Essential Oils for CNS sedative (Calming or Sleep Inducing):

Central Nervous System (CNS) Sedatives are used as aids for slowing brain activity, making them useful for treating anxiety, panic, acute stress reactions, and sleep disorders

Of the Central Nervous System (CNS) Sedatives the most famous essential oil for pain relief and relaxation is Lavender which is used in pharmacy, phytotherapy and aromatherapy to treat central nervous system disorders, such as anxiety, stress, and sleep disorders. It is one of the best-selling natural remedies and a common therapeutic tool for physiotherapists and chiropractors.

Knowing which essences have which properties helps the therapist select the right ones to make the most effective massage blend for an individual client. The properties found in the sedative essences are:

  • Analgesic: German and Roman chamomile, lavender and sweet marjoram
  • Anti-depressant: bergamot, clary sage, lavender, lemon, geranium and flowers
  • Anti-inflammatory: German chamomile, helichrysum, yarrow
  • Anti-rheumatics: German chamomile, lemon, sweet marjoram and pine
  • Anti-spasmodics: Roman chamomile, clary sage, lavender, sweet marjoram and yarrow
  • Detoxifiers (especially for joint pain): carrot seed, lemon and sweet fennel
  • Nervines (for stress relief): Roman chamomile, bergamot, lavender, sweet marjoram, neroli (orange blossom) and vetiver
  • Rubefacients (for increased circulation): juniper berry, spike lavender and sweet marjoram
  • Soporific (sleep inducing): jasmine, lavender, sweet marjoram, neroli and orange
  • Chamomile, German

    Chamomile, German

    (Matricaria recutita)

    Aroma Description: German Chamomile Essential Oil smells sweet, fruity and herbaceous.

  • Eucalyptus staigeriana

    Eucalyptus staigeriana

    (Eucalyptus staigeriana)

    Aroma Description: Citrus, Cool, Fresh, Lemony, Soft

  • Lavender

    Lavender

    (Lavandula angustifolia)

    Aroma Description: Floral, fresh, sweet, herbaceous and sometimes slightly fruity. It can be slightly camphorous.

  • Linaloe Berry

    Linaloe Berry

    (Bursera linanoe)

    Aroma Description: Astringent, Fresh, Slightly citrus, Slightly floral, Slightly sweet, Soft

  • Oregano

    Oregano

    (Origanum vulgare subsp. vulgare)

    Aroma Description: Oregano Essential Oil smells herbaceous and sharp.

  • Sandalwood - New Caledonia

    Sandalwood - New Caledonia

    (Santalum austrocaledonicum)

    Aroma Description: Balsamic, Cool, Earthy, Rich, Sweet, Warm, Woody

  • Sandalwood lancelatum - Australia

    Sandalwood lancelatum - Australia

    (Santalum lanceolatum)

    Aroma Description: Earthy, Resinous, Sensual, Slightly sweet, Soft, Warm, Woody

  • Sandalwood, Australian

    Sandalwood, Australian

    (Santalum spicatum)

    Aroma Description: Earthy, Resinous, Rich, Slightly sweet, Soft, Vanilla-like, Warm, Woody

  • St. John's Wort

    St. John's Wort

    (Hypericum perforatum)

    Aroma Description: Balsamic, Earthy, Herbaceous, Warm

  • Thyme, Benchmark

    Thyme, Benchmark

    (Thymus zygis)

    Aroma Description: Astringent, Cool, Fresh, Herbaceous, Medicinal, Soft

  • White Ginger Lily Absolute

    White Ginger Lily Absolute

    (Hedychium coronarium)

    Aroma Description: Exotic, Floral, Sensual, Soft, Sweet