The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health - Beauty - a Safe Home Environment (Paperback)
June 8, 2009 by Cheryl
Filed under Aromatherapy Book Reviews
From Library Journal
There are plenty of good books on herbs, and some of them devote a chapter to essential oils, but there’s nothing comparable to Worwood’s work. Her premise is different from other herbalists–she believes that the most effective way to use herbs medicinally is by external application or inhalation. Both methods allow the essential oil to enter the bloodstream without passing through the digestive tract. Her grasp of basic physiology is somewhat confused, but the (more…)
Valerie Ann Worwood’s book “The Complete Book Of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy” is one of the most complete and down-to-earth books on the subject, especially for the beginer. If I were to teach a course on aromatherapy for beginers, this would be one of two main texts I would use, as it is so complete. Here writing style is very clear, easily understood, and enjoyable to read. No dryness here. She begins by discussing ten essntial oils as a “basic care kit,” and explains how such oils should be used via an A-Z list of common household occurances. The list includes the following as some topics: -Abdominal pain. -Abraisions. -Black Eye. -Bruises. -Colds. -Fever. -Headache. -Hicups. As a matter of principle, she explains at the very begining of the book that the information contained therein is NOT intended to take the place of a Physician’s care. Her chapters on Travel, Sports related injuries, and Beauty (3 chapters covering head to feet!), Maternity and Motherhood, Mens/Women’s health (seperate chapters), and Aging are exceptional. She closes with chapters on aromatherapy for animals, and gardening; which I have not seen except in a work by Dr. Gary Young. The charts at the end of the book are indespensable, and complete as a ready quick refrance. Valerie’s bibliography contains such authors as Belaiche; Gattefose; Valnet, Duraffourd, Lapraz; and Wells; shows that she is very well read as she is experienced. These authors are the very pioneers of the modern resurgence of aromatherapy, and should be read by all who desire to be serious students of the art and science that is aromatherapy. Those who may wish to criticize her lack of litterary sitations should go and read the works cited here, remembering that Valerie has over 25 years of practical experience as a student and practicioner in a country where aromatherapy is taken seriously, and all they will be left holding is empty litterary critique. Better still, they should utilize her book, and let experience speak for itself! My only sugestion for a revision would be an in-depth chapter on essential oil chemistry, and their interaction with the bodily systems. Otherwise, I consider this book to be amoung the best out there on the subject. It makes a great gift for all occasoins.
The book is filled with some good information. However, There is no safety data for the oils presented. Some oils are not safe to use during pregnancy, estrogen dependent cancer, or may cause skin irritation or phototoxicity (sunburn). Use caution when trying the recipies in this book or research the oils further.
A disturbing section was the one on pets. I would definately do more research before putting anything on a cat. Cats lick their fur and not all oils can be ingested. Eucalyptus is toxic if taken internally. There have been reports of Tea Tree nearly killing cats. In addition, they recommended adding tansy to a horse’s feed to treat worms. Tansy is very toxic to horses and cows. People usually try to remove the plant from their pastures.
Last word. Do your research and don’t just use one book.
3.0 out of 5 stars
Does not have an A-Z, but has a lot of detailed recipes
I bought this book hoping that it would have an A-to-Z on all the different oils. Say if I have black pepper oil, what are all the different ways of using it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
very enlightening!
I never realize how much essential oils can do to the body and soul GREAT BOOK!!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
This book is extremely informative and thorough. It is a great book for people just starting out in using aromatherapy. I highly recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great for the beginner and experienced user
I have several books on essential oils for medicinal purposes and I must say that I liked this author’s approach and easy to understand dosing compared to so many others.
2.0 out of 5 stars
not scientific
I didn’t think it was complete-she has many recipes for different symptoms but does not explain which oil serves what purpose and why they are combined that way.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book
The service and quality of the product was excellent. I was very satisfied with the services.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic book
I bought it as a gift for my sister. She says it’s a wealth of knowledge, well written, well organized, full of fantastic and useful information.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Book on Essential Oils Out There!
I wanted to start my own home business by creating a line of natural facial care products, but I needed a reference guide for all of the essential oils.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very informative book
I received this book a couple of days ago and can hardly put it down. It is a wealth of information on the use of essential oils for all sorts of ailments, conditions, household…
5.0 out of 5 stars
This is a must have item.
Many recipes for a variety of products using many essential oils. It offers alternatives and substitutions so as you build your oil collection you can expand your therapies.