Heather Dawn Godfrey, PGCE, BSc, is an aromatherapist, fellow of the International Federation of Aromatherapists, and an aromatherapy teacher. She has published a number of articles and research papers exploring the benefits of essential oils, such as how they can be applied in the management of ADHD. She lives in Lyme Regis, Dorset, UK.

Foreword by Janey Lee Grace

Acknowledgments

INTRODUCTION
Essential Oils in Context

1 What Is an Essential Oil? A Living Gift from Nature

2 Biodiversity, Botany, and Essential Oils A Deep Dive into the Plant World

3 Methods of Extraction From Plant to Bottle

4 Essential Oil Chemistry A Brief Introduction to the Science of Plant Constituents

5 Using Essential Oils Optimizing Our Body-Mind-Spirit

6 Essential Oil Profiles The Antiviral, Restorative, and Life-Enhancing Properties of 58 Plants

Glossary

Bibliography

Index

About the Author

• Explains what an essential oil is and examines the botany of how they evolved and the various roles they play, from protecting the plant to aiding its propagation
• Provides in-depth profiles for 58 common essential oils, identifying the phytochemicals that contribute to each oil's scent and healing qualities and its therapeutic applications, with an emphasis on antimicrobial and antiviral properties
• Discusses the healthiest and safest ways to use essential oils for self-care and the safe and appropriate use of essential oils for children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems
Exploring the journey of essential oils from living plant to bottle, as well as how to apply them in your own life for healing and balance, Heather Dawn Godfrey explains what an essential oil is and examines the botany of how they evolved and the various roles they play--from protecting the plant to aiding its propagation. She presents an easy-to-understand introduction to essential oil chemistry, detailing how essential oils are collected through various methods of extraction to preserve their healing properties. She then explores the healthiest and safest ways to use essential oils for self-care, including guidelines for children and the elderly as well as individuals with compromised immune systems.
The author provides in-depth individual profiles for 58 common essential oils. Each profile includes a description of the plant the essential oil is extracted from, the phytochemicals and terpenes that comprise the essential oil, and the oil's aromatherapeutic applications. Godfrey explains how each chemical contributes to the essential oil's overall scent profile and therapeutic qualities, with particular focus on its antimicrobial, antiviral, restorative, and life-enhancing properties. She also details their subtle energetic properties, including their connections to the chakras and elements.
Presenting an accessible yet scientifically based guide to healing with essential oils, this book provides a must-have reference for those who use essential oils at home, for health and well-being practitioners, for scent artists and blend creators, or for anyone wanting to explore the dynamic qualities of essential oils for themselves.