Instead of a sleeping pill or a mood enhancer, a nose full of jasmine from Gardenia jasminoides could also help.
In collaboration with Dr. Olga Sergeeva and Prof. Helmut Hass from the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf, researchers from Bochum led by Prof. Hanns Hatt have discovered that the two fragrances Vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513) have the same molecular mechanism of action and are as strong as the commonly prescribed barbiturates or propofol. They soothe, relieve anxiety and promote sleep.
— Read the rest at Intoxicating Fragrance: Jasmine as Valium Substitute at Science Daily. Many thanks to Ruth for the link!
22 Comments
Read more about commenting at Now Smell This.
This is fascinating! Obviously many perfumistas know from experience that wearing perfume to bed can promote better sleep. I have forwarded the link on to my husband, who is professor of pharmaceutical chemistry, in the hopes of finding out more about this. In the meantime, does anyone know which fragrances contain Vertacetal-coeur (VC) or the chemical variation (PI24513)?
No idea, but it’s a Symrise molecule.
I’m starting to think that this chemical actually has a “grapefruit” smell. I found this quote:
Recently, the grapefruit nuance has become popular in perfumery as a variation of the classical Eau de Cologne theme. Nootkatone, however, is rather expensive, and several compounds of similar character have been developed. A few examples are shown on the right. Methyl Pamplemousse is used at 8.5 % in the perfume Good Life. Vertacetal:Coeur ,Floropal;Methyl Pample-mousse,Amarocit;Rhubofix
The descriptions I saw described it as a green citrus gardenia, used as a heart note. You can buy it from Perfumer’s Apprentice:
http://shop.perfumersapprentice.com/p-6240-vertacetal-symrise.aspx
And will also note, don’t see how you can call it jasmine either way…since it isn’t.
Interesting article. There are also a variety of pillow mist sprays which can add to your sleep and relaxation. I like the Eucalyptus Spearmint one.
Bring it on!
But I’ll need one to wake up with, too…lol…
Rosemary works well for me to help me wake up. You can get a 1/2 oz. bottle of rosemary essential oil for less than $10, and use it any way you like. Mix a little in a spray bottle with water or alcohol, add it to your shower gel or shampoo, add a few drops to the bath water–whatever you prefer.
Some years ago, I was eagerly experimenting with trying to blend my own perfumes from essential oils. I had managed to acquire a small bottle of neroli oil, and used it to make a perfume according to a recipe in one of my books. I dabbed the perfume on, went to work–and struggled to keep my eyes open all day. It turns out that neroli oil is a sure-fire sleeping potion for me. The recipe was a flop as a perfume, but a real winner as a sleeping aid. It has a big advantage over pills, too, as there is no “hangover” the next morning.
I like to blend jasmine and neroli – smells divine! but sounds like I would probably never wake up.
This is not new: I read an article about jasmine being better than lavender at promoting sleep about ten years ago.
Unfortunately, neither works for me.
My take on lavender is that is is relaxing, not soporific. If you are having trouble sleeping because of tension of anxiety–that is, you are tired and should be sleepy, but are too tense to fall asleep–lavender may help. If you are simply not sleepy, it is probably useless. In other words, it allows you to sleep, but it does not put you to sleep.
I mentioned lavender because that’s what people are always told when they ask what plant helps with insomnia.
Well, my husband claims lavender works for him, but I find that for me other things work better. It is worth trying different things to see if you can find something that works for you. Chamomile is often recommended, or you might try orange or cedarwood as well. Frankincense is said to promote deep relaxation and be conducive to meditation, which may explain its wide use in religious settings. Whatever you decide to try, it is best if it has a smell you actually like. An aroma that is displeasing to you is not likely to promote sound sleep. I am not a chemophobe, and I have no opposition to using pharmaceuticals when necessary, but for treating something like insomnia, I prefer the idea of using botanicals, rather than taking a pill.
I am simultaneously pleased and dismayed. I love to know that there is a scientific basis for my perceptions that fragrances do have biological effects. But on the flip side, are they now going to take an Abercrombie type “perfume machine” and pump sedating chemicals into prisons, psyciatry centers and riot zones to keep people subdued?
There has been some discussion about doing just that sort of thing. I read some years ago that some Japanese companies were using fragrances in the workplace to try to increase productivity. It does raise some ethical concerns regarding the manipulation of behavior.
Interesting! Coincidentally, I’ve gravitated toward sleeping with AG Songes this summer. I bought a bottle on a whim because it smells great, but I find it just too much for most occasions. But I enjoy smelling it as I go to sleep, and I’ve been sleeping well!
can anyone recommend a perfume to wear to bed, or to help with sleep?
something light though. that’s a first, me looking for something light :L
I think a lot of us wear Bill Blass Nude to bed. I don’t know if it promotes sleep but it is light and comforting. I also wear Stetson, Britney Midnight Fantasy, and Old Spice.
oh thankyou
I’l defo try them out
yeah, I think I manage to get to sleep ok anyway so just something to help calm and free my thoughts I guess lol
I also think Prada Infusion d’homme is nice and light. plus they do the great 200ml bottle
Pure DKNY is also light and Balenciaga Paris is nice but they’re more expensive just to wear for bed
thanks again Tama
I think I’ll go for Old Spice or something like that
Prada is even too expensive for bed
Yeah, my sleep scents aren’t very pricey and I am free to spritz lavishly.