From my Library ~ Some Books on Aromatherapy

Yesterday I posted a bit about some essential oils that are good for fighting sinus problems. I thought that today I would suggest some books for further reading about aromatherapy.

This list is taken from my own library of reference books. There are links to some of them down the left column of my blog, under the My library section. Most of these can also be ordered from your local independent bookstore. Any of these books would be worthy additions to your library.

• 500 Formulas for Aromatherapy by Carol & David Schiller: This is one of the first books I bought on the subject. it was first published in 1994. It's very straight-forward and set up with recipes to make blends for most any ailment. It's only 128 pages, but I find myself turning to this book quite often for a quick fix.
• Aromatherapy- A Lifetime guide to Healing with Essential Oils by Valerie Gennari Cooksley: 1996, This comprehensive guide covers aromatherapy for all your body's systems, and is very thorough about how to use oils (and what not to do), there's a reference guide to individual oils, as well as a chapter on how to blend oils. it's a large volume at 400 pages.
• The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood: First published in the UK in 1990, this book is one of many that Valerie Worwood has written on the subject of aromatherapy. I think that I turn to this book more than any other I have on the subject. I consider this a bible on the subject. She has recipes for many problems, and chapters on sports, occupational health, beauty, domestic animals, and toxic-free environmental uses. She uses a "core" group of essential oils, all of which are easy to find and not very expensive. That's one of the things that appeals to me about this author.
• The Fragrant Mind - Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion by Valerie Ann Worwood, 1996: this book is an in-depth look at using aromatherapy for psychological issues. I'll just quote from the back cover, " Worwood introduces her Aroma Genera system of personality types and advises readers on which oils and methods can prevent stress, depression, moodiness and insomnia, and which can promote self-esteem, confidence, and well-being ~ all without synthetic drugs or chemicals". This is a very, very interesting way to approach using essential oils.
• The Fragrant Heavens - The spiritual dimension of fragrance and aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood, 1999: I just bought this book a few months ago and am finding that Worwood again amazes me! In this book, she connects the dots between the energy in plants (much like as in Plant Spirit Medicine) and healing the spiritual self with aromatherapy. there are chapters on using oils to clear negativity, angelic vibrations, prayer,and distance healing, among others. A very different look at an alternative healing modality.
• Magical Aromatherapy by Scott Cunningham, 1989: Prolific Wiccan author Cunningham gives us a great reference book for using aromatherapy and oils in our daily magickal life. With a nice guide to the individual oils, I find myself turning again and again to the Tables section where he lists oils for the seasons, lunar cycles, elements, zodiac, etc. At about 200 pages, this little book is definitely worth having in your library, even if you already own his other books on Incense and Oils.

Now you have a few books to start with for your own aromatherapy collection. I have others, but the ones I listed here are my favorites! What scent will you be wearing today?