Secrets of Aromatherapy

Once you have chopped fresh rosemary and used it in cooking, you will never view herbs in the same way. Rosemary can also help improve mood. In "Secrets of Aromatherapy" you will find the botanical name, plant type, essential oil source, fragrance description, geographical origin, safety notes, properties, key use, other uses, psychological affect and what the essential oil of rosemary can be blended with. Aromatherapy can be used to defuse emotion, mental and physical stress. Plant extracts contain many secrets of healing. The essential oils are extracted from the plants and can then be applied to promote relaxation or healing. The essential oils can be found in the root (ginger), leaves (rosemary), fruit (oranges), flower (rose) or wood (sandalwood). As you journey into the amazing world of aromatherapy, you will discover favorite scents you will enjoy time after time. The first chapter gives historical details, shows how the oils are extracted, explains oils and carrier oils, gives therapeutic guidelines, shows methods of use and gives the best ways to store oils. The second chapter features 30 key essential oils and 8 carrier oils for home use. A variety of charts shows health conditions and how to treat them with the oils. Enter the world of: Lavender, patchouli, orange, neroli, cypress, rosemary, juniper, marjoram, eucalyptus, sandalwood, tea tree, peppermint, jasmine, clary sage, rose, mandarin, bergamont and ylang ylang. Jojoba, avocado, evening primrose, apricot kernel, grapeseed, sunflower and other oils are discussed in detail. If you want to make your own "base cream," you will appreciate the recipes for mixtures containing beeswax, rose water and almond oil. These are great fun to make and I made a batch of peppermint cream one Christmas. We found little hand cream containers and gave them away as gifts. The third chapter contains pictures and explanations for using the essential oil mixtures in massage. If you have never been to a massage, there is a whole section dedicated to explaining massage. After a long hard day, you might also enjoy creating a sanctuary for yourself with candles, music and a tub of warm water scented with your favorite oil. There are many ideas on how you can use the oils throughout your home. I recently found a source for lavender wood furniture oil and it scents my whole home when I use it on furniture. The company I purchase my oils from is online. There are also many sources in the back of this book. Most health food stores now carry a whole line of essential oils. Look for blends of your favorite oils or for individual scents. Soon you will have a large collection and using essential oils will become as "essential" to your life as eating and sleeping. Please feel free to write to me if you need a source for purchasing essential oils. ~The Rebecca Review