Aromatherapy and Natural Sedatives

Today, many people are suffering from stress related anxiety illnesses.  Panic disorders and phobias are prevalent and anti depressant prescriptions are on the rise.  Many of the pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed for these conditions are not only highly addictive, but they also have many potentially dangerous side effects.  Aromatherapy offers a natural and healthy alternative to many of these drugs.  For some, choosing these natural and gentle alternatives have helped them find the peace and serenity they need to maintain balance in their hectic lives. 

Aromatherapy may be burning richly fragranced aromatic candles, or soaking in baths that have been infused with natural herbs, or breathing in the vapors of infused herbs.  It may also be a massage with splendidly blended herbal massage oil or drinking herbal tea.  As you can see, there are many methods available for obtaining the benefits of Aromatherapy.  Here are some natural sedative herbs and remedies that you may take to find peace and tranquility.

One of the most well known herbs that are also a natural sedative is Chamomile.  Many people are familiar with drinking Chamomile tea if they are having a hard time falling asleep.  The dried flowers may be infused for tea, or an aromatic bath.  Simply take one ounce of the dried flower heads and infuse with one pint of boiling water. 

Unsweetened Chamomile is very bitter to the taste, so you may want to sweeten the tea before drinking.  If taking a bath, you can place the infusion straight into the tub and soak for at least 20-30 minutes. You can blend Chamomile with Peppermint for wonderfully soothing and relaxing massage oil.  Make sure that your masseuse warms this oil before using.  Chamomile also blends well with citrus-based oils.  Of the citrus oils, one stands out for its natural sedative properties, and that is Lemon Balm.  You can double the power of your aromatherapy blend by using Chamomile with Lemon Balm.

Lemon Balm is also a natural sedative.  Lemon Balm is also referred to as Melissa.  Melissa or Lemon Balm is very expensive, but is known for its wonderful anti depressant qualities.  In Aromatherapy, Lemon Balm is also favored for its delicious lemony scent.  You can purchase Lemon Balm in tea form for a wonderful remedy against Insomnia.  If you are using Lemon Balm Essential Oil, it blends beautifully with Jasmine, Ylang Ylang, Rose, Cedarwood, and Lavender.  You can add any of these oils to make a deep penetrating massage oil that will fight depression, nervousness, and promote relaxation and calmness.

Passion Flower is an herb that has been known for its wonderful sedative effects.  In ancient practices, it was used in the treatment of Epilepsy.  All parts of the plant have been used in herbal remedies.  Due to its fragrance, Passion Flower is a wonderful additive to massage or bath oils.  It will blend well with Chamomile, Lavender, Melissa, and Jasmine.  Try burning a Passion Flower Aromatherapy candle as well while soaking in a hot tub full of calming bath herbs.