The safe use of essential oils is of key importance in the practice of aromatherapy. Based on up-to-date research findings, this practical, comprehensive guide gives:

-detailed profiles of 95 essential oils, including constituents, hazards, dosage, toxicity data and contraindications -brief safety profiles of 311 essential oils and 135 essential oil components -safety guidelines for practitioners, retailers and consumers -details of essential oil absorption, metabolism and excretion -description of essential oil toxicity with regard to the skin, mucous membrane, the central nervous system, and the major organs -essential oils which may react adversely with certain drugs -cautions and contraindications for the therapeutic use of essential oils by all methods of administration -cases of poisoning from essential oil ingestion -guidelines on the safe and appropriate administration of essential oils in pregnancy, cancer, epilepsy, heart disease and many other conditions -extensive references throughout the text in addition to a separate reference section.

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Robert Tisserand started practicing aromatherapy in 1969 and is best known for bringing aromatherapy to the UK through the publication of The Art of Aromatherapy in 1977. The first book on the subject in English, it is now published in nine languages. Robert has written two further books, is on the advisory board of two publications, and lectures at international conferences. He is the Editor of The International Journal of Aromatherapy, is the Principle of the Tisserand Institute, and has been actively involved in establishing training standards for aromatherapy in the UK. Tony Balacs is a lecturer in Essential Oil Science at the Tisserand Institute. He obtained his Bachelor's degree in Pharmacology in 1985 and his Master's degree in Molecular Biology in 1987. From 1987 to 1990, he was researching genetic aspects of fetal development, before concentrating on work in education. He has over 10 years' experience teaching various aspects of science to people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including at the Open University, where he is both tutor-counselor, and the Enterprise in Higher Education Coordinator for London. He has lectured on the safe use of essential oils throughout the UK. His other interests include counseling, and he has a private psychotherapy practice which he runs alongside his other work.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction Basics Administration Metabolism Toxicity Tissues, organs, systems The Skin Cancer Reproduction Profiles   Chemical Index Safety Index Cautions and Contraindications Safety Guidelines Glossary Abbreviations References Recommended reading Botanical Index General Index