Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Secrets of Aromatherapy

Rate this book
Book by Harding, Jennie

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Jennie Harding

67 books15 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
13 (27%)
4 stars
19 (40%)
3 stars
11 (23%)
2 stars
4 (8%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
Profile Image for Kelly.
639 reviews99 followers
February 14, 2020
Secrets of Aromatherapy
By Jennie Harding

April 7, 2020
Republished: Quarto Publishing/Chartwell Books

Publisher: Ivy Press
Originally published 2000
Republished 2017
UK

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.
Profile Image for Martha Avans.
343 reviews4 followers
July 4, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Kirsty ❤️.
924 reviews58 followers
April 1, 2020
This is a lovely book for beginners like me to aromatherapy. I know a bit about essential oils but only when using an oil burner or adding to a room spray. There is sooo much more than that. 

The book proved a good list of ailments and which oils work best on these symptoms. It also covers how to use oils (and which ones) as part of massage therapy. There is lots to learn here but it is simply written and easy to understand 

A really useful and enjoyable book
Profile Image for Jenny Houle.
894 reviews10 followers
March 17, 2020
I really appreciated that this book drove home the importance of 1) moderation and 2) safety tests before full use. Many people think they can rush into aromatherapy, and sometimes they unintentionally hurt themselves in the long run because of it. Also, why make a huge batch of a mix only to find out your body does not tolerate it for some reason? Growing up in a house where one of the primary essential oils recommended for the respiratory system was the cause of anaphylactic issues taught me at a young age that what works for many does not work for everyone.

I also really appreciated the “datafile” on each essential oil, as it gives an in-depth look into not only their uses, but also what type of plant they are from and what part of the plant, etc.
Profile Image for Natalie  all_books_great_and_small .
3,284 reviews191 followers
March 26, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

This book is great for learning about essential oils as well as the different types of massages too.
I loved how the book gave information on safety at the beginning such as the importance of mixing essential oils with a carrier oil.
Uve always had an interest in aromatherapy but didn't know too much about it, so this book has been a great resource to exceed my knowledge and understanding.
143 reviews
January 20, 2018
Very useful book for someone who wants to learn more about essential oils, massage therapy, and aromatherapy. This book takes readers through the origins of aromatherapy, how aromatherapy works, and how to use “carrier oils” with essential oils. It also discusses many of the popular essential oils in depth, explaining how they are extracted, their best uses, and providing suggestions on blending with other oils.

This is a great book, well laid out, and easy to use. If you want to use essential oils for aches, pains, energy, general well-being, or otherwise, I highly recommend this book as a resource.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.
199 reviews19 followers
March 3, 2020
Very informative book on aromatherapy with great pictures and safety guides. I learned something .


I received an e-ARC in exchange of an honest review from the publisher via netgalley.
Profile Image for Beth.
1,206 reviews31 followers
December 19, 2017
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.

*Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC, provided by the author and/or the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Janis Hill.
Author 3 books10 followers
April 4, 2018
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.
Profile Image for Annie.
4,885 reviews90 followers
April 13, 2020
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Secrets of Aromatherapy is a new theory and practice guide for aromatherapy in the Holistic Secrets series. Released 7th April by Quarto on their Chartwell imprint, it's 224 pages and available in paperback format.

This is a well written, accessible, and fairly systematic treatment of the subject matter. Graphically, it's an appealing book with copious photographs, line drawings, and a clean and logical layout. The text is easy to understand and utilize. The introductory sections cover what aromatherapy is, some historical background and general information about the subject. The author continues with a general chapter about specific oils along with carrier oils and uses followed by an in-depth chapter on practical uses and specific applications, including a really useful section on self-massage. I liked that the book utilized modes of different ages and ethnicities. The book also includes a photo-tutorial about what to expect during a professional consultation from a practitioner. The author has included a good glossary, links and resources list, and index.

Although the entire series has an alternative/holistic feel, this book in particular is presented very professionally and doesn't leave the reader with much of an impressions of "woo woo" or pseudo-science (although there a mention of meridians and pathways - nearly all of the book is science based and sound).

Four stars. Illuminating, useful and worthwhile.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Profile Image for Roger.
209 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2020
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
Profile Image for Witch-at-Heart .
1,585 reviews23 followers
May 4, 2020
I like the design of this book it is a really good beginners guide. It has great information on the basics of aromatherapy and the selection and uses of carrier oils. I also enjoyed reading the history of the oils as well and found that very informative.

I really like that the relevant information about each essential oil is on one page – presented in a table. This is really great for beginners that might be confused by needing to flip back and forth between sections and helps simplify everything.

I love the recipes for numerous homemade blends and I am sure I will refer to it often. Overall this is very informative book on aromatherapy with great pictures and safety guides. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn more about this subject.

I received this book from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for an honest review.
#SecretsofAromatherapy
#NetGalley
945 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2020
I found this a very interesting book, as I don’t really know much about aromatherapy. It told you a little about the history of the oils as well the best use of them. It gave you recipes for certain ailments, which I thought was useful. It was split into section of the body, which is an easy book to use for reference. Lots of nice photos which complemented the book. It also goes into a bit about how to massage and some case studies of people’s ailments. Overall, felt it was a very in-depth book, which gave you more than you bargained for!

Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Cozy Reviews.
2,050 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2020
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity for review. My review opinion is my own.

This is a excellent guide for all students of essential oils. I have been using oils for years and found much here to learn from and incorporate into my practice. The author has a pleasing format and has included safety measures, uses of oils and properties of each oil. The information is extensive and well presented. I recommend that you purchase a hard copy to use in your home library and easily refer to when making oil receipes.

I highly recommend this book for all that practice with essential oils and all that are new to oils. Very well done to the author.
Profile Image for Meg.
57 reviews7 followers
January 22, 2018
This book is a handy overview of the various common essential oils that many "dabblers" would stock their home remedy cabinet with. I really liked the brief, almost bullet point overview of the origin & uses for each type of essential oil for quick reference. The "blends well with other oils" section is going to be very useful. I have been wanting an essential oil reference book instead of having to research online each time I want to use some of my small collection.

** Goodreads Giveaways **
Profile Image for Cynthia Troncquo.
200 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2020
This is a very handy guide for the basics of aromatherapy. I was going through the pages and thought I had seen it before. Well, obviously I had. Because I have it in my bookshelf, only in Dutch!
I’ve used it plenty of times over the years to look up different oils I could use for this or that reason. I’d recommend it to anyone’s wanting a clear and simple guide with essential oils
Profile Image for Sinead.
546 reviews10 followers
Want to Read
September 13, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Sinead.
546 reviews10 followers
September 13, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Janie Anderson.
395 reviews12 followers
July 21, 2020
Author #Jennie Harding has a wonderful book out ‘#Secrets of Aromatherapy ‘. This book is very informative and now is the perfect time to learn all this.With the stay at home and the book is nice for your coffee table.
Thank you,
#Netgalley, #Jennie Harding and #Quarto Publishing
Profile Image for Carissa.
538 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2019
A basic introduction to aromatherapy and massage. It's interesting information, one way or another. A good gift.
Profile Image for Missy.
143 reviews33 followers
March 5, 2020
Introductory guide to essential oils. They explore in detail and offer advice and teach you the power of these methods. Alot of great information for the basics of aromatherapy and the carrier oils. I liked reading the history of the oils and the best use for them.

Thank you to publisher and NetGalley for the eARC
Profile Image for Kassandra.
200 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2021
Extremely good book if you want to learn more about essential oils, make your own lotion and for massages with essential oils! Good beginners book!
Profile Image for Violeta.
73 reviews
June 10, 2013
Διάβασα την ελληνική έκδοση.είναι πολύ ενημερωτικό για τα βασικά αιθέρια έλαια και τις βασικές αρχές της αρωματοθεραπείας
Profile Image for Chantal Pearce.
40 reviews11 followers
September 13, 2016
Jargon-free approach makes aromatherapy easy to understand for the newcomer. A great starter book ideal as a gift showing detailed instructions on massage techniques with pictures.
Profile Image for Sarah Elizabeth.
426 reviews
Read
December 31, 2017
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.

I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews