The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy: A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health & Well-being (Paperback)

by Julia Lawless (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Julia Lawless has established herself as a worldwide authority on aromatherapy, and this book showcases her knowledge among gorgeous color photos. The "complete" in the title is key--besides covering the history and chemistry behind of the art of aromatherapy, you'll find tips for using aromatherapy for cosmetic and medicinal purposes--in oils, creams, steams, potpourri, perfumes, and flower waters. A large chunk of the book is devoted to massage techniques--sensual massage, baby massage, and reflexology. But the aromatic remedies for everything from athlete's foot and arthritis to varicose veins is what makes this book supremely useful for family health. The book finishes with a very handy index of essential oils, with half a page devoted to each, featuring safety data, identifying photos of the plant, and thorough lists of characteristics and actions.

From Library Journal
Both of these superbly illustrated books give an excellent overview of aromatherapy. Walters's book is perhaps photographically more pleasing, while Lawless's volume distinguishes itself with the handy index of essential oils.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd. (June 3, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1852309873
• ISBN-13: 978-1852309879
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #532,387 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive and practical information on aromatherapy!, January 23, 2003

By	"ber1980" (British Columbia Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aromatherapy (Paperback)

This book is *excellent*! Really detailed and comprehensive. It includes:
1. A section on how aromatherapy can be practiced at home (lotions/treatment oils/steams/perfume blending/proportions -- and more!)
2. A detailed section on massages and carrier oils
3. Info on medicinal/clinical aromatherapy
4. A very comprehensive section on common conditions that can be treated by aromatherapy
5. A detailed section on the essential oils themselves (e.g. functions/characteristics/safety data/smell).
6. Brief appendix about vitamins and essential oil chemistry

I've seen her other bestselling book (The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils) -- and although that book is also an excellent info source (165 oil profiles+brief theraputic index), it is "too" broad for me. The bulk of that book is oil profiles, and it contains profiles on many oils I won't use and won't be able to find in stores (although, of course, it also contains profiles on every common oil you can imagine). I would consider buying it if I need a comprehensive essential oil guide in the future.

I prefer this book (The Complete Illustrate Guide to Aromatherapy) because it covers a broader area and is practical; it's well written, pleasant on the eyes (great-to-read layout) and interesting, with useful info on many areas (e.g. recipes as well as oil info). Although this book does not contain as many oil profiles, the content of the profiles are 90% the same as her other book, which does the job for me. The photos and illustrations are beautiful, too! : ) Superb reference for beginners or pros.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Aromatherapy By Julia Lawless, January 2, 2000

By A Customer

My sister and I recived this book and some Essential oils for Christmas. This book is a great book if you want to go into Aromatherapy or Message therapy. It tell you how to mix the oils and ways to message them into you aching muscles. It shows you some great hair treatments and how to relax those horrible hedaches away. It shows you some pressure points to ice when having heat exshastion or heat stroke. In my over all opionion this is a great book.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have!, June 14, 1998

By A Customer

This is a wonderful reference book on essential oils. I am especially glad for the section on oils with cautions or oils that should not be used at all in aromatherapy. I keep this book close by at all times... it has become indispensable!