The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs

Rating:
Summary: Too difficult to research
Review: As a serious aromatherapist, I highly recommend this book for a variety of reasons. The subject matter that Tisserand delves into is quite diverse, and extremely interesting. The basics of essential oils are explained in readily understandable terms, which ties in nicely with a descriptive narrative of their use in ancient times. Chinese principles of Yin/Yang, life force, and organics is also discussed. I particularly enjoyed the religiosity that Mr. Tisserand incorporates into this chapter! To broaden the subject matter further, reasons why aromas effect us is presented in detail, followed by uses of oils in the specific body systems, as well as those which are used for treating the mind. The book introduces baths, various massage techniques, and skin care utilizing oils. Also provided are many simple but useful recipes and clear instructions. The second half of this excellent book discusses 29 essential oils themselves in great detail. What is totally unique are the authors' tables. They compare odor intensity, evaporation rate, whether an oil is Yin or Yang, and which planet rules it! The glossary of medical terms is a must for any serious aromatherapy student, as is the therapeutic index. Recent safety precautions are listed, and should be reviewed. Finally, The Art Of Aromatherapy has a wonderful, CURRENT list of available sources for the purchase of quality oils. It is obvious to me why this book has become an international best-seller. I unequivocally recommend it to anyone interested in aromatherapy, which truly is an art.

Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive , informative, and a pleasure to read.
Review: As a serious aromatherapist, I highly recommend this book for a variety of reasons. The subject matter that Tisserand delves into is quite diverse, and extremely interesting. The basics of essential oils are explained in readily understandable terms, which ties in nicely with a descriptive narrative of their use in ancient times. Chinese principles of Yin/Yang, life force, and organics is also discussed. I particularly enjoyed the religiosity that Mr. Tisserand incorporates into this chapter! To broaden the subject matter further, reasons why aromas effect us is presented in detail, followed by uses of oils in the specific body systems, as well as those which are used for treating the mind. The book introduces baths, various massage techniques, and skin care utilizing oils. Also provided are many simple but useful recipes and clear instructions. The second half of this excellent book discusses 29 essential oils themselves in great detail. What is totally unique are the authors' tables. They compare odor intensity, evaporation rate, whether an oil is Yin or Yang, and which planet rules it! The glossary of medical terms is a must for any serious aromatherapy student, as is the therapeutic index. Recent safety precautions are listed, and should be reviewed. Finally, The Art Of Aromatherapy has a wonderful, CURRENT list of available sources for the purchase of quality oils. It is obvious to me why this book has become an international best-seller. I unequivocally recommend it to anyone interested in aromatherapy, which truly is an art.

Rating:
Summary: The Art of Aromatherapy
Review: The Art of Aromatherapy, written by one of the foremost experts in Aromatherapy, Robert Tisserand, is a wonderfully packed book for beginners in the study of Aromatherapy. Filled with basic information on essential oils and how to use them, he goes on to add how essential oils are used by the body through inhallation. How these scents affect the digestive system, cardio-vascular system, lymph system etc. He discusses skin care, massage, gives some excellent aromatic recipes, covers 28 oils in depth, includes a glossary of medical terms, and a therapeutic index. I think this is a must for the beginner, who wants good, solid information on Aromatherapy.

Rating:
Summary: Too difficult to research
Review: This book may contain great information, but unless you're committed to sitting down and reading it cover to cover, this won't be your most helpful resource. This book has no index in the back, so if you want to look up a specific topic, you've only got chapter and section headings, and then you have to scan through pages and pages to find what you're looking for. I've got 4 aromatherapy books, and I barely ever crack this one open because it's too much work to find what I'm looking for. There are much better books out there!