My Favorite Aromatherapy Books

I get a lot questions from people asking me what my favorite aromatherapy books are. I've read quite a a lot of books throughout the years and some are better than others. Once you learn more about essential oils you realize that many books have a lot of the same information.

Here we go:

My absolute favorite book is The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy by Salvatore Battaglia. It was a required textbook in my 12 month aromatherapy education at the American College of Healthcare Sciences, and I'm pleased to see that they still use the book. This book has been a great help in my consulting and blogging. I also like it because Battaglia also addresses dietary and lifestyle changes for each health condition. I purchased the first edition through my college and I purchased the second edition in a health food store in Wales, UK. It is quite an expensive book and it cost $ 110.00 on Amazon but you can buy it from my college store for $ 90.75. I highly recommend this book and it has so much information in it that you really don't need many other books. This is what it says about it in the Apothecary Shoppe:

"An indispensable book for everyone who wants to be extensively familiarized in the art and science of Aromatherapy. The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy is written in a clear, concise and well-presented format, with the student, professional Aromatherapist, pharmacist, nurse, doctor and lay-person in mind. Information contained within the 467 pages is quickly accessed through two comprehensive indexes, 29 well-defined chapters, and an array of appendices. This is the most recent edition with five new chapters.

Over 90 Essential oils are covered in detail as well as detailed information on the treatment of a wide range of conditions. Also included is some of the latest research on the psychological effects of Essential Oils and the implications for present day Aromatherapy."

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Another favorite book of mine is Aromatherapy - Soothing Remedies to Restore, Rejuvenate, and Heal by Valeri Gennari Cooksley, R.N. I really enjoy this book, Cooksley shares some great recipes and information in this book and I've used it so much so the book has fallen apart. You can purchase this book used for about 12 dollars on Amazon or for $ 49.95 from Barnes and Nobles. This is what it says about the book on Amazon:

"Science has now confirmed what has been known since the time of the Caesars: essential oils have healing properties for a wide variety of physical and emotional conditions. In fact, essential oils have been considered among the most therapeutic and rejuvenating of all botanical extracts.

This step-by-step guide demystifies the herbal healing art, and provides all the tools and techniques necessary to prepare and use the curative power of essential oils to relieve illness and restore youth and vitality -- without the use of drugs or other invasive health treatments. Chapters cover how to buy and make essential oils; how to use them to attain ultimate calm and relaxation; soothing, proven treatments for more than 100 health conditions; dozens of special blends and recipes developed by the author for a variety of ills; true case studies of healing success; plus a complete reference to the more than 100 aromatics and blends and their healing abilities."

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I always enjoy Valeri Ann Worwood's books and most of her books are available on kindle. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy was the first book I purchased and it is a great book to look up quick information. This is what Amazon says about this book:

"A necessary resource for anyone interested in alternative approaches to healing, this book contains more than 600 easy-to-follow recipes for essential oil treatments and aromatherapy."

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Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child is another book by Worwood and it is a must have book for parents. It is also available for kindle for only $ 9.99. This is what it says about this book on Amazon:

"This reference shows how essential oils can help parents raise healthier, happier children. Chapters cover every age from newborn to teen with aromatherapy remedies for typical problems--from diaper rash to bedwetting to asthma. The book features information for pregnant mothers and physically challenged children and appendices with reference charts, safety data, and supplier information. This is a valuable book for every concerned parent."

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The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for the Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion and Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils are two other books by Worwood that I own.

This is what Amazon says about them:

"Written in an accessible style and aimed at aromatherapists, practitioners of alternative medicine, and anyone wishing to use aromatherapy to maintain a peaceful equilibrium or bring about positive change, this book concentrates on the mood-changing effects of natural oils. "A good addition to alternative medicine collections."--Library Journal.

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"Fragrances, with their intriguing ability to evoke emotions, memories, and visions, have played an important role in the world’s spiritual traditions since the dawn of time. Drawn from the essential oils of plants, they serve as an earthly connection with the Divine. In her fascinating book, renowned aromatherapist Valerie Ann Worwood breaks new ground with an in-depth study of the use of fragrance in spirituality. Drawing on the pioneering research of eminent scientists and the insights of leading spiritual teachers, she provides exhaustive guidelines detailing how fragrance can be used in many spiritual practices, from Shinto and Buddhism to Native American rites. Extensive charts, exercises, and formulas demonstrate the use of aroma in healing, prayer, and meditation and in conjunction with vibrational and energetic healing. Covering more than 70 essential oils, this extraordinary guide helps readers call upon the divine power of fragrance to enrich their own spiritual journeys."

I also like Kurt Schnaubelt's books but some of them may be little too intense for someone new at aromatherapy.

Shirley Price:

I also have many other books but the books mentioned above are the ones I like the most and are used very often. Do you have a favorite book that I didn't mention?

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday

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The Aroma of an Essential Oils is Powerful

The Aroma is Powerful

The aroma of an essential oil is very powerful. In order for an aroma to be detected, it has to be volatile so it can be carried by the air to the 10 million sensory neurons located in the nostrils. It finally ends up in the limbic system of the brain, where it is perceived and analyzed. The limbic system is the main relay station. It is there that all the emotional responses are located. The frontal lobes of the limbic system control the memory and attention, and it also senses the emotional responses. After the information about the scent has been perceived and analyzed of the limbic system, it is sent to other parts of the brain and then to storage in the memory. The sense of smell connects emotions with memories and integrates mind and body.

The aroma from a special fragrance can evoke emotions and memories before we are aware of it.

The limbic lobe can also activate the hypothalamus, which is considered one of the most important parts of the brain. It acts as the hormonal control center and it releases chemical messengers which can affect things like the energy level. Sex hormones, thyroid hormones, growth hormones, and neurotransmitters are governed by the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is referred to as the "master gland".

So,through the essential oils' molecular structure and fragrance, they can influence the limbic lobe and hypothalamus. Inhalation of essential oils can combat stress and emotional trauma, and also stimulate production of hormones from the hypothalamus.

As you can see, essential oils have a very powerful influence on both body and mind.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on your skin.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Wildcrafting Wednesday Natural Living Thursday, Getting to Know You

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10 Benefits of Using Essential Oils

I use essential oils daily, and I love that they are so versatile. I can use the same essential oil for many things. The different ways to use essential oils seem endless, and I am sure I haven't discovered all of them yet. The oils in my home are used by the whole family, including the family pet. For example, I use the oils for skin and body care, cleaning, hair care, children, dental care, perfumes and healing.

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are liquid extracts distilled from plants such as flowers, trees, and aromatic herbs. They provide protection for the plants by repelling harmful insects. They are very concentrated and it takes about one plant or more to produce one drop of oil. Their pleasant aromas are known to balance moods, lift spirits, get rid of negative emotions, and to create a romantic atmosphere. The essential oils are more than just a pleasant aroma. Historically, they have been used to kill viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

If you haven't tried essential oils, I recommend that you do. Here are some good reasons why I think you should try them:

Essential oils are anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-macrobial, anti-parasitic, anti-infectious, and antiseptic. They may combat infectious disease by killing off viruses, bacteria or other pathogens. Some oils have been shown to destroy all tested viruses and bacteria.

The essential oils can act on both the mind and the body. The aroma can be stimulating both psychologically and physically. The aroma can also be very calming and sedating. Inhaling the aroma is very powerful. Aromatic stimuli of the limbic system cause the release of neurotransmitters, including pain-reducing encephalin, pleasure-producing endorphins, relaxing serotonin, and stimulating noradrenaline.

Essential oils are some of the most powerful known antioxidants. This is determined by an ORAC test developed by Tuft University.

The essential oils are capable of penetrating the cell membranes since they are lipid-soluble. According to Jean Valnet, MD, essential oils can affect every cell of the body within 20 minutes, and are then metabolized like other nutrients.

Essential oils may detoxify the cells and the blood in the body.

Essential oils have a nice aroma, and they may purify the air by eliminating odors from cooking, animals, mold, bacteria and other sources.

Essential oils are small enough that they can penetrate the tissues of the skin.

According to researchers at Vienna University, essential oils stimulate blood flow, which increases nutrient and oxygen delivery.

One advantage is the many ways essential oils can be administered. Two of the most popular methods of administration are topical application and inhalation. When applied topically and inhaled, the essential oils are almost immediately absorbed into the blood stream. Inhaled oils don’t go through the digestive system, so they work immediately in the body.

The essential oils’ versatility makes them fairly inexpensive to use. One bottle goes along way and it can be used for so many things. The same essential oil can be used for skin care, healing, perfume, cleaning, children, pet care, and emotional health.

When you think about all the amazing benefits that essential oils have, you realize that you get a lot for your money when you buy an essential oil. One essential oil has several therapeutic properties and act on both mind and body. You pay roughly 20-40 dollars for a high quality essential oil that has multiple therapeutic properties. You can use the same bottle for cleaning the house, purifying the air, for healing, and for skin and body care.

According to this article, a year’s treatment with several medications could cost up to $3000 back in 2005. Doesn’t it sound like a better deal to learn more about the healing essential oils and other natural remedies?

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and She is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked to:
Monday Mania, Fat Tuesday, Mop it Up Monday, Natural Living Monday, Motivation Monday, Fat Tuesday, Tuesday Greens, The Gathering Spot, Healthy Tuesday Hop, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Party Wave Wednesday, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, Wellness Wednesday, Simple Lives Thursday, Natural Living Link Up

8:36 AM | Read more...

The French, German, and English Way of Using Essential Oils

There are three different models of using essential oils therapeutically: the French, German, and English. Together these three models show how powerful and versatile essential oils can be. The best results may be achieved if all three are combined and used with touch therapy, lymphatic massage, spinal touch, Vita Flex, and Raindrop technique.

The French Way

The French model prescribes the ingestion and neat (undiluted) topical application of therapeutic essential oils. A few essential oils are often added to a teaspoon of honey, a piece of bread, or a small amount of vegetable oil.

The German Way

The German way focuses on inhalation of the essential oils. According to research, the effect of aromatic compounds on the sense of smell can exert strong effects on the brain, especially on the hypothalamus and the limbic system. The limbic system is the seat of emotions and the hypothalamus is the hormone command center of the body. Essential oils high in sequiterpenes, such as sandalwood, cedarwood, myrrh, frankincense, vetiver, and melissa can dramatically increase oxygenation and activity in the brain. This may directly improve many systems of the body.

The English Way

The English way focuses on diluting a small amount of essential oils in a vegetable oil and massaging the body for relaxing and relieving stress.

Is it possible to rely on one way only?

I found that the combination of all three models work the best. However, I don't recommend to ingest any oils unless you are using essential oils that are therapeutic grade. Make sure the oils you are using are from a company that says their oils can be used as dietary supplements. It is important that they meet or exceed the AFNOR standard before ingestion as well.

Inhalation works best if the goal is to balance mood and emotions, induce weight loss, and increase growth hormone secretions. Peppermint, lavender, vetiver, sandalwood and white fir oils are effective for inhalation.

Topical application would produce a better result in the case of spinal or muscle injuries. I use essential oils often on my son who is a football player. According to Young, marjoram is excellent for muscles, lemongrass for ligaments, and wintergreen or birch for bones.

Taken a drop of peppermint orally for indigestion may be very effective, but it doesn't mean that peppermint cannot produce the same results when massaged on the stomach. In some cases, all three methods are interchangeable and may produce similar benefits.

The most common methods

The most common methods of essential oils application are probably cold air diffusing and undiluted (neat) topical application. Other ways of applications include adding the essential oils to the reflexology, Vita Flex, and acupressure points. Adding essentials to these disciplines increase the healing response that cannot be achieved with reflexology or acupressure alone.

So, you have to try and see what method suits your needs the best.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

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Are You Diffusing the Essential Oils Correctly?

Diffusing essential oils is a very effective way in destroying airborne bacteria and germs. The diffused essential oils can also alter the structure of the odor molecules instead of masking them. They have the ability to increase the oxygen, release natural ozone and produce negative ions.

Essential oils like lavender, Melaleuca alternafolia, Eucapyptus globulus, lemon, orange, frankincense and lemongrass are said to be very effective in destroying airborne germs and bacteria.

When I first started with aromatherapy I purchased an aroma lamp to diffuse my oils. I have since then learned that heating or burning the oils can render the therapeutic effects, and that toxic compounds can be created. The burned oils may even be carcinogenic.

A cold air diffuser is superior and the recommended choice for diffusing essential oils. It atomize a fine mist of essential oils in the air which can remain for hours. It disperses the essential oils without heating or burning.

Diffusing certain oils using a cold air diffuser may have these benefits according to research:

Relax the body, clear the mind, and relieve tension.
Help with weight management.
Reduce bacteria, mold, fungus, and odors.
Stimulate neurotransmitters.
Improve concentration, mental clarity and alertness.
Stimulate secretion of endorphins.
Improve digestive functions.
Stimulate growth hormone production and receptivity.
Improve hormonal balance.
Improve the secretion of IgA antibodies that fight candida.
Relieve headache.

If you are new to diffusing essential oils I would suggest that you only diffuse the oils for about 15-20 minutes a day. Once you are used to the oils and their effects you can increase the time to 1-2 hours a day.

If you place the diffuser high in the room the oil mists will remove the odor causing substances as they fall through the air.

Connecting the diffuser to a timer is highly recommended so that you can be in better control over the length and duration of diffusing.

When you diffuse blends it is best to limit it to one blend at a time so that you don't alter the therapeutic effects and the smell.

Use natural soap and warm or hot water when cleaning the diffuser. It is recommended to wash the diffuser before using another blend or oil.

Don't have a diffuser? You can create a spray and mist the house, car and workplace. Add several drops to a spray bottle, add 1 cup of water and shake.

Here is a blend to get started with:

Air Freshener

Lavender 20 drops

Lemon 10 drops

Bergamot 6 drops

Lime 5 drops

Grapefruit 5 drops

Diffuse neat, straight, or mix with one cup of distilled water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray.

Other Ways to Diffuse Oils:

Add essential oils to cedar chips.
Put scented cedar chips in drawers or closets.
Put essential oils on cotton balls and place in the car or home air vents.
Place a bowl of water with a few drops of oil on a wood stove.
Dampen a cloth, apply essential oils to it, and place it near the intake duct of the heating and cooling system.

Oils like lemon, peppermint, Eucalyptus radiata, Melaleuca alternifolia and frankincense are great to use with humidifiers and vaporizers. Some essential oils may damage the plastic parts so make sure to test the oil first.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil on the skin.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied to the skin prior to sun exposure, so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

12:40 PM | Read more...

Benefits of Adding Essential Oils to Massage

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Massage is considered one of the most effective ways of administer essential oils, The essential oils are absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, and the therapeutic properties of the essential oils will reach different parts of the body. The essential oils have powerful therapeutic properties that will enhance the healing effects of the massage. The benefits of massage are many and, with the right choice of essential oils, the healing is enormous. The muscles, nerves, and the lymphatic system all benefit from massage.

The only way lymph moves around is with the help of muscular contraction and relaxation, Massage will increase those functions so the movement of lymph is encouraged. Oils like peppermint, juniper berry, rosemary, orange and grapefruit are said to stimulate the circulation of the lymph and tissue fluids. The circulation of blood is also increased during massage, and the amount of blood cells is increased. The blood flows three times faster than normal during massage, and the work required by the heart is reduced.

The main function of the lymphatic system is to drain the excessive fluid from the tissues and the cells, help fighting infections, and distribute fat soluble nutrients. Juniper Berry essential oil is a powerful diuretic, and can therefore enhance the healing of massage in conditions such as fluid retention, by increasing the flow or urine. All essential oils with diuretic properties will assist in increasing the detoxification process in the body.

The skin may become firmer, more elastic, and softer by massage since the circulation to the skin is enhanced. The increased circulation of the blood stimulates the nerve supply to the muscles, and therefore the muscle tone is improved. Black Pepper is a circulatory stimulant that will increase circulation, and assist in improving the muscle tone.

Massage can also be used to relieve pain, encourage relaxation and assist in elimination of toxins. Essential oils with analgesic properties like black pepper ( Piper nigrum), bay (Laurus nobilis) and cajuput (Melaleuca leucadendron) are excellent choices in conditions of aches and pain.

Massage is beneficial to the nervous system and it can be either sedating or uplifting. Bergamot (Citrus aurantium var, bergamia) and basil (Ocimum basilicum) are essential oils with with affinity with the nervous system, Bergamot is a relaxant nervine, and beneficial in relieving tension in the body. Basil is a stimulant nervine and will stimulate the body. Nervines strengthen the body.

You can make massage oil blends and rub on your own skin, it doesn't have to be done by a professional massage therapist. You might not get the whole body massage, but it is still beneficial. I like to add essential oils to massage oil and use it instead of body lotion after the shower, or to put on aching joints or muscles.

Please remember it is not advisable to massage in conditions such as inflamed or swollen joints, fractures, hemorrhages, inflammation, inflamed veins, or cancer.

I like to gently put on a massage oil blend in situations where my son has sprained his ankle, or is in pain from playing football.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.