The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism
Illustrated throughout in full color, this indispensable reference work is a complete A-to-Z compendium of aromatics, with extensive information about the origins, properties, uses, and actions of 165 extensive herbs and essential oils. Over 600 photos & illustrations.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Essential
This is the one book I would not be without.
It is very informative and helpful.
I am a soapmaker and use the information re: the essential oils to make aromatheray and therapuetic, skin softening soaps.
5 Stars Reference Book
I was really impressed with the work that went into this book. You NEED this book for your library if you are serious about making products using essential oils for more than just a hobby. It is difficult to find straight reference material published on essential oils, and even more difficult to find published material on combining oils for perfumery.
5 Stars Great Book!!!
This book is a great book to have on hand. It tells you everything about an essential oil that you need to know. To bad it’s not in print anymore.
3 Stars too general
Gives uses for many plants and the essential oils but no complete details for making the remedies with the oils. Eg. how much of each oil to put into the natural remedies?
5 Stars Aromatherapy Essentials
For quite some time I’ve been fascinated by essential oils. While they can at times be quite expensive to collect a few high-quality essential oils can go a long way.
This book is divided up into three main sections. In the first section there is a brief history of essential oils and an interesting picture to show steam distillation. There is information on why lavender and neroli stimulate new cell growth and how rosemary encourages healthy hair growth.
The second section is very helpful with ideas on which essential oils to use for a wide variety of common complaints. While it is interesting to note that cardamom and black pepper are good for heartburn, a recipe would be useful. If you want a recipe I can recommend the one for a chai tea in Savoring the Spice Coast of India: Fresh Flavors from Kerala. I made it tonight using soymilk and a rooibos teabag.
Part three in this fascinating book includes information on 165 essential oils. While I’ve read many books on essential oils there were numerous oils I’d never heard of before. In this section there are a few oils you want to avoid like wormwood that can cause brain damage. You may recognize bergamot if you have ever made Earl Grey tea. Could lemonade be part of a cure for arthritis? This book gives all sorts of new information and also has a helpful glossary.
While this book is comprehensive I think it would have been better to organize the essential oils according to their common name instead of their Latin name. Fortunately there is a good index so you can find your favorite essential oils fast. In the index you can find the common name (frankincense) as well as the Latin or botanical term (Boswellia Carteri).
If you are looking for any additional information I can also recommend anything by Connie Higley: Reference Guide for Essential Oils Tenth Edition, October 2006. I have the 1999 edition but have been considering the new edition to add to my collection.
~The Rebecca Review, currently wearing Aura Cacia Love Potion Essential Oil .5 oz. I love all the Aura Cacia essential oils.
