Books that cover the broad scope of aromatherapy and essential oil uses
Hover your cursor over any cover image to see prices and more information from Amazon.Aromatherapy for Health Professionals
Shirley Price & Len Price (editors)
Paperback, 380 pages | First edition 1995, Fourth Edition 2012
Publisher’s blurb: “Covers the full spectrum of theory and practice from essential oil science and the foundations of practice to the application of aromatherapy for specific conditions. The fourth edition of this highly successful book provides a clear and authoritative introduction to aromatherapy as practiced in modern health care settings. It gives valuable information for any health professional wishing to develop their understanding of the subject, providing the in-depth knowledge needed to use essential oils in the practice environment.”
The Art of Aromatherapy
Robert Tisserand
Paperback, 324 pages | First published 1977
This was the first book in English on aromatherapy.
Amazon reviewer: As a serious aromatherapist, I highly recommend this book. The subject matter that Tisserand delves into is quite diverse, and extremely interesting. The basics of essential oils are explained, which ties in nicely with a descriptive narrative of their use in ancient times. Chinese principles of Yin/Yang, life force, and organics are discussed. Reasons why aromas affect us are presented in detail, followed by uses of oils in the specific body systems, as well as those are used for treating the mind. The book introduces baths, various massage techniques, and skin care utilizing oils. Also provided are many simple and useful recipes. The second half of this excellent book discusses 29 essential oils in great detail.
The Essential Oils Book: creating personal blends for mind and body
Colleen K Dodt
Paperback, 152 pages | First published 1996
Excellent introduction to aromatherapy, with many pages of recipes and formulations for baths, oils, perfumes, and remedies for common ailments.
Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art
Kathi Keville & Mindy Green
Paperback, 246 pages | First edition 1995, second edition 2009
Amazon reviewer: Finally a complete guide that is easy to read and affordable. The descriptions, explanations, and step-by-step preparation methods are written for the novice and are easy to follow. I especially like the quick reference on page 30 outlining the basic essential oils. The book is full of them, and I think they’re wonderful to use in concocting new, safe and different aromatherapy mixtures.
Books either written for practitioners, or covering specific aspects of aromatherapy
Hover your cursor over any cover image to see prices and more information from Amazon.Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals
Robert Tisserand & Tony Balacs
Hardcover, 280 pages | First published 1995
Detailed profiles of 95 essential oils, including constituents, hazards, dosage, toxicity data and contraindications • Brief safety profiles of 311 essential oils and 135 constituents • Safety guidelines for practitioners, retailers and consumers • Details of essential oil absorption, metabolism and excretion • Description of essential oil toxicity in relation to the skin, mucous membrane, nervous system and the major organs • Cautions and contraindications for the therapeutic use of essential oils by all methods of administration • Guidelines on the safe and appropriate administration of essential oils in pregnancy, cancer, epilepsy, heart disease and other conditions • Essential oil/drug interactions • Extensive references
The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils
E. Joy Bowles, Foreword by Robert Tisserand
Paperback, 236 pages | Third edition: 2003
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.
Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
Suzanne Catty
Paperback, 290 pages | First published 2001
Publisher’s blurb: “Hydrosols are the pure, water-based solutions created when essential oils are steam distilled. Through this process, a potent, yet subtle form of medicine is created, one that can be ingested as well as applied directly to the skin. Hydrosols are ideal for use with children, animals, and those with fragile immune systems. Suzanne Catty details the specifics of 67 hydrosols, provides formulas to treat more than 50 health concerns, and offers 40 delicious recipes in which hydrosols can be used. Her section on pets will help owners deal with urinary tract and digestive problems as well as grooming and odor issues.”
Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice
Jane Buckle
Paperback, 416 pages | Second edition 2003
From the back cover: “Dr. Buckle brings together those elements most important to practicing clinicians – grounding in the physical sciences, safety information, evidence from the scientific literature, and a wealth of personal clinical experience…This work is an important addition to the aromatherapy practice literature, and I strongly recommend it to all health professionals who are interested in this rapidly expanding complementary therapy.” Linda Halcón, PhD, MPH, RN.
Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit
Gabriel Mojay, Foreword by Robert Tisserand
Paperback, 190 pages | First published 1996
From the foreword: “Traditional Chinese Medicine is a massive edifice, built of painstaking observation, practice and skill. Making this inherently complex subject accessible and real, and at the same time merging it with the practice of aromatherapy, is no easy task, but one which Gabriel accomplishes with clarity and confidence.
Gattefosse’s Aromatherapy
René-Maurice Gattefossé, Edited by Robert Tisserand
Paperback, 164 pages | First published 1993
An English translation of the 1937 book that coined the word ‘aromatherapy’, Gattefossé was a chemist who worked in his family’s fragrance business, and in the early 1900s he began collecting material about the therapeutic properties of essential oils. Included are over 50 case studies from doctors, many relating to wounds sustained by French soldiers during the First World War.
