Aromatherapy is one of the fastest growing forms of alternative medicine in the UK and USA. Essential oils are now sold in pharmacies and aromatherapy is increasingly being used in hospitals and primary care settings.

This unique book takes an analytical and scientific approach to aromatherapy practices and principles based on the scientific evidence to date.

Aromatherapy Science consists of eight chapters and 68 monographs. The chapters review the scientific basis of aromatherapy and contents include:

• historical background
• aromatherapy practice
• chemistry of essential oils
• bioactivity of essential oils
• science of smell
• safety issue
• clinical studies.

The monographs cover commonly used essential oils and their therapeutic uses, details of toxicity, bioactivity, contraindications and clinical studies.

This book provides pharmacists, GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals with reliable scientifically based information on this growing discipline.

1. Introduction
2. Definition of Aromatherapy
3. Historical Background
4. Chemistry of Esential Oils
5. The Bioactivity of Essential Oils
6. Science of Smell and Psychological Effects
7. The Safety Issue in Aromatherapy
8. Clinical Studies
9. Monographs on Commonly Used Essential Oils

 Sample chapter (177 KB)