Main description:

Revised and significantly expanded, the latest edition of this handbook provides full information on the use of essential oils in the field of contemporary aromatherapy and aromatic therapy, based on the most up-to-date research evidence behind their therapeutic applications.

The third edition features a fully updated and expanded contents including detailed Aromatic Profiles of over 100 essential oils, absolutes and resinoids, a new chapter on the latest research in pharmacognosy to foster an understanding of how essential oils work, and a new chapter on formulating essential oils, based on theory and evidence and containing practical suggestions. The author provides a detailed account of how essential oils are created, how and where aromatherapy is used, and the underlying pharmacology and chemistry. 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.

Contents:

Preface. Section 1: Aromatic Therapy. 1. A historical perspective. 2. Aromatic therapy. 3. Scent and the significance of olfaction. 4. The transdermal and inhalation routes. 5. Botanical principles and the biogenesis of volatile oils. 6. Essential oil chemistry. 7. Aromatic pharmacognosy. 8. Aromatic formulations. Section 2: Aromatics. 9. The Angiospermae. 10. The Gymnospermae. Glossary. Appendices. References. Further Reading. Resources.