Guest Author - Robin Rounds Whittemore
Aromatherapy for Dummies is a great book to pick up if you are interested in aromatherapy. It was written by Kathi Keville. The copyright was 1999, but the information contained inside those pages is good today as well!
Part 1 is called Aromatherapy Essentials. In this section you will learn about scents and how they are derived from plants. There is also a piece on medicinal compounds in essential oils. The section also contains ways to surround yourself with scents and shows you how to make your own scents.
Part 2 is named “Inscentives” for Living: Aromatherapy in your life. This part tells you how to use aromatherapy to de-bug your home, as well as aromatherapy on the job. This part of the book also shows you how to make your own aromatherapy products for bath and body. It will save you money over the spa treatments. The section also contains information on getting well with smell.
Part 3 has to do with the power of ten. In this section, Kathi tells you ten ways to add fragrance to your life. If you have a green thumb, or even if you don't, there is information on ten herbs to grow for fragrance. There are several tips given to help grow your herbs.
Part 4 is a symptom guide. It shows you how to use aromatherapy to treat a few common conditions. Also in the symptom guide, there are drawings and descriptions of the plants used. Kathi also lists cautions to be aware of.
She makes it very clear that aromatherapy is not a cure for any disease and not a reason to skip any appointment you may have with a doctor. Always remember to tell your doctor beforehand that you would like to use aromatherapy and essential oils. While you are on treatments prescribed by the doctor, always keep him or her informed of any aromatherapy and essential oils you are using.
She will give you the condition name, such as acne, cuts, dandruff, and even how to combat poison ivy, among other conditions. This will be followed by suggested aromatherapy remedies and in some cases, the formula to make your own aromatherapy aid. There is also a part to read on healthy habits to attain a better balance.
Part 5 is a resource guide on schools for aromatherapy as well as websites for more information. There is a section on where to buy products, as ell as aromatherapy organizations.
All in all, this is a great book in terms of information being passed on to the reader. It is written in simple terms that anyone can understand. Kathi, with over 30 years experience in aromatherapy, does not talk over anyone’s head.
