An Introductory Guide to Aromatherapy (Paperback)

The good points about this book is that the info is very clear. They are in common name order, rather than latin which is helpful when you are learning. As long as you can verify the info which another reference book, you'll be ok.

Just watch out for the sloppiness, any lecturer worth their salt will be able to point out the mistakes.

Buy the book if you are taking an ITEC exam, and learn it, but always bear in mind that other books are better

There are many books and primers that we have used in our lives such as "My first ABC" or "1+2 = 3" or dare I say it, even "The Highway Code". These books were essential to us grasping basic concepts and ideas, and when we were done with them, we moved on.

Many people find Tucker's approach to aromatherapy far too simplified, and in some instances, simplification to the point of possibly being erroneous. That is true, but this should not distract from the fact that book is an introductory guide, and does that job well.

After very briefly describing the history and origins of aromatherapy, and essential oils and where they originate, the Tucker takes a brief look at the chemistry of essential oils, and how they affect the body's individual systems. The major part of the book then goes through the 42 oils which are part of the ITEC examination. For each oil, there is a short description, the Latin botanical name, the origin, the method of extraction, the part of the plant from which the oil is extracted, the main chemical constituents of the oil, the main therapeutic uses of the oil, the main systems that would benefit from the oil, and the main contraindication. It then helpfully sets out for each oil, an important characteristic or feature under the heading "If you remember only one thing..."

The book also covers the administration of the oils, and also the principles behind aromatherapy massage.

The book does take a simplified approach to what is a large and complex topic, on which in some areas there is little agreement. The one page monographs certainly do not lend themselves to detail study, more to commitment to memory. There is certainly no discussion in the book about the reasons for the recommended usage, or the basis for the claimed therapeutic uses or even the contraindications. Those who which to seek a more detailed understanding of the bases and workings of aromatherapy would do better to look elsewhere.

Having said all that, Louise Tucker's book is the set text for those taking the Aromatherapy examinations of the International Therapy Examination Council. The examinations are based on this book, and the model answers are also taken from this book. It therefore behooves any student taking the ITEC examination to study this book. For the purpose of passing the examinations, this book is truly without equal. For that and that reason alone, I give this book the 5 star rating.

And then on passing the examinations, like our "Good driving techniques" book our driving school gave us a long time ago, we can set Tucker's book aside, and face up to the "real" world of Aromatherapy.