Books I Need

That’s right, I need these books.

Not want.

Need.

In italics!

Books are food for the soul, after all.

A room without books is like a body without a soul.

If I didn’t buy these, I’d just be an empty shell of a human! And even if I did have a soul, it would be starving to death.

Never mind that I have 2 bookcases full of Aromatherapy related books already.

Just you never mind that.

I discovered most of these tomes by playing with Google Books.  Have you used that service yet? I think it just might change my life! Used to be that when I bought books on-line, I was shopping “blind”.  I had to trust the publisher’s description, and pretty much judge the book by its cover.  Now I can get a comprehensive look at a book before buying it on-line. 

{Clicking on any book will take you to the Chapters/Indigo website.}

The World of Aromatherapy
Edited by Jeanne Rose & Susan Earle

  

This one is a must-have.  Even more must-have than than just “needing” it.  It’s a collection of articles, essays written by some of  the foremost women in aromatherapy.

From the Publisher: The voices in this collection are those of leading British and American women active in aromatherapy today. They write with verve about the growth of the distillery process and the essential oil industry, discuss such technical issues as whether synthetic or natural products are best, and describe how they use oils and blends in healing, skin care, and stress reduction.

Clinical Aromatherapy for Pregnancy and Childbirth
Denise Tiran

 

I do not have an aromatherapy book that takes a clinical approach specifically dedicated to pregnancy and childbirth.  I may hold off on purchasing this one until I take a course in pregnancy massage techniques.  It’s possible there may be an updated edition by then, or the course instructors may recommend a different book.

From the Publisher:  This is the most detailed and research-based book available on aromatherapy aimed specifically at those caring for pregnant and childbearing women, especially midwives and aromatherapists. Building on the success of the last edition, this book contains new and expanded information on physiology related to obstetrics, the principles of safe use of essential oils for pregnant and childbearing women, and infant massage. Thoroughly revised and updated to include the latest information on aromatherapy, essential oils, and massage for pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-natal period.

Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy
The Chemistry of Aromatherapeutic Oils
Sue Clarke & E. Joy Bowles (respectively)

 

Knowing your chemistry is such an important part of being an aromatherapist.  Many people think aromatherapy is some sort of hoodo-voodo faith healing.  They don’t realize that it’s rooted in science.  Essential oils contain potent chemicals, and these chemicals are known for causing changes in the human body.

I’ve had my struggles with chemistry.

Who hasn’t, really?

Finding a book that makes it a bit easier to understand (while not glossing over any pertinent facts) is essential.

I’m trying to decide which of these two books to buy.  I’d love to buy both, but they are a bit pricy ($58 and $38, respectively).  If you have read/own either of them (or any book in the post), I’d love to hear what you think about them.  Leave me a comment, please.

From the Publisher: This new edition of ESSENTIAL CHEMISTRY FOR SAFE AROMATHERAPY provides an accessible account of the key theoretical aspects of chemistry and their application into the safe practice of aromatherapy. For readers with a limited science background, this book offers a clear and concisely written guide to essential information in chemistry. For practitioners, the book applies chemistry to the practical and therapeutic use of essential oils, and leads to a better understanding of composition, properties and technical data related to essential oils.

There may be some repetition, but they each take a different approach to explaining the chemistry in terms that “laymen” (which is really just code for “dummies”) like me can understand.

From the Publisher: This revised study of the chemistry and pharmacology of aromatherapy oils offers a practical approach to learning the basics of essential oils. Moving step-by-step at the molecular level through 89 scents, this work includes useful diagrams as well as techniques for oil extraction. Discussed are techniques for applying the benefits of aromatherapy to different body systems including muscles and joints, the respiratory system, and the immune system. An ideal handbook for those interested in aromatherapy as a holistic therapy, this work also provides many tips for how even the most simple applications of aromatherapy can improve one''s quality of life.

Well, that does it! I’ll just need to buy both!

Aromadermatology
Bensouilah

 

This one looks really interesting.  So interesting, in fact, that the author has invented a new word – aromadermatology.

{The cover is also in purple, so that alone is reason enough to buy it.}

What I like about this book is that it uses medical terminology to explains how to treat dermatological conditions using essential oils. It’s directed towards people already practicing in the health services field – it’s not your typical “home spa” book.   Books like this are taking aromatherapy seriously.

From the publisher: Comprehensive, evidence-based guide promotes an integrative approach to using complementary therapies with conventional medicines. Topics include essential oil sciences in context, safety issues, essentials of aromatic formulations, skin infections, childhood skin complaints, and more. For practitioners.

Aromatherapy: A Practical Approach
Vicki Pitman

 

This book is intended to be a textbook for teaching aromatherapy.  If you check it out at Google Books, you can see it is laid out like a text book, and at the end of each section are review questions and activities.

I suppose I don’t strictly need this book, since I’ve completed my formal schooling, but one must never stop learning! Every text approaches the information with fresh eyes.

From the Publisher: This book contains in-depth detail on the characteristics, chemistry, sourcing and application of essential oils. It covers the effects of odours on mind, body and emotions. It provides tutors with an ideal support text for any advanced-level aromatherapy course. It covers the recent National Occupational Standards. It provides a clear focus on clinical and professional aromatherapy making it suitable for any qualification associated with the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA).

Anybody out there read these books or have any reviews to share with me?