Jasmine for Sleep

Promising news for the tens of millions of people worldwide who have trouble falling asleep:

A recent German study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, reports that the fragrance naturally found in jasmine (as well as its synthetic derivative), has the same effect on the brain as commonly prescribed sleeping tablets and mood enhancers, including valium.

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The team of German researchers tested hundreds of fragrances to find an effective and non-harmful substitute for commonly prescribed sleep inducing drugs.    

They wanted to find out which fragrances, if any, could match the potency of prescription drugs which work by depressing the central nervous system and activating GABA receptors that act to calm, relax and quiet the brain. 

In addition to their addictive potential, sleeping pills also carry a broad range of common side effects, including: grogginess, depression, dizziness and low blood pressure.

So far, no ill effects have been associated with the smell of jasmine - and the researchers suggest the fragrance could be used for a variety of health problems including sleeplessness, anxiety and even aggression.

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Ways of incorporating jasmine into your bedtime routine:

• Add a few drops of jasmine essential oil to your bedroom humidifier.  The fragrance will fill the room as you prepare for rest and continue through the night;
• Enjoy a warm bath or shower with jasmine-fragranced soap;
• Add a few drops of jasmine essential oil to a candle or home diffuser;
• From Valerie Cooksley’s Healing Home Spa: Blend a cup of cold water with 12 drops of jasmine essential oil; put the mix in a spray bottle and spritz your lower legs before you go to sleep.  Spraying jasmine on your legs helps draw tension away from your upper body and head.  Keep the mix refrigerated during the day and shake well before each use.