The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs [Paperback]

Robert B. Tisserand (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1978

This complete, practical guide shows how to use the essential oils of flowers and herbs as a gentle yet effective method of natural healing. Beginning with the history and use of essential oils in cosmetics and perfumes from ancient Egyptian times to the present day, the author details 29 essences, with their properties and applications in more than 100 conditions, ranging from emotional stress to skin disorders.

Includes easy-to-prepare recipes for massage and medicinal oils, facial masks, ointments, and aromatic baths.

Explains the importance of essential oils in Swedish, shiatsu, and neuromuscular massage. 

Provides tables of evaporation rates, odor intensity, therapeutic index, and glossary of medical terms. 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Standard reference work since it was published."
(Vogue )

"Robert Tisserand is often called the father of modern aromatherapy, although the art of using essential oils from plants dates back some 5,000 years to the ancient Egyptians. Tisserand brought the practice into modern popularity with his 1977 book, The Art of Aromatherapy."
(Delicious )

About the Author

Robert B. Tisserand is often called the father of modern aromatherapy, as it was he who brought the practice into popularity with the publication of this book. He lectures around the world, and has been actively engaged in teaching and writing about aromatherapy for twenty years. He is also the author of The Practice of Aromatherapy.

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press (April 1, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892810017
• ISBN-13: 978-0892810017
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,198 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive , informative, and a pleasure to read., May 31, 2000

By 

Avidreader (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs (Paperback)

As a serious aromatherapist, I highly recommend this book for a variety of reasons. The subject matter that Tisserand delves into is quite diverse, and extremely interesting. The basics of essential oils are explained in readily understandable terms, which ties in nicely with a descriptive narrative of their use in ancient times. Chinese principles of Yin/Yang, life force, and organics is also discussed. I particularly enjoyed the religiosity that Mr. Tisserand incorporates into this chapter! To broaden the subject matter further, reasons why aromas effect us is presented in detail, followed by uses of oils in the specific body systems, as well as those which are used for treating the mind. The book introduces baths, various massage techniques, and skin care utilizing oils. Also provided are many simple but useful recipes and clear instructions. The second half of this excellent book discusses 29 essential oils themselves in great detail. What is totally unique are the authors' tables. They compare odor intensity, evaporation rate, whether an oil is Yin or Yang, and which planet rules it! The glossary of medical terms is a must for any serious aromatherapy student, as is the therapeutic index. Recent safety precautions are listed, and should be reviewed. Finally, The Art Of Aromatherapy has a wonderful, CURRENT list of available sources for the purchase of quality oils. It is obvious to me why this book has become an international best-seller. I unequivocally recommend it to anyone interested in aromatherapy, which truly is an art.

37 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Too difficult to research, July 26, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs (Paperback)

This book may contain great information, but unless you're committed to sitting down and reading it cover to cover, this won't be your most helpful resource. This book has no index in the back, so if you want to look up a specific topic, you've only got chapter and section headings, and then you have to scan through pages and pages to find what you're looking for. I've got 4 aromatherapy books, and I barely ever crack this one open because it's too much work to find what I'm looking for. There are much better books out there!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Aromatherapy, June 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs (Paperback)

The Art of Aromatherapy, written by one of the foremost experts in Aromatherapy, Robert Tisserand, is a wonderfully packed book for beginners in the study of Aromatherapy. Filled with basic information on essential oils and how to use them, he goes on to add how essential oils are used by the body through inhallation. How these scents affect the digestive system, cardio-vascular system, lymph system etc. He discusses skin care, massage, gives some excellent aromatic recipes, covers 28 oils in depth, includes a glossary of medical terms, and a therapeutic index. I think this is a must for the beginner, who wants good, solid information on Aromatherapy.