The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils [Paperback]

E. Joy Bowles (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 174114051X | ISBN-13: 978-1741140514 | Publication Date: April 1, 2004 | Edition: 3rd

This revised study of the chemistry and pharmacology of aromatherapy oils offers a practical approach to learning the basics of essential oils. Moving step-by-step at the molecular level through 89 scents, this work includes useful diagrams as well as techniques for oil extraction. Discussed are techniques for applying the benefits of aromatherapy to different body systems including muscles and joints, the respiratory system, and the immune system. An ideal handbook for those interested in aromatherapy as a holistic therapy, this work also provides many tips for how even the most simple applications of aromatherapy can improve one's quality of life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

E. Joy Bowles has taught the chemistry of essential oils in Australia and America since 1991.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin; 3rd edition (April 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 174114051X
• ISBN-13: 978-1741140514
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #248,551 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I need a few chapters to acquire a taste for this book, December 12, 2010

By 

googarman "googarman" (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils (Paperback)

I got this book after I first met the author. She seemed very creative and nice to chat with. I was hoping her book would reflect that. Not entirely, but after a few chapters I started to realize how useful the book was to me.

At first you'll notice the book reads like a thesis. It confirms to scientific convention and this makes it a little too structured and so it lacks depth, excitement and the invitation to continue reading, at first anyway. It does turn up just a little late, but it does arrive so who's complaining.

I am doing a PhD on an essential oil and what I found was that there is a lot of information out there that needs to be examined, cross referenced and logically structured before one can draw any conclusions. As a result of this it took me a long time to realize the correct pronunciation for monoterpene alcohols, which joy conventionally calls monoterpenols. This gave me great satisfaction, because after some reading I came to realize that she's already done all the hard work pulling this information together - now I can read it all at a leisurely pace and exert little effort, as I did before.

This book has turned out to be one of the better books I have on the topic because it has enabled me to feel more confident discussing with other professionals in the field. Joy avoids getting too wordy, she also dishes the information out at a comfortable learning pace so as not to frighten you away.

Seriously, if you want to learn essential oil chemistry and how it applies to your health, start here. If you are starting from zero, definately start here. If you are starting from half way up the rung, like myself, this book is still a good read because it answers many annoying questions - like are my monoterpene dominated essential oils going to be any good in assays for anti-inflammatory capacity - answer is not really....

Five starts because I really couldn't give it four when it has made such a come back from the first few boring chapters. I recommend this book. Cheers.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is a must buy, April 3, 2009

By 

Miss Melanie (Santa Cruz, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils (Paperback)

for anyone who practices or is learning about Essential Oil Therapy. I found the information in this reference book to be organized. As a certified Level One Aromatherapist, I value this book for it's accurate information.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great informative book, October 24, 2008

By 

JK "Jan" (Santa Cruz, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils (Paperback)

I am currently enrolled in an Aromatherapy class and this was one of the recommended books. It certains goes a long way to demystify the chemistry of essential oils. Plus, it's not a "dry" chemistry book ... it's actually a fairly easy read.