Aromatherapeutic Blending

The wealth of information on essential oils contained within this book make it an indispensable reference for all aromatherapists, and others interested in essential oils. Jennifer Rhind draws from her many years of study, experience and exploration, and combines her insights with a rigorous scientific understanding to shed new light on the actions and character of individual essential oils, together with ideas on how best to combine them into therapeutic blends. Highly recommended.

In Aromatherapeutic Blending, Jennifer Rhind explores this fascinating subject from a variety of angles, including up-to-date scientific data, the bio-chemical interaction of essential oils, individual case studies and her own experiential expertise. The material detailed in Part II, Essential Oils & Absolutes: Actions & Evidence, presents a unique contribution to aromatherapy literature and provides a valuable resource for all those involved in creating effective synergy blends. I can highly recommend this book as a well-researched reference source, as well as a practical guide to blending.

Aromatherapeutic Blending is a book that every aromatherapy practitioner should own and every aromatherapy educator should incorporate into their curriculum. The author takes you on a journey that encompasses and reviews various approaches to aromatherapetic blending and then compares and contrasts them. She provides a summary of relevant discussion of what we (as aromatherapists) have learned from many teachers and schools of thought over time; including various models of client assessment, blending and care. What is refreshing is that alongside the chemistry and biology, the author encourages the reader to discover (or renew) their relationship with plants and the personality and aromatic impact of the essential oils they provide. This book is not a "re-telling" of information, but rather a presentation of many approaches to provide a meaningful exploration, leaving it to the reader to determine what fits best into his/her holistic practice. In addition to providing current information to support the text, she provides key reflective points serving as a catalyst for a dynamic discussion between teacher and student or between colleagues. This is not a book for passive learners, but rather those who want to fully engage in the process of learning about the essential oils and their therapeutic benefits.

Rhind's enthusiastic approach makes for compelling reading from a scientific and holistic point of view. It is a useful functional aid for inspirational blending and a great reference for evidence-based practice. I would recommend it for students and well-versed aromatherapists alike and will be adding it to my recommended reading list for future aromatherapy students.

[This book] gives the reader a tool, or method, on how to bring these aromas, or essential oils, together in a synergistic blend to address the physical and emotional issues we may experience during life (...) this book gives you some techniques for perfecting aromatherapy blends for such conditions as acne, pain, inflammation, infections, wounds, allergies, anxiety, and depression.