Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art [An Essential Oils Book]

Confused and disappointed with aromatherapy books that threw out disjointed information, expected you to be a chemist in reciting plant properties, or assuming you have 50- 100 essential oils for mixing concoctions (without giving precise recipe amounts), I started inter-library loaning - to finding more books. Someone had to understand that a) there were people that didn't know the first thing about this subject (and weren't interested in chemical compositions of essential oils) 2) wanted a reference book for specific situations (ie illnesses or natural beauty enhancement)and 3) didn't have $1000 to make this their overpriced hobby.Kathi has written an orderly basic book for those of us who are just starting out, and tired of the side effect laden concoctions from pharmaceuitical companies. She starts with fascinating stories how through the ages, essential oils have kept people well. Next, she talks about how the sense of smell affects our health. She goes on to discuss the many uses for aromatherapy in medicine for anxiety, depression, insomnia stress fatigue and other uses.I liked how she talked extensively about the safety issues in essential oils (as opposed to info I received from MLM true believers who skip warnings about issues such as liver safety in prolonged use of some of the more powerful oils). THESE OILS NEED TO BE UNDERSTOOD before just using them willy-nilly. She lists varying toxicity of different oils and why they are so to be used sparingly, if at all.She has more, specific recommendations for dilution, for body oil, massage oil, in the bath, steam bowl inhaling, foot and sitz baths and so on. She even has a chapter on how to make your own herb infused oils, salves and vinegars.Kathi recommends 10 basic oils (with a few added for women's issues) and gives recipes sticking mainly to those same recommended ones. Then she starts with her recipes for therapies (for digestive, bowel, repiratory, eye, ear, muscular, urinary, yeast problems and so on). There's a long list with recipes and how many drops of each to use. She then goes into the beauty angle with body and hair care. There are chapters on oil distillation and finding pure unadulterated essential oils. Plus, finally she lists about 50 oils, what they do medicinally and emotionally.All in all, I find this a step by step book for the uninitiated. It's good to know there's someone so caring to explain things simply. THIS IS THE BOOK YOU NEED IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER. All the rest I have read seem pure junk in comparison.

Love this author and the research she does… excellent addition to my library

This is our go-to resource for aromatherapy. Essential oils are an increasingly popular resource for complementary health, and this book covers what you need to know.

I am very interested in learning more about essential oils. I got this book based on the good reviews. I love it.. you learn a lot about the basics but even more exciting are all the recipes. Now all I need is more money so I can afford all the different EO's. So far have made the adrenal support oil which smells wonderful and some of the face masks. There are recipes for glands, feet, ailments, children, food, perfumes,etc. It will take me a while to try all of the recipes listed. I am so glad that I bought this book first. Its easy to read, easy to find just what you are looking for, and an easy way to have fun making up something that smells great.

This book has the kind of information in it that you'd expect to read in a textbook. But the nice thing is, it's not dry and boring like I recall textbooks being. That being said, it's a wonderful reference book and a great book to guide you into the world of essential oils. While I would like to see just a few more "recipes", I appreciate the fact that there are no references to MLM-exclusive oils, as that would be defeating the purpose. I am thoroughly enjoying this book, and expect to reference it quite a bit in the years to come.

I am not even finished with this book yet; but I dearly LOVE it. It has been so helpful. I go read the part that interests me at the moment. I love the thorough discussion of the various essential oils, complete with cautions & technical names. I love how they encourage using the whole herbs as well. This is such a balanced approach to herbs and essential oils. I really love the quick look charts in the back. Those are so helpful when wanting the best of several oils to make a particular blend for a specific help. I can hardly wait to finish reading the entire book. I keep this book handy, near my collection of essential oils. I am always referring to it. It is also a great guide when deciding which oils might be right for you to purchase and try. These gals have worked in Aromatherapy since the early 70's. They have a lot of experience and wisdom to draw from. They are NOT trying to sell you anything; only educate you, so that you get great benefits with no bad side affects. Shalom Blessings...

I was looking for something that would explain the history, uses of and different mixtures to meet my needs. This book is exactly what I was looking for. The ease of making combinations for different applications is straight forward. Would recommend to anyone looking for direct answers.

A friend recomended me this book to learn the basics of aromatherapy. It is very helpful for those who are beginners but extremely detailed for those who are taking aromatherapy to a different level. I purchased the paperback and the kindle edition to have it with me where ever I go. There are a few aromatherapy books out there but they are not as detailed in the different types of EO's and their safety. This is very important when mixing oils and using them as an alternative to medications. I highly recommended to everyone who asks about EO's since my friend is a Master Herbalist.

Lo amé!

A good book overall

Terrific book! Explains everything very well but doesn't step outside the bounds of science (as many books do). Explains the essential information required to create one's own blends and products without over saturating the reader with fixed solutions. This has become my key reference!

A must have!!

i am still a beginner with aromatherapy, so i don't really know much yet.. but i think this books gives a good intro to aromatherapy.. was not too difficult, was engaging, gives an overview of the various sub-fields, and has a chapter that introduces most of the plants used in aromatherapy