This encyclopedic book contains, in practical and easy-to-understand form, every conceivable use for essential oils and aromatherapy in everyday life. The author, a practicing aromatherapist for more than twenty years, unlocks the power of essential oils in more than 600 original recipes, most needing only a few essential oils. Unlike over-the-counter products, the recipes you make yourself contain no harmful preservatives. Most basic needs can be covered with just ten essential oils.

"When essential oils are put in a lamp, inhaled, applied to the skin, placed in bathwater, or even taken orally, a person can feel relaxed, energized, or uplifted. In this beautifully illustrated book, a holistic practitioner describes the history and physiological basis of aromatherapy, tells how to extract and store the oils, and gives detailed information on 27 of the most important essential oils, including their dosages and beneficial effects."--Library Journal.

"Includes 109 essential oils & more than 450 remedies and uses"--Cover.

Revised and significantly expanded, the new edition of this handbook provides full information on the use of essential oils in the field of contemporary aromatherapy, based on the research evidence behind their therapeutic applications. The author provides the historical and cultural context for our understanding of aromatherapy, with an overview of its relationships with Greek, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. She gives a detailed account of how essential oils are created, how and where aromatherapy is used, the underlying pharmacology, and the current research. The characteristics of over 100 essential oils, absolutes and resinoids are provided in detail, including botanical and chemical information, usage and combinations. This will be an indispensable text for all students and practitioners of aromatherapy and related disciplines, as well as anyone interested in the use of essential oils for health and well-being.

Completely updated, the best book on the topic available anywhere has just gotten better! A necessary resource for anyone interested in alternative approaches to healing and lifestyle, this new edition contains more than 800 easy-to-follow recipes for essential oil treatments. No one has provided more thorough and accurate guidance to the home practitioner or professional aromatherapist than Valerie Ann Worwood. In her clear and positive voice, Worwood provides tools to address a huge variety of health issues, including specific advice for children, women, men, and seniors. Other sections cover self-defense against microbes and contaminants, emotional challenges, care for the home and workplace, and applications for athletes, dancers, travelers, cooks, gardeners, and animal lovers. Worwood also offers us her expertise in the use of essential oils in beauty and spa treatments, plus profiles of 125 essential oils, 37 carrier oils, and more. Since the publication of the first edition of this book 25 years ago, the positive impact of essential oil use has become increasingly recognized, as scientific researchers throughout the world have explored essential oils and their constituents for their unique properties and uses.

There's more to aromatherapy than just smelling good--it also has health, psychological, and cosmetic benefits. This book is a practical, easy-to-understand introduction to the world of aromatherapy. Written in a conversational tone with plenty of facts and techniques, this guide covers everything readers need to know in order to understand and use essential oils.