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Rating: 
Summary: A Great Reference
Review: I currently have this book checked out from the library, and am ordering my own copy. It devotes a full page each to 165 different essential oils, with gorgeous color photographs, as well as the features that other reviewers have described. The page layout, with different colored boxes for the information, makes looking up specific information very easy. I particuarly like the fact that it lists the major chemical components of each oil - very useful if you're dealing with allergies. The oils are listed alphabetically by botanical name, which may be a little confusing, but you can always check the index for the common name. No recipes, but it's a reference work, not a book of formulae. It also has a good glossary - I finally found out what "cicatrizant" means!My main criticism is that it offers profiles of oils that are so toxic or irritating that they're never recommended for therapeutic work. A few even contain substances, such as coumarin, which are banned for import to some countries. I don't see the point of including oils that are dangerous, hard to obtain, and of no use to non-professional practitioners. A short section on "oils NOT to use" would make more sense to me. Overall though, an excellent source, with a lot of information elegantly presented.
Rating: 
Summary: If you're interested in aromatherapy, you need Lawless.
Review: Julia Lawless's Encyclopedia of Essential Oils is rightfully regardedas one of the primary reference books for anyone who wants to explore essential oils and their uses in aromatherapy. Beautifully organized and wonderfully easy to use, it is far and away the most frequently-consulted volume in my aromatherapy library. The book includes a concise outline of the history, chemistry and use of essential oils, although this section is more of a summary/review than a primer for beginners to the field. The heart of the book is Lawless's admirably consistent, clear and detailed presentation of 165 common and uncommon essential oils. In a spacious, well- organized and convenient lay-out, she gives each plant's common name, Latin name and synonyms; its description and distribution; related species; traditional and herbal uses; extraction methods; the aroma and appearance of the oil; chemical and (sensibly cautious) safety data as well as its uses in aromatherapy and in the home. All that's missing are "scratch and sniff" strips!
Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: This book contains a wealth of information about 165 essential oils. It is a wonderful reference guide for the begining as well as the experienced aromatherapist. Detailed information about each oil includes; botanical name, safety data, current & historical uses, blending companions, method of extraction, uses for common ailmants, main chemical constituants, and photographs pf the plant. There are also narrative sections on the historiacal roots of aroatherapy,blending, perfumery, and an explination of chemical constituants. This book is concise, comprehensive , and gives information on more than just the most common oils.
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