By Lori Bosworth
For many of us, our intentions for 2015 are to adopt healthier habits. In this light, I was given the chance to review the book, The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele. This 480-page book, published by Robert Rose Inc., is a guide to essential oils and natural remedies for common ailments such as skin problems, back pain, respiratory problems, coughs, colic, diaper rash, arthritis, stress, pregnancy issues, PMS, bronchitis and many more. Purchon, who trained as a nurse, spent years with her husband in their native Australia operating their natural herb and cruelty-free cosmetics company while Cantele came to use essential oil blends after being in two car accidents that led to extreme back pain.

The handbook begins with an introduction to essential oils and then describes each essential oil, their properties and cautions for use. For the “overexcitable,” Cedarwood Essential Oil is recommended. The antiviral properties of Lavender Essential Oil make it a beneficial chest rub for coughs, colds and bronchitis. Sandalwood Essential Oil helps one move deeper into meditation, in addition to increasing one’s sexuality. Sweet Orange Essential Oil helps combat depression and eases indigestion.
There are several methods listed to use the essential oil blends including for massage, to inhale or to use in the bathtub. The instructions are very easy to follow.
Here is a typical remedy included in the handbook for Morning Sickness:
Morning Sickness and Nausea Blend, courtesy of The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Purchon and Lora Cantele, 2014 © www.robertrose.ca Reprinted with publisher permission. Available where books are sold.
30 drops lemon essential oil
30 drops ginger essential oil
25 drops spearmint essential oil
In a 1/6 oz (5 mL) glass dropper bottle, combine lemon, ginger and spearmint essential oils. Shake to blend.
Place 21 drops Morning Sickness and Nausea Blend in a small non-reactive bowl. Place inhaler wick in the bowl and allow it to absorb the entire amount. Insert the wick inside the inhaler tube and tightly cap the bottom of the inhaler with the plug. Place the inhaler tube inside its cover and screw tightly to close. Inhale as needed to settle stomach.
At the back of the handbook is a section for using essential oils to care for your face. There are several recipes for facial scrubs, masks, astringents and moisturizers, as well as directions for using essential oils to treat blackheads, Eczema and Psoriasis.
If you prefer to use natural remedies for everyday complaints or want to venture into preparing your own natural cosmetics, The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness belongs in your home.
Hi there! Stopping by from an Alex thread…This handbook sounds amazing! I keep telling myself I need to get more into aromatherapy but keep procrastinating. This handbook sounds like an easy-to-use, ideal starter book for people like me! 😉
Hi Lisa, Yes, this book is easy to use and I love that it contains “recipes” for moisturizers and toners! Cheers, Lori
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