while fostering a sense of physical and mental tranquility. These properties make indica strains particularly effective for evening use or situations where relaxation and sleep are the primary goals.
Sativa strains, on the other hand, are known for their energizing and uplifting effects. While these qualities can be beneficial for creativity and focus, they may exacerbate racing thoughts in individuals prone to anxiety or overthinking.
Sativas often contain terpenes like limonene and pinene, which can enhance alertness and mental stimulation. While some people may find these effects helpful for mood enhancement, others may experience heightened anxiety or mental agitation, making sativas less suitable for calming an overactive mind.
Choosing the Right Cannabis Strains for Racing Thoughts
Several main considerations must be taken into account when choosing the right cannabis strain for racing thoughts, which we will summarize below.
Cannabinoid Content
As we covered above, the type of cannabinoid in the strain can make a difference. Low levels of THC may alleviate anxiety, whereas higher levels might do the opposite. Moreover, CBG, CBD, and HHC may all help alleviate racing thoughts.
If you are worried about the potential paranoia caused by high levels of THC, look for a balanced strain that also contains CBD, as CBD may counteract the paranoia and anxiety-inducing effects of high THC levels.
Strain Type
As we also covered above, the difference between indica and sativa is also notable. Indicas give you a better chance of alleviating racing thoughts than sativas, which may worsen the situation. Everybody is different, so some trial and error may be called for.
Potency
You certainly need to pay attention to potency when choosing the best strains for racing thoughts. Generally speaking, a product that is too potent may have the opposite effect of what you desire, so starting slow is always recommended no matter the strain.
Now that we know how to choose the best strain for racing thoughts, let’s examine some of the best strains for alleviating the chaos in your mind.
Top Strains for Calming Racing Thoughts
If you're looking to calm those racing thoughts, certain cannabis strains are known for promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
Here are some top choices that might help quiet your mind:
Lemon Cherry Gelato
Lemon Cherry Gelato is a slightly indica-dominant hybrid (60% indica/40% sativa) known for its balance of relaxation and euphoria. With THC levels ranging from 19% to 29%, it’s a potent option for experienced users seeking relief from stress, anxiety, and racing thoughts.
This strain originates from a cross of Sunset Sherbet, Girl Scout Cookies, and an unknown third strain.
The flavor profile of Lemon Cherry Gelato is true to its name, combining sour lemon, cherries, and berries with subtle undertones of pine and earthy notes.
Its terpene composition, particularly caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene, contributes to its calming and mood-lifting effects. The strain’s aroma mirrors its taste, offering a mix of citrus and sweet fruit with a hint of woodiness.
The effects are deeply relaxing, starting with a boost of euphoria that clears racing thoughts and promotes a happy, tranquil mindset.
As the high progresses, it introduces a soothing body relaxation that doesn’t fully sedate, making it perfect for unwinding without feeling overly sluggish. For those with anxiety or chronic stress, Lemon Cherry Gelato may be particularly effective in calming the mind while uplifting the mood.
Tranquility Blend - Lemon Cherry Gelato
This indica-dominant live resin vape pairs Lemon Cherry Gelato’s calming citrus-berry flavors with soothing HHC, CBD, and CBG. Perfect for reducing stress, easing racing thoughts, and promoting relaxation, it offers a serene escape with a clear-headed yet blissful body and mind calm.
Master Kush
Master Kush is an iconic indica-dominant hybrid (90% indica/10% sativa) with THC levels between 17% and 24% and a trace amount of CBD (1%).
Developed in the Netherlands by crossing two landrace strains from the Hindu Kush region, it delivers a powerful blend of relaxation and sharpened sensory awareness.
The strain’s flavor profile includes earthy, citrus, and sweet notes, with a distinct hash-like quality reminiscent of traditional charas.
Terpenes like myrcene, pinene, and humulene contribute to its calming effects, potentially helping alleviate stress, anxiety, and even migraines.
Master Kush offers a smooth, balanced high. The body relaxation is immediate, often helping ease physical tension and racing thoughts, while the cerebral effects remain clear and focused.
This makes it a versatile option for both daytime and nighttime use, depending on dosage. Known for its potential to relieve anxiety and encourage sleep without clouding the mind, Master Kush is an excellent choice for those needing mental clarity alongside relaxation.
Tranquility Blend - Master Kush
Master Kush, a classic indica, delivers full-body relaxation and mental stillness. This 2ml live resin disposable vape combines earthy, citrus flavors with cannabinoids like HHC and CBG to alleviate racing thoughts, quiet the mind, and ease tension, ideal for unwinding after a hectic day.
Pineapple Kush
Pineapple Kush is an indica-dominant hybrid (70% indica/30% sativa) that combines Pineapple and Master Kush genetics, with THC levels ranging from 17% to 19%. It’s a favorite among users for its tropical, fruity flavor profile and mild potency.
This strain delivers a sweet and tangy pineapple flavor with hints of mint and earthiness, making it as enjoyable to consume as it is effective. The terpene profile features myrcene and limonene, which contribute to its calming and mood-enhancing effects.
Pineapple Kush provides a euphoric cerebral buzz followed by a gentle body high. Its light tingly effects make it perfect for combating racing thoughts and stress without causing sedation.
Ideal for daytime use, this strain is also frequently used to address symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and headaches, offering a well-rounded experience that calms the mind and soothes the body.
Tranquility Blend - Pineapple Kush
Pineapple Kush’s sweet tropical notes meet the calming power of this indica-dominant blend. This vape cartridge offers a mellow, euphoric experience, relieving mental chatter and stress. With HHC, CBD, and CBG, it promotes deep relaxation while keeping the mind clear and calm.
Tahoe OG
Tahoe OG is a potent indica-dominant hybrid (90% indica/10% sativa) with THC levels around 20%. A phenotype of OG Kush, it’s revered for its ability to deeply relax the body while maintaining a clear-headed euphoria.
This strain features a lemony, earthy flavor with a hint of pine, a characteristic blend attributed to its rich terpene profile, including caryophyllene and limonene.
Tahoe OG’s effects are fast-acting, providing many with immediate relief from stress and anxiety while inducing a sense of calm.
The high begins with a cerebral uplift that quickly transitions into a heavy body relaxation, making it an excellent option for unwinding in the evening or preparing for restful sleep.
Tranquility Blend - Tahoe OG
Tahoe OG’s hybrid effects provide balance, combining physical tranquility with mental ease. This live resin vape’s earthy pine and lemon flavors create a grounding calm, while the live resin cannabinoids (HHC, CBD, CBG) effectively quiet racing thoughts and promote restful relaxation without overwhelming sedation.
Pink Rozay
Pink Rozay is an indica-dominant hybrid (80% indica/20% sativa) with moderate THC levels ranging from 16% to 18%.
Created by crossing Lemonchello 10 and LPC75, this strain is celebrated for its vibrant colors and sweet, strawberry-forward flavor profile, accented by floral and nutty undertones.
The effects of Pink Rozay are calming yet uplifting. It provides a fast onset of euphoria, clearing negative thoughts and replacing them with a blissful daze. As the cerebral effects settle, a deep body relaxation anchors the experience, offering relief from stress, anxiety, and chronic fatigue.
The dominant terpenes, including linalool and myrcene, improve its soothing properties, making it a particularly good option for helping managing racing thoughts and promoting mental tranquility. With its balanced effects, Pink Rozay is a great choice for winding down without feeling overly sedated.
Tranquility Blend - Pink Rozay
Pink Rozay, an indica-dominant strain, delivers a gentle wave of euphoria and soothing body effects. Infused with live resin HHC, CBD, and CBG, this vape cartridge helps to reduce stress, slow racing thoughts, and foster a peaceful, calm state perfect for unwinding after a busy day.
Now that you know what the best strains for relieving racing thoughts are, let’s go over some tips on how to use cannabis for managing racing thoughts.
How to Use Cannabis for Managing Racing Thoughts
To manage racing thoughts with cannabis, you need to start slow, try different strains and consumption methods, and combine it with other relaxation techniques.
Here’s how to use cannabis for managing racing thoughts:
Starting with the Right Dosage
Managing racing thoughts with cannabis begins with starting at a low dose and increasing gradually as needed. This approach allows you to observe how cannabis interacts with your body and mind without overwhelming effects.
By easing into your consumption, you can better identify the ideal dosage that brings mental calm and focus while minimizing any potential discomfort. Pay attention to how each dose impacts your thought patterns and overall sense of relaxation to fine-tune your experience.
Exploring Consumption Methods
Exploring different consumption methods is another critical step in finding the most effective way to address racing thoughts.
Vaping is a popular choice for its ability to provide near-instant relief with precise dosing, making it ideal for those seeking quick results. Edibles, on the other hand, offer longer-lasting effects that can sustain calmness throughout the day or night, though they require a longer onset time.
Tinctures present a discreet and versatile option, delivering fast-acting results when applied under the tongue. By experimenting with these methods, you can determine which one best aligns with your lifestyle, needs, and preferences.
Combining Cannabis with Relaxation Techniques
For maximum benefit, cannabis use can be paired with relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.
Meditation and mindfulness practices encourage mental stillness, helping to break the cycle of racing thoughts. Deep breathing exercises are particularly effective in calming the nervous system, reducing tension, and grounding the mind.
Meanwhile, yoga combines physical movement with focused breathing, offering both mental clarity and physical relaxation.
Together, these practices can enhance the calming effects of cannabis, providing a well-rounded approach to managing racing thoughts.
Timing Your Cannabis Use
Timing your cannabis use strategically can also make a significant difference in its effectiveness. If racing thoughts tend to disrupt your sleep, consider using a calming strain an hour before bedtime to promote relaxation and prepare your mind for rest.
For daytime relief, choose strains that encourage mental clarity and focus without inducing drowsiness.
This approach allows you to manage anxiety while staying productive and alert. Cannabinoids like CBG, which are known for their role in sleep support, can also play a helpful role in addressing sleep-related challenges that often accompany racing thoughts.
Tracking Your Experience
Keeping a journal to document your experiences with cannabis can provide valuable insights into what works best for you.
Take note of the strains you try, the consumption methods you use, and the effects you experience, including changes in mood, thought patterns, and any side effects.
Over time, this record can help you identify patterns and refine your approach, ensuring you achieve the most consistent and effective results.
Finding Your Ideal Routine
Finally, it’s important to remember that cannabis affects everyone differently. What works well for someone else might not work the same for you, so patience and persistence are key.
Be open to adjusting your routine, whether it’s tweaking the dosage, experimenting with different strains, or changing your consumption method.
If you have concerns or questions about using cannabis for racing thoughts, consulting with a healthcare professional can provide additional guidance and reassurance.
Best Strains for Racing Thoughts and Anxiety: Conclusion
Finding relief from racing thoughts can feel like a constant battle, but cannabis offers a natural, promising approach to help quiet the mind and restore calm.
By carefully selecting the right strains, such as indica-dominant options like Lemon Cherry Gelato, Master Kush, and Pink Rozay, individuals can benefit from their calming effects and soothing terpene profiles. These strains interact with the endocannabinoid system to potentially reduce anxiety, slow hyperactive thought patterns, and promote mental clarity.
Success with cannabis relies on understanding your triggers, choosing strains with appropriate cannabinoid content, and starting with a low dose to avoid overstimulation.
Combining cannabis with relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can further enhance its calming effects, providing a holistic solution for managing racing thoughts.
Ultimately, the key lies in patience and experimentation. Cannabis affects everyone differently, so finding your ideal strain, dosage, and consumption method takes time.
With thoughtful tracking and a willingness to adjust your approach, you can create a personalized routine that fosters mental stillness, improves focus, and helps you navigate life with greater clarity and calm.
Shop Mellow Fellow for a diverse range of cannabinoids to help calm racing thoughts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Sativa Strains for Racing Thoughts If Indicas Don’t Work for Me?
Yes, while sativas can sometimes exacerbate racing thoughts, some individuals find certain sativa strains with calming terpenes like limonene and pinene helpful for boosting mood and focus. Start with small doses to avoid overstimulation.
How Long Does It Take for Cannabis to Calm Racing Thoughts?
The time it takes depends on the consumption method. Vaping provides near-instant relief, while edibles may take 30 minutes to 2 hours to kick in but last longer. Tinctures offer a middle ground, working within 15-30 minutes.
Are There Any Non-Intoxicating Cannabinoids That Can Help With Racing Thoughts?
Yes, CBD and CBG are non-intoxicating cannabinoids that may help reduce anxiety and racing thoughts by influencing serotonin and GABA activity. HHC also provides mild effects that are less intense than THC.
Can Terpenes Alone Help Reduce Racing Thoughts Without THC?
Some terpenes like linalool, myrcene, and caryophyllene have calming properties and may help
reduce mental chatter. Essential oils or cannabis strains rich in these terpenes can provide a natural, non-psychoactive solution.
What Are Some Tips for Avoiding Paranoia When Using Cannabis?
To avoid paranoia, choose strains with balanced THC and CBD levels, start with a low dose, and avoid overconsumption. Opt for indica strains with calming terpenes and avoid sativas if you are prone to anxiety.
Can I Combine Cannabis With Other Natural Remedies for Racing Thoughts?
Yes, cannabis can be combined with meditation, mindfulness exercises, herbal teas like chamomile, and magnesium supplements to create a holistic approach to managing racing thoughts and promoting relaxation.
Sources
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Racing and crowded thoughts in mood disorders: A data-oriented theoretical reappraisal - PubMed
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Generalized anxiety disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
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Panic Disorder: When Fear Overwhelms - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
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Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Therapeutic Cannabis Use Motives - PMC
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The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Target for the Treatment of Various Diseases - PubMed
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The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system - PMC
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Cannabinoid Modulation of Amygdala Reactivity to Social Signals of Threat in Humans - PMC
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Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? - PMC
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Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review - PMC
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