Description

This isn’t by any means a “beginner’s book” for someone just starting to experiment with the oils. But as a thorough introduction for someone who wants to learn more, and to “fill in the gaps” of the knowledge of anyone, no matter how expert, I think it is unsurpassed.

No Nature’s Gift discounts can apply tothis rare and special book.

ADDITION…. 2nd edition

We just received the second edition. Even though there are more chapters, we are keeping the book at the same price!

This quoted from the author’s own description of the changes made in the second edition:

“Through my own training, new research and the feedback from other educators in aromatherapy, I have been able to expand on many of the existing chapters. The essential oil profiles have been extensively updated. I have included new categories on pharmacological and clinical studies, the energetics of the essentialoils, the subtle effects of essential oils and the personality profile of essential oils.While it is important to have excellent skills and knowledge to be a good aromatherapist, to be a successful aromatherapist it is also important to have sound business skills. I have therefore included information necessary todevelop these business skills in the chapter, Requirements for Professional Practice.

I am also excited to have introduced five new exciting chapters. The main reason I became involved in complementary medicine in the first place was because of my fascination with the subtle anatomy—it is therefore with great pleasure that I have introduced a chapter on Subtle Aromatherapy. I can now confidentlysay that this book is ‘complete’. While much research has been conducted in the chemistry and pharmacology of essential oils, I believe it is the subtle vibrational effects of essential oils that will make aromatherapy the holistic medicine of the 21st century.

Aromatherapy has become an integral part of mainstream health care in many hospitals and nursing homes. It is therefore appropriate that the important role that aromatherapy is now playing in mainstream health care be addressed in the Chapter on Aromatherapy for the Health Professional.

A criticism of many books on aromatherapy has been the lack of information in developing skills to blend essential oils. This has been addressed in this edition with an entire chapter dedicated to blending of essential oils. Many aromatherapists hunger for new and exciting essential oils to use in aromatherapy. I have introduced a new chapter on essential oils that may not necessarily be new or novel, but are not typically part of mainstream aromatherapy. Adventurous aromatherapists will find the chapter on Exotic Essential Oils very exciting.

The role of aromatherapy in skincare is as old as the origins of aromatherapy itself, however an exciting new phenomena in the last 8 years has been the rise of the day spa industry. Aromatherapy has played a critical role in the success of the spa industry. For individuals wishing to know more about the spa industry and how aromatherapy can compliment it, the chapter onAromatherapy and Day Spas is a must. I think that you will find that this new edition will provide you with a very strong platform on which you can confidently use and practice aromatherapy.”

In my opinion this is a “must-have” for the serious aromatherapy student.Battaglia divides the book into five sections:

• Unit 1, Background: A general intro to the principles of wellness and holistic health, the history of essential oils and their changing roles throughout history, and the nature and characteristics of EO’s, including extraction, issues of quality control and guidelines for quality assurance.
• Unit 2, Essential Issues: Current research and clinical trials, the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of the oils, the psychological effects of the oils, and how they are absorbed and utilized by the body. An extensive chapter on essential oil safety. This unit alone seems to me to be worth the purchase price. The second edition has added a comprehensive chapter on Subtle Aromatherapy.
• Unit 3, The Remedies: Monographs on the Essential Oils and Carrier Oils. Battaglia includes 67 (up from 62) “basic” essential oils used in Aromatherapy and an additional grouping of 28 less commonly used oils, defining them by botanical origin, synonyms, other species, a full description of the plant, characteristics of the EO, part of plant, method of extraction, historical use of the plant, chemical constituents, EO’s that it blends well with, properties, indicated uses for mind/spirit, body,and skin and hair, and finally, precautions. The chapter on carrier oils discusses their production, chemical analysis of each specific carrier, the uses and/or indications of each oil in aromatherapy, and the nutritional benefits of cold-pressed vegetable oils as part of our diet. Sixteen fixed oils, and three infused oils are studied. The unit ends with a chapter on Hazardous Essential Oils, with full descriptions of 23 oils that need either to be totally avoided, or used with extreme caution.
• Unit 4, Practical Matters: The knowledge necessary to practice the healing art and science of aromatherapy. An explanation of professionalism, what it is, and, more important, how it relates to Aromatherapy, a description of the different parts of a consultation, assessment, development of a treatment plan, record keeping, client files, etc. Sections on professional ethics, sanitary and safety practices have been added. An excellent chapter on prescribing, including guidelines on selecting specific oils to be used, dosage and duration of use, and an greatly expanded overview of different theories of blending oils. A full chapter on methods of administration of the oils and a full chapter on aromatherapy massage techniques. The unit ends with a full chapter on “Aromatherapy for Health Professionals” giving an overview, for example, on using Aromatherapy in care of the aged, in palliative care, and other professional callings.
• Unit 5, Clinical Index: A detailed guide to the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, broken down by major body systems. Each condition is listed with a description of cause and symptoms, suggested treatment with the essential oils, as well as suggestions regarding other, complementary therapies.
• All new Unit 6 covers “Aesthetic Aromatherapy”: Covering the function of the skin, the various benefits of essential oils, and an overview of aromatherapeutic skin care for various skin types and conditions. He also added a chapter on Aromatherapy and Day Spas, covering the role of aromatherapy in a spa, and a wide range of different treatment types.

The book ends with six appendices crammed with information.

This isn’t by any means a “beginner’s book” for someone just starting to experiment with the oils. I think the wealth of information would have scared me away when I was was just becoming acquainted with the oils. But as a thorough introduction for someone who wants to learn more, and to “fill in the gaps” of the knowledge of anyone, no matter how expert, I think it is unsurpassed.

Watch owner Marge Clark’s interview with Salvatore Battaglia at the 2018 NAHA Conference here