This guide offers a practical approach to understanding the pharmacological actions of essential oils. Incorporating up-to-date research findings, the book takes you, step by step, through the fundamental chemistry of aromatherapy and explains the powerful effects of essential oils on the body at a molecular level. Information includes: essential oil extraction methods and techniques for quality control; useful chemical diagrams and easy-to-follow explanations; and reference charts of the major compounds of 89 essential oils. The book helps to make sense of the chemistry of aromatherapy for those who really want to understand the science and efficacy of this healing art. Suitable for students and practitioners of holistic therapies, it should also appeal to nurses, doctors, pharmacists and other allied health practitioners.

Author Biography

E. Joy Bowles BSc Hon, has taught the chemistry of essential oils to aromatherapists in Australia and America since 1991. In 2001 Joy developed an on-line course for The Australasian College of Herbal Studies in Oregon, USA. She has also taught at the highly regarded Nature Care College in Sydney and run workshops for the International Federation of Aromatherapists. She co-founded the Aromatherapy Research Group (TARG) in 1997. Joy has a Graduate Certificate in Environmental Education at Griffith University. She has recently been awarded a full scholarship to complete a PhD at Southern Cross University, NSW, where she will conduct research into aromatherapy for aged care.