Very attractive and illustrative
I really enjoyed the editorial design of Ivy Press, it is visually attractive and friendly, very clean easy to read, very well organized information and accompanied with good quality images.
The author takes us by the hand considering many fundamental angles that we must take into account: the historical background, the main oils with their therapeutic applications, the most used carrier oils, even examples of cream and lotion blends base very useful and of interest to the personal welfare.

The third part is the one I liked most for its educational application for practitioners, here are case studies with a general guide: aromatherapy treatment and instructions for massaging, self-care suggested and timescale; and also a section with self-treatment for facial care, self-massage for relaxation -pain relief, tone-revitalize, scented bathing.

I recommend this book for beginner practitioners as a study guide and as a reference for advanced practitioners, for people interested in applying some suggestions with their family and home, for facilitators of psycho-body, alternative and holistic therapies, for doctors and coaches of integral well-being.

My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book

Thank you Netgalley for the review copy of this book.

This book is a really useful guide for those starting out in aromatherapy. It gives all of the history, properties etc of the oils and is nicely set out. Purchased a copy for our college library this year.

Aromatherapy is a treatment method without any sideeffects....... Everyone likes to smell pleasant and soothing fragrance....... This book is a great eye opener about aromatherapy.......

I would like to thank Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an open and honest review.

Now this is another one of those books I read all the way back at the start of the year (yes, it’s April and I am already thinking of January as eons ago) but am only now leaving a review. Sorry, it seems to have slipped through the cracks and so I have no real excuses as to why it’s taken me so long to pull my finger out and chat about it. It’s not that it was a terrible book or anything like that… I just forgot. Part of my perfectly imperfect role modelling. ;-)

Okay, so I found the first part of the ‘Secrets of Aromatherapy’ quite interesting - The history of aromatherapy itself, how it’s been brought into the modern day and so on. But when the book discusses different herbs, and how/ when to use them, I found the formatting a little too cluttered and chaotic. Plus there was no real method to its organisation for me… but this is ME and maybe I missed something and should have been paying more attention in the section that discusses how the book is laid out? I just found ‘Secrets of Aromatherapy’ jumped about to different plants and herbs with no real connection. Maybe because I am into herbalism I was seeking an alphabetic list (by Latin or English names)? Maybe if it worked on parts of the body or moods grouped together? I don’t know. Each page held interest to me, but I just got annoyed in the higgledy piggledy organisation. For me, this is not a book to thumb through to find the right section; you would need to refer to the index each time.

BUT! Please don’t take this as a negative or meaning the ‘Secrets of Aromatherapy’ is a terrible book. No, it was an enjoyable read… I just had to ignore its seeming lack of consistency in where things went. Jumping back and forth between herbs and applications/ treatments just didn’t gel with me. The actual information – very good. How it was laid out – not so good.

I also do feel ‘Secrets of Aromatherapy’ is more a book for those already into remedial massage and the use of Aromatic herbs and oils. As I beginner I often got lost in how to massage, treatments, etc. Yes there were some clear, step by step instructions… but I just didn’t feel comfortable in giving them a go as I know you can actually do more harm than good with such remedies of you don’t know what you’re doing. And as I will raise my hand to the “I don’t know what I’m doing” question, I feel this book is better suited to be left to those with more experience in Aromatherapy. We newbies need a more basic book.

All in all, lovely images, some really good information, but not the best layout and not at my basic skill level.

Would you recommend this book to others?

Maybe? I would definitely mention it if the topic of Aromatherapy arose in conversation and even say nice things about it. But this isn’t one of those books I am going to use as a conversation starter with anyone silly enough to meet my frantic gaze when I’m in a book sharing mood.

And I would mention the issues I had with it and state I feel you need to know what you’re doing when it comes to aromatherapy to get the best out of this book.

Would I buy this book for myself?

Sadly no. I mean, if I saw it in the library I might re-read it and see if I could improve some of my knowledge and skills regarding aromatherapy… but this is not the book for me. And not because it is a bad book, but because I don’t feel I am at the right skill set to use it. Those already working in aromatherapy will no doubt get far more out of it than I did.

In summary: An interesting look into aromatherapy, where it comes from and how to use it today.

I’ve been practising aromatherapy since I qualified about 15 years ago, like most practitioners I have a range of books that are used as reference. I have one that fits into my case but alas it is now becoming out of date and showing it age and constant use. This, to me, is a perfect replacement for quick reference on the road as well for anyone who is new to aromatherapy. There is data sheets for every oil, including base oils which I am finding harder to get break downs for (the blend of base oil can be just as important as the essential oils). The breakdown of what to expect in your professional session is a welcome addition especially for people are new to having treatment.
A recommended reference for professionals as well as for people who are new to the therapy.

This book had a very interesting approach to aromatherapy with all the required background information.
It provides ideas to experiment at home for all purposes as well expands your general knowledge about plans and where the oils are extracted from.
It is worth having on the shelf for any future chances of having access to the required oils.

Nice introduction to Aromatherapy, gives basic information on history and how the therapy involved over the years as well as how you personally can use it to help yourself.
Its a good book to learn the basics, so everyone that just starts out, can defiantly get a lot out of this book.
If you already know a good amount on the topic, this will not be anything new to you.

Nice beginners book. Gives the basic info on using essential oils. Would be great for someone that wants to learn how to use oils. Gives you some history into oils also. So that's nice.

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read it.

I really didn't like that the pictures were blocked out, because it blocked out some of the text.
This book was good for your basic essential oil reference. I appreciated that it stated that you DO NOT ingest them. Because you shouldn't.

Great information on essential oils. It was especially helpful to learn about proper storage methods and different applications of different oils.

I read an updated edition of this book, and it was an interesting explanation of different essential oils and their uses across history and across needs of the human body.

If you don't much about oils and their uses, this would be a great introduction to that world.

Great book with a lot of information. I look forward to buying it on paperback since it was not available for Kindle. Thank you for the informative read.

<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34220871-secrets-of-aromatherapy" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px"><img border="0" alt="Secrets of Aromatherapy" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1492922937m/34220871.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34220871-secrets-of-aromatherapy">Secrets of Aromatherapy</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5588.Jennie_Harding">Jennie Harding</a><br/>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2217858814">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Secrets of Aromatherapy By Jennie Harding
Publisher: Ivy Press
2000, republished 2017
UK
Non-fiction, health&healing

I received a copy of this digital copy of this book for review from NetGalley and Ivy Press.
I love the therapeutic uses of essential oils in aromatherapy and massage. The book provides a historical perspective of the origins of aromatherapy. The book is displayed in a beautiful color and explanation of oils and carrier oils. Helpful instruction on buying and storage as well as many different uses. Much of the book offers some basic massage techniques to ease minor discomforts.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/917223-kelly
View all my reviews

A super informative, easy to read beginners guide on using essential oils. I thought it interesting that the book is called "Secrets of Aromatherapy," when it included so much more - how to use the oils in rubs, lotions and more not just for their scents, but for the vitamins, minerals and other things that can soak into the skin and body and promote healing and wellness.

Simple yet comprehensive resource for those interested in aromatherapy. I loved the recipes for different blends and will be trying them out soon.

I would have liked to see a little more information on safety and proper usage as essential oils can make children and adults very sick if used improperly.