Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of essential oils, blends a centuries-old body of herbal knowledge with modern-day science to promote health and well-being through the remarkable power of aroma.  This comprehensive overview of the principles of aromatherapy is an invaluable guide through the wonderful and odorous world of essential oils--their history, their origins, and the many ways they can be used to treat a host of common conditions, including pain, menstrual disorders, digestive complaints, and children's ailments.  Inside you'll find:

An aromatic materia medica of commonly used oils Step-by-step instructions and recipes for medicinal treatments Tips on blending, applying, and storing oils Facials, baths, and other beauty treatments Vital information on the safety and toxicity of essential oils Using the information contained in these pages, you can incorporate the aromatic bounty of nature into your everyday life and enhance the health and well-being of your mind, body, and spirit. (189 pages, softcover)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: An Introduction to Aromatherapy -What is Aromatherapy? -The Benefits of Aromatherapy -A Brief History of Aromatherapy Chapter 2: How Aromatherapy Works -Scent and the Mind -Absorption into the Circulatory System Chapter 3: What are Essential Oils? -Extraction Methods -Chemistry of Essential Oils -Buying Essential Oils Chapter 4: How to Use Essential Oils -Blending with Carriers -Applications -Dosage for Children -Dosage for the Frail or Elderly -Storage and Shelf Life Chapter 5: Treating Common Ailments with Aromatherapy -Digestive Complaints -Headaches -Infection disease and Immunity -Musculoskeletal Injuries and Complaints -Nervous Conditions -Respiratory Complaints -Sexually Transmitted Diseases -Skin Disorders Chapter 6: Treating Women's Ailments with Aromatherapy -Hormonal Effects -Tonics -Cramps and Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods) -Candida albicans (Vaginal Yeast Infection) -Vaginitis (Trichomonas) -Amenorrhea -Irregular Menstrual Cycles -Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) -Cystitis -Menopause Chapter 7: Treating Children's Ailments with Aromatherapy -Dosage and Safety -Infant Ailments -First Aid for Children -Childhood Conditions Chapter 8: Beauty Care -Natural Facial Treatments -Beauty Baths -Other Body Treatments -Hair Care Chapter 9: Safety and Toxicity of Essential Oils -Toxicity -External Application: Skin Reactions -Contraindications and Illness -Pregnancy and Children Chapter 10: Aromatic Plant Families -Lamiaceae -Myrtaceae -Lauraceae -Pinaceae -Rutaceae -Umbelliferae Chapter 11: Aromatic Materia Medica -Angelica -Bergamot -Cardamom -Chamomile -Clary Sage -Eucalyptus, Gum Tree -Frankincense (Olibanum) -Geranium -Lavender -Melissa -Neroli (Orange Blossom) -Rosemary -Tea Tree -Thyme