This week’s aromatherapy book review is not for the faint-hearted! Or perhaps I should say, pick up this aromatherapy book only if you are serious about your aromatherapy chemistry! Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy by Sue Clarke is an excellent book about both essential oils and carrier oils with regard to their chemical make-up – but I would suggest that you have at least some basic training in aromatherapy before investing in it.
About the Author: Sue Clarke
Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy is authored by Sue Clarke, ” a senior lecturer (formerly at Leigh College and Salford University) and freelance journalist, Cheshire, UK” (as described on the inner cover pages of the book).
About Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy
Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy was first published in 2002 and is now in its 2nd edition (2008); the book is aimed at aromatherapists who do not have a degree in science but need to understand more about the chemistry of esential oils. Throughout the book you will find photos and illustrations which help you to understand the written text; this is particularly useful in the earlier chapters that discuss the individual components of essential oils in great detail.
In addition, you will also find lots of boxes of “aroma facts” throughout the book which are essentially informative tidbits related to the area you are reading about but are written in an easy-to-read way that you will remember additional information about that particular area.
Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy also includes profiles of some of the more popular essential oils and carrier oils, along with diagrams of scientific data that relate to chemical composition of oils. The latter chapters in the book cover extraction and processing methods, analytic methods for assessing the quality of oils and how to safely use and store essential oils, in addition to legislation requirements with regard to labeling etc (although be aware that this book refers to predominately UK legislation).
Wherever you are based in the world, Essential Chemistry for Aromatherapy by Sue Clarke is an invaluable resource to the serious aromatherapist who understands the importance of knowing the chemical composition of an oil that you are working with. The book is available from Amazon in the United States, priced at $48.64.
