Welcome to my letter X post in the #AtoZChallenge. Sorry for the weird title, but I had to come up with something starting with X. Xanax (alprazolam) is a benzodiazepine anti-anxiety and sleep medication. Here in the Netherlands, benzodiazepine medications aren’t covered by insurance, at least not when used for sleep or relaxation. In the spirit of finding alternatives to benzos, today I’m sharing what essential oils can do to promote relaxation. Now I don’t say that essential oils are as effective, but in some cases, they might just be, especially since benzos are highly addictive.
The most well-known oil for tranquility is, of course, lavender. Lavender is thought to help relieve anxiety by affecting the limbic region of the brain, the area that involves emotion. You can either use some lavender essential oil in a diffuser blend or enjoy a lavender bath. To do this, combine a few drops of lavender essential oil with a teaspoon or so of the carrier oil of your choice or an unscented bath gel.
Valerian is up next. I don’t own this oil and haven’t talked about it. Valerian is an herb that has been used since ancient times to promote sleep and relaxation. The herb can be used in herbal teas, but there’s also an essential oil derived from it that can be used in a diffuser blend.
Jasmine is also sometimes used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation. It has a beautifully floral scent and, in helping with anxiety, has the advantage that it doesn’t cause sleepiness. Jasmine is usually sold as an absolute and even then can be quite expensive.
Chamomile essential oil, particularly Roman chamomile, is also commonly used for helping reduce anxiety. I do not own this oil, as it is pretty expensive, but would love to in the future. I did at one point use chamomile in herbal tea.
Lastly, frankincense and vetiver essential oil both have calming properties.
There are also oils that have both calming and uplifting properties. For example, I personally didn’t expect patchouli essential oil to help with anxiety, as it is mostly thought of as an uplifting oil. However, of course, oils can do both. I will discuss more uplifting oils later.
A Multitude of Musings 
That was very interesting, I learned something new today!
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Thanks. I’m glad you did.
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I think I am going to get more into essential oils. I need a defuser first though. Do you work with the oils yourself, or do you need help? would I be able to work with them on my own?
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Good luck! I’m sure you’ll love the essential oils. I get help with counting the drops of oil to go into the water, but I do have the oils sorted in such a way that I can retrieve them myself. I’ve heard some blind people can count drops themselves, but I’m not sure how they do it.
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I’m learning new things with each of your posts! I think I have missed a few, so I know there is more knowledge to catch up on later. I like the way you explain, it is very clear.
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I’m so glad you like my posts. Thanks for the compliment.
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In the past I took Xanas to sleep and also I made tea with valeriane and Chamomile .
Do you Know Sage ( Salvia )?
Love ❤
Michel
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That’s interesting. I have never used sage essential oil, but I do know the plant. What were you hoping to learn about sage? I do use clary sage (salvia sclarea) a lot and it’s very soothing and uplifting.
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Interesting. It’d be good if these were more commonly used.
I love letter X posts! Always such variety.
It’s hard to believe the blogging challenge is almost over. Then the after survey, reflections, and the road trip sign-up.
Plus, I’m taking part in the Bout of Books read-a-thon in May. So much excitement!
J Lenni Dorner~ Co-host of the #AtoZchallenge, OperationAwesome6 Debut Author Interviewer, Reference& Speculative Fiction Author
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Thank you so much. It’s indeed hard to believe the challenge is almost over. Thanks for letting me know about Bout of Books.
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I prefer to use natural remedies. Thank you for sharing this.
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I understand that, at least if they help as much. Thank you for commenting.
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