The Practice of Aromatherapy: A Classic Compendium of ... (ISBN 0892813989)

The Practice of Aromatherapy:
When you look in the Bibliographies of Aromatherapy books, The Practice of Aromatherapy by Valnet, is always mentioned. There's a good reason why: first written in 1980 and translated into English in 1982, Valnet (an M.D.) is one of the foremost experts in Aromatherapy. His book not only teaches about the healing power of aromatic plants, but, gives textbook like instruction in the importance of herbals and essential oils. He includes studies on 40 individual essential oils, detailing their internal and external uses along with some recipes. There is also a Therapeutic Index, case histories, and formulas. I dont think this is a beginners book; however, a must for the serious student of Aromatherapy.

Well documented classic:
The previous reviewer who said this book was just a compilation of anecdotes and imagination didn't read carefully. Dr. Valnet includes several medical case studies as well as detailed anecdotes. The medical establishment is notorious for discounting "common wisdom" when it comes to herbals, and yet this information has been passed on for generations. Dr. Valnet, as a medical doctor, includes the uses as well as some warnings. His writing is sometimes difficult to understand, as he uses a lot of medical terminology, some of which is European. But the glossary in the back helps tremendously. I'm just beginning on my herbal education road, and I chose this book because so many other herbals refer to it. It's challenging getting through the introduction and the whys/wherefores. But once the foundation information is established, the rest goes quickly and easily. Contains listings by herb as well as by ailment, making it easy to study either a single herb or try different approaches for a single ailment.

Interesting, but not Convincing:
This seems to be a typical old-fashioned herbal, only with emphasis on essential oils and aromatics rather than simply herbs. In other words, lots of untested claims. I assume they're untested, as the author provides little evidence for his assertions, save a very few anecdotal stories. I have no problem with anecdotal evidence, but I'd like rather more of it if I'm to be reassured a treatment is worth trying. I think I myself could write a book like this--I have a good imagination, and it looks as though that may be all that's required. I gave it two stars because I found it mildly entertaining.

Classic on Medical Aromatherapy:
Here is one book that just about everyone who writes on Medical Aromatherapy refers to. The book is written by a medical doctor and the initial chapter (about 50 pages) of the book deal with drawbacks of modern medication. One of the chief drawbacks mentioned is that as the body becomes used to certain medication it requires more and more of it to produce therapeutic effect; meanwhile as more medications are added, there is a greater chance of undesirable side-effects. He also mentions instances where the use of essential oils has given better and faster results, as well as times when they were useful because nothing else was available (as in some places during war times). The rest of the books deals with the properties, as well as internal and external uses of about 40 popular essential oils. Among different forms of application, there are also traditional recipes where particular flowers, herbs or spices have been used in cooking, in creation of wines and liquers, vinegars, elixirs, lozenges and for cleaning and desinfecting premises.

The Practice of Aromatherapy : A Classic Compendium of Plant Medicines and Their Healing Properties:
What can I say - It's a must have if you are at all serious about understanding Aromatherapy and the philosophy behind it. Valnet is and has been a well referenced Author and holds a special section on our clinic's bookshelf. Need I say more?