Review by for Aromatherapy for Vibrant Health & Beauty/a Practical A to Z Reference of Aromatherapy Treatments for Health, Skin, and Hair Problems Using Essential
Rating:
For the newcomer to Aromatherapy, if you only can buy one book, this one is an excellent choice. Wilson gives a good introduction to 36 basic oils, their history, primary actions, medicinal, beauty and emotional effects. An informative chapter on carrier oils, which really helps the newcomer decide which carrier would be more appropriate for a specific use. Each oil is followed by a “Caution” paragraph, explaining conditions where its use would be contraindicated.

Where she really excels is in the third section: Common Conditions that can be treated with Aromatherapy. She gives lists of Essential Oils effective in treating each condition, and several suggested blends for different methods of application, ie, baths, poultices, massage blends, inhalations, etc.

The book ends with a very clear explanation of the “how to” of different ways to administer the oil, a brief introduction to Anatomy, a Resource Guide giving suppliers of the oils themselves and other Aromatherapy accessories (she didn’t select most of my favorite suppliers, so I would deduct some points for that) and an extensive bibliography of other books, as well as Aromatherapy education and professional associations.

The only criticism I can find is that it is necessary to review back to the listings of individual oils to double check the cautions while reading her suggested treatments. I would have liked to have seen an asterisk beside blends which might be inappropriate for some individuals.That’s a minor quibble on my part.

The book is a wonderful introduction to Aromatherapy.