Abstract

Revised and significantly expanded, the new edition of this handbook provides full information on the use of essential oils in the field of contemporary aromatherapy, based on the research evidence behind their therapeutic applications.

The author provides the historical and cultural context for our understanding of aromatherapy, with an overview of its relationships with Greek, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. She gives a detailed account of how essential oils are created, how and where aromatherapy is used, the underlying pharmacology, and the current research. The characteristics of over 100 essential oils, absolutes and resinoids are provided in detail, including botanical and chemical information, usage and combinations.

This will be an indispensable text for all students and practitioners of aromatherapy and related disciplines, as well as anyone interested in the use of essential oils for health and well-being.

Finally we have the "missing-link" text to facilitate the journey into the world of aromatherapy practice! This excellent book is well researched, detailed, up to date, relevant and completely accessible to student and qualified aromatherapists alike. It is rare to find a text that successfully combines holistic principles with practitioner-focussed evidence based research. Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice accomplishes this beautifully and is an ideal course text for all aromatherapy colleges.
Rhiannon Harris, Editor, International Journal of Clinical Aromatherapy
As a student I found Dr. Rhind's book easy to use with a wealth of information about a wide range of oils. The suggestions for therapeutic blending are invaluable. As a practising aromatherapist, Essential Oils: A Handbook for Aromatherapy Practice is still my first point of reference
Cath Boyle, MA (Hons) Sociology, BSc Complementary Therapies (Aromatherapy), PGCE, MIFPA
Essential Oils thoroughly elucidates the diverse range of facts and principles that inform contemporary aromatherapy. Expertly analysing its scientific, vitalistic and clinical rationale, Jennifer Rhind applies an astute scholarship to a multifaceted study. An indispensable handbook for the practitioner, student and enthusiast, Essential Oils succeeds as both a comprehensive resource and an engrossing read.
Gabriel Mojay, FIFPA, MBAcC, CertEd
This book is a breath of fresh air in written form. Jennifer's non-judgmental approach gives her the vision to encompass a wonderfully broad perspective. From the recent history of aromatherapy's development, to the potential uses of absolutes, to scientific validation for essential oil properties that were previously only "assumed" or "suspected", Jennifer brings us up to date by connecting clinical practice with biology in new and fascinating ways.
Robert Tisserand, aromatherapy author, educator and consultant
The information regarding classification of essential oils and blending approaches is both informative and extensive, and the knowledge contained within this text makes it essential reading for students, practitioners and lecturers of Aromatherapy and indeed other complementary therapies. Dr. Jennifer Rhind was an inspiration to me and I know that my copy of her book will never be far from reach.
Lesley Ann Potter, BSc Complementary Therapies (Aromatherapy), Lecturer in Complementary Therapies, Moray College, Scotland

Praise for the first edition:

'A relevant, topical and highly readable text with very interesting ideas for today's practitioner'

David Pirie, BSc, PGDip Herbal Medicine, M. NIMH, Dip. Aromatherapy, Lecturer in Herbal Medicine, Edinburgh Napier University, UK