Aromatherapy is the use of aromatic plant oils, including essential oils, for physical and psychological well being. The different aromas and the chemical constituents of the oils can produce different physiological and emotional reactions and can be added to bathwater, massaged into the skin or vaporised in an oil burner. Like to know more? Here is a guide to the best aromatherapy books.
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Author – Salvatore Battaglia: Battaglia has written several aromatherapy books in Australia, and this one introduces the reader to the principles of energy medicine and subtle therapies. It examines the scientific evidence for the existence of chakras and reviews the results of a study that confirms the relationship between essential oils and the chakras. It explores how transpersonal psychologists and modern Western psychology are using chakras to provide us with a more holistic framework of understanding human consciousness.
It also delves into the major seven chakras in detail, analysing the influence that each chakra has on our wellbeing and psyche and what to expect when the chakra is balanced or not balanced. It also discusses strategies to keep the chakras balanced using essential oils. The four main parts of the book are:
Cost: $49.95
Goodreads rating: 4.5/5
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Authors – Carol & David Schiller: Scented oils have been around for centuries, and Carol Schiller and David Schiller have been working with formulating aromatherapy blends since 1986. The Schillers are firm believers in the benefits of using pure essential oils — diluted in a carrier oil, such as sesame — to relieve stress and a myriad of other disorders (cellulite reduction and communication enhancement among them)!
It contains 500 blends of essential oils — from allspice (Pimenta officinalis) to ylang-ylang (Cananga odorata) — for creating healthcare, skin and beauty products through to air fresheners and oils to use for use when doing laundry! Other uses for these formulas include adding oils to bathwater, in candles, for massage and in body powders made with cornstarch. Their book has been in continuous publication since 1994, and for good reason! Chapters include:
Cost: $18.00
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
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Author: Salvatore Battaglia: Battaglia has drawn on many concepts to create what he calls the “aromatree”. It reflects the diversity and complexity of aromatherapy and the relationships between individual essential oils and different parts of a plant, such as the roots, leaves, wood, resin, seeds, fruits and flowers. Content includes:
Cost: $44.95
Goodreads rating: 4/5
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Author – Julia Lawless: This handbook is used by aromatherapists worldwide and contains A-Z listings of a vast and internationally relevant range of 193 aromatic plants. Chapters cover the history of aromatherapy and herbalism, how to make your own blends, how aromatic plants work on your body and mind and uses for oils in the home.
Cost: $27.00
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
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Author – Salvatore Battaglia: This is a rewritten version of what is often referred to as the aromatherapy bible book. It is internationally acclaimed as the most comprehensive and authoritative book on aromatherapy. This 3rd edition is now over 630 pages long and provides some of the most comprehensive essential oil monographs ever published. It is ideal for anyone passionate about aromatherapy and essential oils, whether you are an aromatherapy student, professional aromatherapist, health professionals or simply wanting to use essential oils for your own personal use.
Each monograph includes a description of the oil’s original and botany, chemical composition, organoleptic profile, a detailed history and traditional uses, a detailed discussion on the actions and aromatherapy uses, a comprehensive review of the pharmacological and clinical studies, blending tips and advice for the safe use of the oil. Other topics covered include:
Cost: $69.95
Amazon rating: 5/5
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Author – Salvatore Battaglia: This book is yet to be published, but worth keeping an eye out for as it will undoubtedly be as informative as its predecessors! Content that will be covered includes:
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Author – Salvatore Battaglia: According to Battaglia, subtle aromatherapy is often marginalised as a “new age” practice that does not offer any real, scientific basis to support the practice of aromatherapy. However, exciting new sciences are emerging, such as neurotheology, that is unravelling many of the mysteries of scent and aromatherapy. This book explores the latest research and examines why scent and essential oils have such a profound influence on our psyche.
Some of these mysteries involve understanding the influence of essential oils on our psyche, the mechanisms of olfaction, and the energetic interactions of essential oils on our health and wellbeing. Battaglia references recent neurobiological studies that are beginning to unravel the complex relationship between hormones, essential oil constituents and neurotransmitters. He also cites evidence that also suggests there may be a vibrational basis for olfaction, and that neurotheology can provide us with a framework to understand the neuroscience, spiritual and cultural aspects of scent and spirituality.
Each chapter explores a different aspect of the psyche and subtle, and they include:
Cost: $59.95
Amazon rating: 5/5
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Author – Beth Jones: The author believes that a healthier, greener and more natural lifestyle is easily achieved with the use of essential oils and aromatherapy. And her book opens up the world of aromatherapy by providing lots of information and practical advice on how to maximise the use of essential oils.
Forty-two oils are explained in detail, outlining their advantages, benefits, properties, and other oils they blend well with. It will teach you how to create your own blends at home, advise you what steps to undertake when buying essential oils, and how to store them properly. Carrier oils are also explained, along with some important safety guidelines that must always be adhered to.
Cost: $21.00
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
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Author – Patricia Davis: Some purport this book to be one of the most comprehensive guides to aromatherapy available today, with over 400 entries covering more than 82 essential oils and 200 conditions.
All the entries are comprehensive and provide an easy to understand introduction to a wide range of topics. The properties of essential oils are clearly explained, as are the health conditions that benefit from them. There is practical advice on treatments and on oils that are potentially beneficial or hazardous. Simple recipes and formulas for creams, baths and tonics are included in the appendices.
All the entries are comprehensive, fluently written and provide an easy-to-understand introduction to a wide range of topics.
Cost: $17.00
Amazon rating: 4.5/5
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