The Art of Aromatherapy: The Healing and Beautifying Properties of the Essential Oils of Flowers and Herbs

by Robert Tisserand

This complete, practical guide shows how to use the essential oils of flowers and herbs as a gentle yet effective method of natural healing. Beginning with the history and use of essential oils in cosmetics and perfumes from ancient Egyptian times to the present day, the author details 29 essences, with their properties and applications in more than 100 conditions, ranging from emotional stress to skin disorders.
Includes easy-to-prepare recipes for massage and medicinal oils, facial masks, ointments, and aromatic baths.

Explains the importance of essential oils in Swedish, shiatsu, and neuromuscular massage.

Provides tables of evaporation rates, odor intensity, therapeutic index, and glossary of medical terms.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

328 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1977

Reviews

[Naomi Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of interesting historical information, some good suggestions for practical application but it is a little dated. I would still recommend it for anyone that wants a thorough education of aromatherapy.

[Jennifer Barr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of really interesting info here, but it's like he gives you just enough information to make you interested, but not enough to be very useful. He also goes on a bit about pushing a vegetarian agenda, but I like the history and research involved.

[Lebotta – Frankincense Oil Exporter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robert Tisserand’s The Art of Aromatherapy is a must-read for anyone serious about natural wellness and plant-based healing. As someone deeply involved in sourcing and working with premium frankincense oil, this book was a reminder of how powerful and sacred these botanicals truly are.

Tisserand gives special attention to oils like Boswellia sacra, helping readers understand why Omani frankincense oil has been revered for centuries for its calming, purifying, and skin-nourishing benefits. The insights into aromatherapy frankincense oil align deeply with what we do at Lebotta—where we specialize in wildcrafted frankincense oil, sustainably sourced from the Dhofar region.

I also appreciated how this book bridges ancient knowledge with modern wellness, which is something our clients—especially in the skincare and spa product industries—are constantly asking for. If you're looking for high-grade frankincense oil for skincare or bulk frankincense oil for aromatherapy, I’d recommend giving us a look.

We supply globally and work with wellness brands, aromatherapists, and formulators.

📩 For B2B or wholesale inquiries: sales@lebotta.com
🌐 Visit: www.lebotta.com

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is geared towards beginners, and has detailed information on limited number of common essential oils and their applications. What I especially appreciate about this book is that recommended dilutions for various applications, and the conversions for drops, to teaspoons to mLs, etc. That is rare to find in an aromatherapy book.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference. My only complaint is that there's a lot of information about internal use of essential oils. At the back of the book is an updated safety notice as of 1994 that essential oils should never be taken internally. That should have been included at the beginning of the book.

[Corinnagoodwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book is an overload of info, so much so that it's hard to look through. this is mostly about the history of oils and the history of there uses. not helpful when looking for basic info.

[Terri Palermo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book, written in 1977, is more of a history of how oils came to be used for natural health. A good book for research but not what I need at the moment.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative even though originally written in 1977.

[Angela Gentile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressed With One of the First Books to Bring Awareness to Aromatherapy

Robert Tisserand's book was written in 1977, 40 years ago. "The Art of Aromatherapy" is considered one of the first books to bring awareness to aromatherapy. Tisserand is an international speaker, educator and consultant on the science and benefits of essential oils. He has quite the impressive website!

Being new to the topic, I really appreciated all the history of aromatherapy and all the different uses. He provides information on odours, the body, the mind, aromatic baths, massage and skin care and how they relate to the essences. He gives practical hints an a few recipes. Tisserand provides more information on 29 essential oils, from Basil to Ylang-ylang. It could have benefited from an index as it could be considered a reference guide. A great addition to any aromatherapy enthusiast's library.

Angela G. Gentile, MSW, RSW

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Es un estupendo libro para aquellos principiantes que incursionan en la aromaterapia por primera vez. El libro trae mucha información acerca de las virtudes de los aceites esenciales, así como los beneficios en la salud de quienes los usan. Trae información específica de algunos aceites esenciales tales como la lavanda, el hinojo, la salvia, el romero, la albahaca, el sándalo, el jazmín, entre otros. Menciona ampliamente los distintos métodos de extracción de los aceites y los múltiples usos que se les pueden dar, así como la historia de la aromaterapia. También habla de los efectos de los aceites esenciales en la mente y las emociones, así como los distintos sistemas del cuerpo, como el digestivo, respiratorio, nervioso, circulatorio, linfático, etc. Es un libro de fácil lectura y bastante completo. Para un repertorio más amplio de aceites y padecimientos a tratar es también muy recomendable el libro de Aromaterapia de la A a la Z, de Patricia Davis.

[Alexandrianeighbourhoodlibrary]

Book cover on shelf - Lady in garden

[Гергана · Rating 5 out of 5]

Най-накрая се сдобих с нея! :)
Прочела съм около 1/3 - написана много достъпно (за което евала и на преводача), с много подробности и интересно :)

[Jennifer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I guess I'm not ready for this book. The author seems to pull ideas out of no where and proclaim them as fact. I couldn't get past the first few chapters of garbage.

[Lilia Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encantó, es un libro que he leído cerca de tres veces. Siempre vuelvo a él. 🖤