In this study, the analgesic and sedative efficacy of Chuanxiong essential oil after nasal administration was compared with that of the commonly used oral administration route. The essential oil significantly reduced nociception only 5 min after nasal administration but not by i.g. administration. The essential oil significantly decreased the sleep latency and prolonged the sleeping time only 5 min after i.n. administration but not by the i.g. route. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the essential oil from Rhizoma Chuanxiong had faster onset of action as well as better analgesic and sedative efficacy after i.n. administration than given orally.