Post 2: Aromatherapy and Natural Remedies

Growing up with Asian immigrant parents, I can say I have been exposed to their vast knowledge of natural remedies and herbal medicines throughout my lifetime. Whenever I would have muscle aches or headaches, I remember my mother would always try to give me a type of ginger oil to "cure" these aches and pains and I always thought it was a little odd. I never questioned it because it was all "natural" and it could not really hurt me. In many different parts of the world, I noticed there are types of plants people tend to gravitate more towards when it comes to relieving stress. For instance, lavender, vanilla bean, eucalyptus and mint. Studies have shown these oils use in aromatherapy aids towards reliving anxiety and depression as well as improve sleep. It works by stimulating smell receptors in the nose which sends messages to the nervous system and then to the lambic system which controls our emotions. Although this is not regulated by the FDA, I believe throughout history we have seen these remedies work like medication to relieve aches and pains.