The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties [Paperback]

Jean Valnet M.D. (Author), Robert B. Tisserand (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1982

This classic manual provides detailed evidence for the efficacy of plant medicine. Valnet effectively bridgesthe gap between the tradition of healing with herbs and the advances of modern medicine, showing, in scientific terms, why plant medicine works, and making an impassioned plea for curtailing our use of dangerous chemical therapies. 

Editorial Reviews

From Scientific American

Flowers and herbs have long been noted for their healing properties. Discover the wonders of floral remedies and some very unconventional, but often effective, medicine.

Review

"Aromatherapy is one of the hottest trends in the natural foods industry."
(Natural Foods Merchandiser )

"Flowers and herbs have long been noted for their healing properties. Discover the wonders of floral remedies and some very unconventional, but often effective, medicine."
(Harper's Bazaar )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: Healing Arts Press (June 1, 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892813989
• ISBN-13: 978-0892813988
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 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: #158,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 77 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

This review is from: The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties (Paperback)

When you look in the Bibliographies of Aromatherapy books, The Practice of Aromatherapy by Valnet, is always mentioned. There's a good reason why: first written in 1980 and translated into English in 1982, Valnet (an M.D.) is one of the foremost experts in Aromatherapy. His book not only teaches about the healing power of aromatic plants, but, gives textbook like instruction in the importance of herbals and essential oils. He includes studies on 40 individual essential oils, detailing their internal and external uses along with some recipes. There is also a Therapeutic Index, case histories, and formulas. I dont think this is a beginners book; however, a must for the serious student of Aromatherapy.

39 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A real treasure!, June 12, 1998

By 

Evelyn ([e-mail]) (Kasilof, Alaska) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties (Paperback)

For those who have always been afraid to use essential oils to their fullest advantage, I highly recommend this book. It's chock full of prescriptions for almost every disease known to man. A gentle way to healing ourselves and a real education for those inclined towards learning the chemistry of Mother Natures pharmacy.

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well documented classic, January 11, 2006

By 

Amaran (Indiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties (Paperback)

The previous reviewer who said this book was just a compilation of anecdotes and imagination didn't read carefully. Dr. Valnet includes several medical case studies as well as detailed anecdotes. The medical establishment is notorious for discounting "common wisdom" when it comes to herbals, and yet this information has been passed on for generations. Dr. Valnet, as a medical doctor, includes the uses as well as some warnings. His writing is sometimes difficult to understand, as he uses a lot of medical terminology, some of which is European. But the glossary in the back helps tremendously. I'm just beginning on my herbal education road, and I chose this book because so many other herbals refer to it. It's challenging getting through the introduction and the whys/wherefores. But once the foundation information is established, the rest goes quickly and easily. Contains listings by herb as well as by ailment, making it easy to study either a single herb or try different approaches for a single ailment.