Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications

by K. Husnu Can Baser (Editor), Gerhard Buchbauer (Editor)

Egyptian hieroglyphs, Chinese scrolls, and Ayurvedic literature record physicians administering aromatic oils to their patients. Today society looks to science to document health choices and the oils do not disappoint. The growing body of evidence of their efficacy for more than just scenting a room underscores the need for production standards, quality control parameters for raw materials and finished products, and well-defined Good Manufacturing Practices. Edited by two renowned experts, the Handbook of Essential Oils covers all aspects of essential oils from chemistry, pharmacology, and biological activity, to production and trade, to uses and regulation. Bringing together significant research and market profiles, this comprehensive handbook provides a much-needed compilation of information related to the development, use, and marketing of essential oils, including their chemistry and biochemistry. A select group of authoritative experts explores the historical, biological, regulatory, and microbial aspects. This reference also covers sources, production, analysis, storage, and transport of oils as well as aromatherapy, pharmacology, toxicology, and metabolism. It includes discussions of biological activity testing, results of antimicrobial and antioxidant tests, and penetration-enhancing activities useful in drug delivery. New information on essential oils may lead to an increased understanding of their multidimensional uses and better, more ecologically friendly production methods. Reflecting the immense developments in scientific knowledge available on essential oils, this book brings multidisciplinary coverage of essential oils into one all-inclusive resource.

991 pages, Hardcover

First published March 13, 2008

Reviews

[Amy Kreydin]

This book was recommended by a couple of colleagues and the estimable Jane Buckle, PhD, so I was pleased to put my hands on a copy of this massive book. It is *very* technical. Ideal for anyone planning to take on an essential oil research study and needing to fill in gaps of knowledge. It is also a highly citable book for those of us writing technical documents! Overall it reads a bit like a car manual, for nearly a thousand pages, and isn't budget-friendly for most aromatherapy students. If your university can get their hands on a copy for the lab that'd be great! I give it 5 stars for being so very thorough but make no mistakes about this book, it is reference material at its finest. You won't find an "essential oil recipes" chapters in this one!

[Grant Knuckles]

Heavy and thick tome. Lots of good books, thrown out as superfluous from university. Rescued books.