The Secrets of Aromatherapy [Paperback]

Jennie Harding (Author), Gillian Emerson-Roberts (Editor), Simon Fielding (Author)

Book Description

Series: Secrets Of | Publication Date: December 1, 2000

Plant extracts have been used for their healing properties for centuries, but in the last 30 years their popularity as health and relaxation aids has also increased, to the point where they are now common additions to many bodycare products. This guide to aromatherapy helps you make informed choices about essential oils, explaining the origins of the art, the practical uses of individual oils as healing agents, self-massage, and what to expect from an aromatherapy session. Be a part of the aromatic revolution and learn how to let nature bring you relief from your troubles. Here is an exciting new series focused on today's most popular healing approaches and spiritual insights. Presented in a clear, concise format, the Secrets of Series demystifies popular alternative approaches and teaches proper application, providing a perfect balance of theory and practice. Perfect for new or casual readers, these handbooks are simple to follow yet thorough and authoritative. Covering a wide range of topics, they appeal to readers from every background.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Jennie Harding has been a tutor of Essential Oil Therapeutics at the Tisserand Institute in London for ten years. She has also taught in the USA and Europe. She has a keen interest in growing aromatic plants and is pursuing studies in botany and ecology. Natural Health is the leading periodical in the field of natural health and self care. Published by Weider Publications, Inc., its editorial advisory board includes such esteemed authorities as Dean Ornish, Carolyn Dean, and Andrew Weil.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: DK ADULT; 1st edition (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789467739
• ISBN-13: 978-0789467737
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,837,490 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discover the ancient secrets of aromatherapy, February 21, 2001

By 

Rebecca Johnson "The Rebecca Review" (Washington State) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Secrets of Aromatherapy (Paperback)

Once you have chopped fresh rosemary and used it in cooking, you will never view herbs in the same way. Rosemary can also help improve mood. In "Secrets of Aromatherapy" you will find the botanical name, plant type, essential oil source, fragrance description, geographical origin, safety notes, properties, key use, other uses, psychological affect and what the essential oil of rosemary can be blended with.

Aromatherapy can be used to defuse emotion, mental and physical stress. Plant extracts contain many secrets of healing. The essential oils are extracted from the plants and can then be applied to promote relaxation or healing.

The essential oils can be found in the root (ginger), leaves (rosemary), fruit (oranges), flower (rose) or wood (sandalwood). As you journey into the amazing world of aromatherapy, you will discover favorite scents you will enjoy time after time.

The first chapter gives historical details, shows how the oils are extracted, explains oils and carrier oils, gives therapeutic guidelines, shows methods of use and gives the best ways to store oils. The second chapter features 30 key essential oils and 8 carrier oils for home use. A variety of charts shows health conditions and how to treat them with the oils.

Enter the world of: Lavender, patchouli, orange, neroli, cypress, rosemary, juniper, marjoram, eucalyptus, sandalwood, tea tree, peppermint, jasmine, clary sage, rose, mandarin, bergamont and ylang ylang. Jojoba, avocado, evening primrose, apricot kernel, grapeseed, sunflower and other oils are discussed in detail.

If you want to make your own "base cream," you will appreciate the recipes for mixtures containing beeswax, rose water and almond oil. These are great fun to make and I made a batch of peppermint cream one Christmas. We found little hand cream containers and gave them away as gifts.

The third chapter contains pictures and explanations for using the essential oil mixtures in massage. If you have never been to a massage, there is a whole section dedicated to explaining massage. After a long hard day, you might also enjoy creating a sanctuary for yourself with candles, music and a tub of warm water scented with your favorite oil.

There are many ideas on how you can use the oils throughout your home. I recently found a source for lavender wood furniture oil and it scents my whole home when I use it on furniture. The company I purchase my oils from is online. There are also many sources in the back of this book. Most health food stores now carry a whole line of essential oils. Look for blends of your favorite oils or for individual scents. Soon you will have a large collection and using essential oils will become as "essential" to your life as eating and sleeping. Please feel free to write to me if you need a source for purchasing essential oils.

~The Rebecca Review

3.0 out of 5 stars Tiny!, December 4, 2009

By 

Jackie "Trippin Jackie Flash" (White Plains, NY) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Secrets of Aromatherapy (Paperback)

I must say that I would give the delivery 5 stars I ord'd this book as well as the Aromatherapy titled book of the same publisher on Dec. 3rd and rec'd Dec. 4th and I did not choose overnight shipping....but I guess everyone has their "A" game on due to the holiday season! However, the reason for three stars is because the books are extremely small...they measure approx 4 3/8" x 5 3/8" - and as far as I could tell nothing in the books description made that clear. I am going to keep them bcse the information does look helpful, but I would have preferred a larger regular sized book...especially when using for educational purposes.