Common symptoms and complaints that may indicate the need for a sedative, include:
Fear, stress, worry, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and anger issues.
Sedative drugs like Valium and Opioid Pain Killers like codeine and morphine are some of the most widely prescribed prescription drugs worldwide. Oxycodone is one of the most prescribed prescription pain relievers. It is also one of the most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose fatalities.
These drugs pose major health risks. Research indicates prescribing them may contribute to shortened life expectancies.
Sedatives are most often used to medicate distress.
A sedatives slows down or depresses the central nervous system (CNS). It slows down both your physical response time and mental processes.
Sedative drugs are highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms can be quite severe and it’s recommended that you be under a doctor’s supervision when coming off barbiturates and benzodiazepines. The two main classes of pharmaceutical sedatives.
In contrast, essential oils are not addictive and there are no harmful side effects when using them. When used properly essential oils are safe and non habit forming.
Research on lavender oil and the nervous system published in PubMed, showed lavender’s sedative and relaxing effects. Lavender oil was shown to have no negative side effects on the CNS. In fact, lavender had a positive effect on the CNS.
Findings indicate that lavender aromatherapy, in addition to its relaxation effect, may enhance arousal level in some subjects. Lavender was cited as being possibly, “relevant to treatment of Alzheimer's disease.”
An electroencephalography (EEG) was used to study the effects of lavender on test subjects. It was shown that lavender increases alpha brain waves as it decreases anxiety and brings the subject to a better mood in 40 healthy adults.
In conclusion essential oils are a safe, natural, pleasant and inexpensive alternative to risky prescription drugs.
Sedative Super Oils (with research that's been done).
A study on Chamomile oil was published in PubMed on its effects for sedating the CNS, promoting sleep and relief of anxiety, among other things.
Sandalwood (Santalum album) - Supremely harmonizing. Soothing tonic action strengthens and fortifies the nervous system.
Ylang ylang III (Cananga odorata) - Useful for dispelling fear, depression and anxiety. Potent antispasmodic and sedative effect. A study published in PubMed showed the relaxing effects of Ylang Ylang oil and provided some evidence for the usage of the ylang ylang oil for relief of depression and stress in humans.
Red mandarin (Citrus deliciosa) - Very gentle action. Acts to soothe and balance the heart energies.
Melissa (Melissa officianalis) - Psycho-emotionally, can help ameliorate anger. May help resolve emotional trauma.
Neroli (Citrus auratium) - Promotes inner peace and happiness. May be helpful for relieving shock, trauma, depression and anxiety.
Results of a study published in PubMed showed, "C. aurantium blossom oil as a simple, inexpensive, noninvasive, and effective intervention to reduce anxiety during labor. Anxiety is the most common psychological response of women to labor. In fact, 80% of women in labor have anxiety disorders."
Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) - One of most powerful sedative oils in aromatherapy. Excellent meditation oil. Relative of the valerian family.
Vetiver (Vetiveria zizaninoides) - First choice for relieving anxiety and panic. Exceptional oil for its grounding, calming, relaxing effect. Restorative and revitalizing oil. Helpful for relieving symptoms of shock and trauma. Research findings published in PubMed suggest Vetiver's sedative and hypnotic properties, as well as indicate stimulating effect of vetiver EO. Extracts of Vetiver were found to enhance learning and memory, exploratory behavior and increased alertness
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) - Excellent for balancing hyper emotional states. May be useful for relieving shock, anger, impatience and irritability. Helps dispel negative mental states of fear and worry.
READ first article in this series, How to Get Motivated! The Research & Essential Oils to Use.
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