Inhaling the scent of valerian enhances sleep, according to a recent study by Japanese neuroscientists. While valerian has been reported to have an effect on sleep when used internally, this is the first medical study to suggest that inhaling it provides a similar effect. The research, which looked at the effect of various odorants on the sleep-wake states of rats, studied clove, jasmine, lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine, rose, sandalwood, valerian, and ylang-ylang. The biggest results? Inhalation of valerian resulted in falling asleep quickly and sleeping longer. Lemon inhalation, on the other hand, was suggested to make falling asleep more difficult. More about this can be seen at Chemical Senses.
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