Revised and significantly expanded, the new edition of this handbook provides full information on the use of essential oils in the field of contemporary aromatherapy, based on the research evidence behind their therapeutic applications.

The author provides the historical and cultural context for our understanding of aromatherapy, with an overview of its relationships with Greek, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. She gives a detailed account of how essential oils are created, how and where aromatherapy is used, the underlying pharmacology, and the current research. The characteristics of over 100 essential oils, absolutes and resinoids are provided in detail, including botanical and chemical information, usage and combinations.

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.

Preface. Part I. Aromatherapy: Philosophical and Theoretical Perspectives. 1. From Historical Origins to the Present Day: The Philosophies of the Pioneers and Influential Thinkers. 2. Theoretical Perspectives. Part II. Approaches to Creating Essential Oil Synergy. 3. Synergy and Antagonism. 4. Maury's Individual Prescription and its Derivatives. 5. Functional Group Influence and the Molecular Approach. 6. Psychosensory Approaches. Part III. The Essential Oils, Absolutes and Resinoids of Aromatherapy. 7. Botanical Principles in Aromatherapy. 8. Essential Oils of the Angiospermae. 9. Essential Oils of the Gymnospermae. 10. Absolutes and Resinoids in Aromatherapy. Glossary. Appendix A: Significant Chemical Constituents in Essential Oils. Appendix B: Essential Oil Constituents: Odour and Therapeutic Potential. Appendix C: Prescribing Essential Oils Using the Molecular Approach. Appendix D: Carrier Oils Used in Aromatherapy. Appendix E: Essential Oils, Absolutes and Resinoids in Aromatherapy: Indications and Actions. References. Further Reading. Index.