Review: "The Aromatherapy Course" Part 2 - recipes

Last week, I reviewed The Aromatherapy Course {HERE}. It was full of good recipes and blends. Here's a few to get you excited to check it out: 

Review: "The Aromatherapy Course"

Over the holidays, I picked up the book "The Aromatherapy Course" and began a quest in self-study. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, as I have not taken a self-study course before. Let me break it down for you - who would enjoy this book, what I did and didn't like and where to get it. 

What: The Aromatherapy Course

Who: This was written by Jessie Hawkins, the founder of Vintage Remedies. Unfortunately, there is no biography information available in the book. I was, however, able to find it on their website HERE.

Where to Buy: You can purchase the course/book on the Vintage Remedies website located HERE. They also recommend purchasing a companion book as an accompaniment to the course. It is titled, "Handbook of Vintage Remedies", and is available HERE or on Amazon HERE (side note: if you have Amazon Prime, you can borrow it for free). 

About the Course/Book: This is an introduction to aromatherapy with lessons, study guides, worksheets with projects to complete, and self-testing with an answer key. There is also a section covering essential oil profiles and recipes. 

How long did it take? I completed the course in three days with around three hours per day dedicated to it. It may take you longer if you complete all the projects fully. 

Section One: Covers basic health and herbal home use. There are some helpful charts for documenting illness and family health history. You may want to skim this section or head right to section two.

Section Two: Now we jump into aromatherapy, which is why we're all here, right?! I learned about the history of aromatherapy, modern aromatherapy, production and quality testing. I learned a fair amount in this section. The author did an outstanding job explaining complex things in a way that I was able to understand.

Section Three: Here we look at the characteristics of essential oils, medical classifications, phytochemistry and safety.  This section is full of the following information: a chapter of definitions, an easy to understand explanation of the chemistry of essential oils (I finally understood!), and important safety information. 

Section Four: Let's put what we've learned into practice - this section looks at diffusion, topical application and synergy. There is also an entire chapter with detailed how-to's for making the basics, like lotion and bath salts.  

Section Five: We are given a profile of 19 different essential oils with several recipes for each one. 

Section Six: This is a list of the author's essential oil blends that she has created and uses for her family. 

What I liked: I really appreciated the self-testing and projects to complete. I find that I learn better when I'm taking notes to prep for a mini test and I always find the hands-on approach to be beneficial. My favorite parts were 1) section three because I learned about top, middle and base notes, phenylpropenes, terpenes, isoprenes and terpenoids, it was written in a way I was able to easily understand and 2) section five because I love profiles on essential oils and recipes, such as a favorite essential oil of mine, lavender and an unknown to me may chang (litsea).  

What I didn't like: Although I was able to get the biography information of the author on the website, I feel like this should be included in the book. Additionally, there is no reference page and/or bibliography. This always concerns me because I feel that there should be documentation as to where the author has obtained his/her information and I always want to know where the information came from. I emailed Vintage Remedies regarding reference information and was told: "The information came primarily from Jessie’s studies, so there are numerous references." I asked for additional information and am awaiting a reply. 

Who should take this course: This course would be very beneficial to someone starting out in aromatherapy. It is also helpful for someone like me, who has been using essential oils for awhile but is looking for ways to be safer. Plus, the book is educational and you are able to learn the history and science of aromatherapy. If you are experienced with essential oils, you may find this book to be too simple and filled with information you already know. You should always be willing to question what you read and not take everything as fact without verifying it from a second source.

Check back next week for a few recipes from the course. Now available HERE.

Update: I received a second response to my inquiry about reference information in the course. Citations are not presented in the beginning course because it is considered "general knowledge". Citations are given in advanced courses.

Source: Hawkins, Jessie (2013). The Aromatherapy Course. Franklin, TN: Thistle Publications.

DIY Travel Board

If you follow me on Facebook or Twitter, you know I have decided to add a monthly CRAFTY post and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Since March is National Craft Month here in the US, this is the perfect time to start. 

Today, we're going to make a framed travel board. It is super simple and you can use it for a variety of things. It only takes just a few supplies to make. Let's get started... 

Story behind the craft: KB and I are always talking about wanting to do more things, but inevitably the weekend comes and we do the "what do you wanna do?", "I dunno, what do you wanna do?" song and dance. We decided keeping a list of places to go and things to do would help us with this issue.

Carrier Oils

If you've followed this blog or any other blog that talks about aromatherapy and essential oils, you've heard the term "carrier oil." Sometimes the term can be a bit confusing. So, I thought it was high time we eliminate the confusion and get down with some carrier oil information. Are you ready? Let's go  -->

Beating Winter Blues with Essential Oils

At least once during the year, I tend to suffer from what is known as the "winter blues". I grew up in western Oregon, where SAD (seasonal affective disorder: learn more HERE)  is fairly common. This winter, in Northern California, it has been sunny and spring-like more than it has been dreary and dismal. As a result, I have not experienced "the blues". I know that many friends are experiencing very wintery weather and may need a boost to beat their winter blues.

Smells like Love: A Book Review of "Scents & Scentuality"

As we enter the week of Valentine's Day, it is quite common to start pondering that age old question..how am I going to make this Valentine's Day special? This year, I am prepared with the knowledge I just learned by reading Valerie Ann Worwood's book, Scents & Scentuality: Aromatherapy & Essential Oils for Romance, Love and Sex. This book is packed with information on using essential oils to enhance your sex life. Sounds risque, right?! But it isn't! The book covers several topics and includes one such as making yourself feel more confident, and helping with reproductive problems and in both men and women. You will even find detailed drawings and directions on how to massage each other to strengthen your connection to each other. 

{Scented} Love Notes

In preparation for Valentine's Day, I have been making a few cards to send out to people. This brings back the memory of the box of cards my mom would buy from the pharmacy and bring them home to fill out. I would spend time writing the name of every kid in my class on those cards. After we spent time decorating our Valentine's box in class we were able to fill them up with cute little notes and treats. Do they still do that?