Aromatherapy for Dummies [Paperback]

Kathi Keville (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 1999

Whether it’s the tang of ozone in the air just before a rainstorm, the homey smell of freshly baked bread, or the inspiring scent of roses, natural aromas are everywhere with us, influencing our moods, and informing our perceptions. But natural aromas are capable of much more. Science is just beginning to reveal how aromas affect our bodies as well as our spirits, and what once seemed far-fetched–that you can treat many common ailments with nothing more than a pleasing smell–is now being taken seriously by many in the medical community. Yes, you can smell your way to good health, and now Aromatherapy For Dummies shows you how.

This down-to-earth guide takes the mystery out of essential oils and other aromatherapy tools, and shows you how pleasing scents can cure what ails you and enhance your life at home and at work. Among other things, you’ll discover how to:

• Safely and easily treat hundreds of common ailments
• Increase f ocus and concentration
• Relieve tension and relax
• Improve athletic performance
• Enhance romance
• Sniff out the right essential oils
• Create fragrant essences in your kitchen

Under the expert guidance of one of America’s leading botanical experts, you’ll bring the wonders of aromatherapy into your own life. Kathy Keville provides clear, concise, scientifically informed explanations of how plant essences can support body, mind, and spirit. She offers common sense advice on everything from therapeutics and cosmetics to the recreational uses of essential oils. And she supplies:

• Easy-to-follow instructions on how to select genuine aromatherapy products
• Symptom Guide–simple and easy remedies for 60 common conditions, listed alphabetically by symptom
• Aroma Guide–an A-to-Z guide of fragrant plants used in aromatherapy
• More than a hundred recipes for everything from oily skin to indigestion that you can whip up at home in five minutes

The world is full of natural fragrances that can help you feel better, work smarter, play harder, and relax. It’s time to get well with the healing power of smell, and now Aromatherapy For Dummies shows you how.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"If you're wondering which of the dozens of aromatherapy books to buy … this is the one!" David Edelberg, M.D., Northwestern University "Always clever and charming, Kathi so clearly presents the safe and effective use of essential oils for true aromatherapy"
—Cheryl Hoard, President of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy and Owner of Cheryl's Herbs

Features Quick Aromatherapy Recipes You Can Make at Home!

The world is filled with natural fragrances that can help you feel better, work smarter, and relax. This down-to-earth guide takes the mystery out of essential oils and other aromatherapy tools — and shows you step-by-step how pleasing scents can enhance your life at home and at work.

Discover how to:

• Get well with the healing power of smell
• Sniff out the right essential oils
• Create fragrant essences in your kitchen
• Relax with candles, incense, and sachets
• Use scents to enhance romance

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

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About the Author

Kathi Keville is the director of the American Herb Association and the author of ten previous books on herbs and aromatherapy, including Herbs for Health and Healing.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (September 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 076455171X
• ISBN-13: 978-0764551710
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 0.8 x 9.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #476,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This should be the first book you should read !, October 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Aromatherapy for Dummies (Paperback)

I was looking at several aromatherapy books before actually buying one. I must have looked at dozens of books..Being a beginner, this was by far the most entertaining and educational book out there on aromatherapy! Many books are very informative, but not a particularly interesting read. In this case, the humour and easy going manner of the book makes you want to read on and on. The chapters are well organized, and there is even a symptom & oil directory. If you are just beginning, this is the book to start your aromatherapy collection!!!!

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview, November 11, 2004

By 

Dianne Foster "Di" (USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Aromatherapy for Dummies (Paperback)

Thinking about learning more about essential oils and aromatherapy? This is the place to do a quick perusal to determine whether you want to know more. Kathi Kaville, Director of the American Herb Association, has prepared a book for the beginner or the merely curious.

Ever wonder about the ingredients in your favorite perfume? For years, I've worn Channel No.5 and come close to adoring the scent on me and others. What's not to like- it consists of essential oils from sandalwood, vanilla, rose, ylang-ylang, neroli and bergamot and other fine oils. Of course, having worn this perfume for so long, as did my mother, I also know the perfumers use a very special rose (and plenty of it) and that the way the perfume is mixed affects the scent. I also know that the version sold in many department stores in the States is an inferior grade. You have to buy the blend that has not been overly diluted with alcohol.

One of the aspects of this book I truly appreciate is the overview of all the different uses of essential oils. Essential oils can be used medicinally for sure or as health and beauty aids. You can also use them as household cleaning products. For example, you don't have to use moth balls to protect your woolens, you can use a blend of essential oils (including cedar oil) and they will smell better in the spring. Also, you can use oils in the dishwasher, the clothes dryer and other places around the house. They will impart a clean fresh smell that makes the visitor think you've been cleaning like mad.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good beginning book on aromatherapy, February 6, 2005

By 

DH "terrachic" (Burgoon, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aromatherapy for Dummies (Paperback)

Although being well versed in herbal remedies I had not explored the world of aromatherapy healing so I picked up this book. It is stock full of information. It contains the basics, how when and why to use essential oils, oil decriptions, some oil mixtures, oils to avoid etc. I wish it did have pictures however. Also as a reference book it may take you a minute to find the information because there is so much of it, where as other books are more compact and straight to the point.