Superb wildcrafted and organic essential oils, sourced internationally,
a wealth of information on their safe and effective use,
and a full range of aromatherapy accessories

THE BLOSSOMING HEART
Aromatherapy for Healing and Transformation
by Robbi Zeck N.D.

SECOND EDITION - new, expanded

It has taken me a long time to write a review of this book I've come to love.  The Blossoming Heart is not, truly, an "Aromatherapy" book, but rather, a guide to personal  transformation using the oils to aid and assist the journey. 

Robbi has spent her career as a Naturopath and Aromatic Kinesiologist assisting others in transforming their lives.  In addition to a busy clinical practice in Australia, she has conducted workshops and retreats around the world. You may read more about Robbi at her personal website, or at the AromaTours website. (Robbi and her husband Jim Llewellyn are co-founders of AromaTours.)

She has shared her experience in the transformational powers of the essential oils in her new book. Her work is inspirational and opens new vistas for the emotional and spiritual uses of the oils.  I tried to rush through The Blossoming Heart to get a review posted as quickly as possible.  I found that I needed to linger over each page, savoring and reflecting over it.  Even the introduction touched my spirit.  A brief quote:  "The Blossoming Heart takes us on a journey where we can take a quiet pause, embrace an environment for personal renewal, and savor the simplicity and beauty of being."  The entire book goes on to become a guide to the blossoming of your heart.

Each chapter contains at least one "Pause for a Blossoming Heart",  a brief meditation, a list of questions to be reflected on, guidelines to apply Robbi's writing to your personal situation.

• Chapter One - Aromatherapy and the Flowering Heart - a brief definition of aromatherapy, with basic safety rules, methods of application, etc. Robbi manages to personalize even this basic, well known material.
• Chapter Two - The Healing Journey - an overview of the true meaning of the word "heal" and of the ways in which the essential oils can speak directly to the heart and the spirit.
• Chapter Three - Essential Oils and Emotional Metaphor - The relationship between the sense of smell and emotion, mood and thought. An introduction to the Essential Oil reflections which follow, and form the heart of the book.
• Chapter Four - The Aromatic Emotional Barometer - a list of oils, and of paired key words that "fit" each essential oil.  What an over-simplification this description is.  Robbi has spent years mapping client's emotions and moods, and finding phrases and essential oils that "fit" the experiences and feelings.   Some sample pairings:
   

  Protected	FRANKINCENSE	Vulnerable
  Grateful	MELISSA	Resentful
  Assurance	VETIVER	Threatened

  Robbi writes: "The Aromatic Emotional Barometer is an easy way of mapping what we need to do to create a movement away from feeling stressed."

• Chapter Five - Blossoming Heart Affirmations  - a brief introduction to the use of the affirmations included with each Essential Oil Reflection, and an extended selection of "Pauses for a Blossoming Heart."
• Chapter Six - The Essential Oil Reflections - the true heart of the book. 

  Each reflection contains the common and species name of the oil, the pairing of words from the Emotional Barometer,  a quote from various sources that somehow fits oil, the plant part used, an aromatic description, and the blending weight.  Ah, but after that comes what touches my spirit:
  Robbi kindly gave me permission to quote the reflection on Vetiver, one of my favorite oils:

  Vetiver When turning points in life challenge you to face your shadows, Vetiver, with its stabilizing tranquility brings a quiet assurance, drawing you to the earth, offering support and strength as you reconcile the changes taking place. If you are feeling threatened by the demands of your own soul for change, Vetiver will embrace, sustain and re-establish a balance relationship between your heart, body and mind. It is possible to change if you learn new ways and the musty, earth quality of Vetiver lends itself to thoughtful consideration as you discard ways of relating that no longer serve you.  In Autumn, the trees drop their leaves shedding what is no longer needed.  Then nature takes a quiet pause and waits for the recurring miracle of anew cycle of growth to emerge.  You too, can also shed that which is no longer required and wait in the quiet stillness for new life to come forth. In the velvety light of a new dawn, Vetiver hold you steady, increases your endurance, and strenthens your heart so it can remain open to what is challenging. Where in your heart do you feel the most assured? Is there a part of a quality of your life that you need to shed?

• Chapter Seven - A Tale of Turkish Delights - a personal story
• Chapter Eight - Emotional Wellbeing to Soothe the Soul - Robbi's first introduction to Aromatic Kinesiology. She shares some simple and effective techniques of stress relief.
• Chapter Nine - Meridians and Emotional Expressions - a further exploration of the body's energy circulation system and methods to "unblock" and balance energy and emotions.
• Chapter Ten - Rose Meditation for a Blossoming Heart - a guided aromatic meditation to use when you are ready to create a major opening or change in your life.

The book closes with several appendices and a bibliography for those who want to explore further.

My review can not do justice to the transforming ability of Robbi's work.  Part of my journey, for years, has been a period of morning meditation, usually started with reading various meditative works.  The Blossoming Heart fits beautifully into that collection.  It is a gift to my spiritual journey, as well as my aromatic knowledge and experience.

Note: See our Energetic Oils Kit, developed to accompany The Blossoming Heart

 

Essential Oils and Aromatics:
A Step-by-Step Guide for Use in Massage and Aromatherapy

We've been waiting a long long time for these to arrive!  The Amazon review says this:  "Essential oils and other aromatherapy tools and products that offer real physical and emotional benefits—in the form of clearer heads, elevated moods, and strengthened immune systems—are the focus of this aromatherapy handbook"

If you are familiar with the content and descriptions on our website, you will find little here that is new to you.  But if you want to look up our descriptions of the oils, or if you want a nice introductory book to interest a friend, this might be the one. 

(The editor managed to omit the dedication I had written, thanking some of the mentors who have guided me on this aromatic journey. We've added it. And, of course, I'll be glad to sign it for you...although no one can read my writing!)

We are offering the book at full retail, but we have included free Media Mail postage in the cost.  There will be no charge for Media Mail shipment inside the USA.    Unfortunately, no other Nature's Gift discounts may apply.

I sent a copy to my friend and mentor Sylla Sheppard-Hanger (see the Aromatherapy Practitioner's Reference Manual below)... this was her response...high praise indeed!)

Marge thank you so much, I got mine today!! I had to read it from cover to cover. How exciting, what an awesome little power packed book for anyone to have close at hand. You covered it all (especially love the safety notes in red, very clear!) and you give some good recipes and personal advice. What a nice thing to see - I couldnt put it down, handy to hold, nice pictures and its pretty too!! Thank you for putting this together - it should be a great help to others to get properly started or to have as a handy reference. Good job, well done!
Sylla
Sylla Sheppard-Hanger
www.Atlanticinstitute.com
www.UnitedAromatherapy.org

More accolades:

from Tina Sams, editor of the Essential Herbal magazine

"My copy came yesterday and it's gorgeous, well written, and filled with
information (as expected).  Knowing Marge, I did expect this to be a delight to the
senses, and was not disappointed.  Hard cover, nice stock, color pictures...
Lots of info on a good number of oils, with recipes and how-to's included. 
 
Nicely done, Marge!"

What a WONDERFUL book!!  Took a quick glance thru it and I am re-organizing my weekend to give me time to sit down and be totally absorbed in it.  WooHoo!  (So glad I got a couple extra for gifts.)

Dear Marge
Thank you for your lovely book. It is beautifully done! I am so proud to know you.

Love Jane

Hi Marge,
Just got my order including your new book and it is spectacular!!! I was expecting a paperback kind of thing that I could drag around w/my bag of oils but it's sooo beautiful, the pictures are stunning, it's really an "art" book but at the same time it's so useful, the best of tips off your website - you really did a great job!  Karla

Again, thank you so much for your book!!!  You have put a lot of work into this.  What a great resource for people starting out in aromatherapy!!  I can't wait to share it with others!!   Debi

Thank you so much for sending my special copy of your book.  It is lovely !! I especially like your personal touches..blends, everyday uses, your experiences, hints and even when you explain that certain oils pour very sloooowly.  To me, that speaks of an intimate relationship with the oils not someone just writing another "how to" book on aromatherapy.  CONGRATULATIONS !!!!     xoxo  Kathy

Diane wrote: "It's almost as newsy as yr website (which I just love)! and I really like the pictures with it.  Sort of a lovely little coffee table book - that's what I'm doing with it anyway - a definite addition to my expanding library."
 

And for our first "real, published" review, please click here.

The Complete Guide To Aromatherapy
by Salvatore Battaglia Second Edition

August 2007: Please note - we had been out of stock of this "must have" book.  Upon reordering we found that our cost to import (due to the decline in the US dollar and the escalating costs of shipping) had increased 58% over last summer's order.)  As a result we have been forced to raise the price by 40%, less than our increase in cost, but still "sticker shock" for our clients who have been awaiting the new shipment.  We apologize for increases that are totally out of our control.

• Unit 1: Background. a general intro to the principles of wellness and holistic health, the history of essential oils and their changing roles throughout history, and the nature and characteristics of EO's, including extraction, issues of quality control and guidelines for quality assurance.
  
• Unit 2: Essential Issues: Current research and clinical trials, the chemical composition and pharmacological activity of the oils, the psychological effects of the oils, and how they are absorbed and utilized by the body. An extensive chapter on Essential Oil safety. This unit alone seems to me to be worth the purchase price. The second edition has added a comprehensive chapter on Subtle Aromatherapy.
• Unit 3:The Remedies: Monographs on the Essential Oils and Carrier Oils. Battaglia includes 67 (up from 62) "basic" Essential Oils used in Aromatherapy and an additional grouping of 28 less commonly used oils, defining them by botanical origin, synonyms, other species, a full description of the plant, characteristics of the EO, part of plant, method of extraction, historical use of the plant, chemical constituents, EO's that it blends well with, properties, indicated uses for mind/spirit, body,and skin and hair, and finally, precautions. The chapter on carrier oils discusses their production, chemical analysis of each specific carrier, the uses and/or indications of each oil in aromatherapy, and the nutritional benefits of cold pressed vegetable oils as part of our diet. Sixteed fixed oils, and three infused oils are studied. The unit ends with a chapter on Hazardous Essential Oils, with full descriptions of 23 oils that need either to be totally avoided, or used with extreme caution.
• Unit 4. Practical Matters: the knowledge necessary to practice the healing art and science of aromatherapy. An explanation of professionalism, what it is, and, more important, how it relates to Aromatherapy, a description of the different parts of a consultation, assessment, development of a treatment plan, record keeping, client files, etc. Sections on professional ethics, sanitary and safety practices have been added.  An excellent chapter on prescribing, including guidelines on selecting specific oils to be used, dosage and duration of use, and an greatly expanded overview of different theories of blending oils. A full chapter on methods of administration of the oils and a full chapter on aromatherapy massage techniques. The unit ends with a full chapter on "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals" giving an overview, for example, on using Aromatherapy in care of the aged, in palliative care, and other professional callings.
• Unit 5. Clinical Index: a detailed guide to the treatment of a wide variety of conditions, broken down by major body systems. Each condition is listed with a description of cause and symptoms, suggested treatment with the essential oils, as well as suggestions regarding other, complimentary therapies.
• All new Unit 6 covers "Aesthetic Aromatherapy" - covering the function of the skin, the various benefits of essential oils, and an overview of aromatherapeutic skincare for various skin types and conditions.   He also add a chapter on Aromatherapy and Day Spas, covering the role of aromatherapy in a spa, and a wide range of different treatment types.

The book ends with six appendices crammed with information.

This isn't by any means a "Beginner's Book" for someone just starting to experiment with the oils. I think the wealth of information would have scared me away when I was was just becoming acquainted with the oils. But as a thorough introduction for someone who want to learn more, and to "fill in the gaps" of the knowledge of anyone, no matter how expert, I think it is unsurpassed.

No Nature's Gift discount can apply to this hard-to-find book, nor to the Aromatherapy Practioner's manual, below.

ADDITION.... 2nd edition

We just received the second edition. Even though there are more chapters, we are keeping the book at the same price!

This quoted from the author's own description of the changes made in the second edition:

" Through my own training, new research and the feedback from other educators in aromatherapy, I have been able to expand on many of the existing chapters. The essential oil profiles have been extensively updated. I have included new categories on pharmacological and clinical studies, the energetics of the essential
oils, the subtle effects of essential oils and the personality profile of essential oils.
While it is important to have excellent skills and knowledge to be a good aromatherapist, to be a successful aromatherapist it is also important to have sound business skills. I have therefore included information necessary to
develop these business skills in the chapter, Requirements for Professional Practice.

I am also excited to have introduced five new exciting chapters. The main reason I became involved in complementary medicine in the first place was because of my fascination with the subtle anatomy - it is therefore with great pleasure that I have introduced a chapter on Subtle Aromatherapy. I can now confidently
say that this book is 'complete'. While much research has been conducted in the chemistry and pharmacology of essential oils, I believe it is the subtle vibrational effects of essential oils that will make aromatherapy the holistic medicine of the 21st century.
Aromatherapy has become an integral part of mainstream health care in many hospitals and nursing homes. It is therefore appropriate that the important role that aromatherapy is now playing in mainstream health care be addressed in the Chapter on Aromatherapy for the Health Professional.
A criticism of many books on aromatherapy has been the lack of information in developing skills to blend essential oils. This has been addressed in this edition with an entire chapter dedicated to blending of essential oils. Many aromatherapists hunger for new and exciting essential oils to use in aromatherapy. I have introduced a new chapter on essential oils that may not necessarily be new or novel, but are not typically part of mainstream aromatherapy. Adventurous aromatherapists will find the chapter on Exotic Essential Oils very exciting. The role of aromatherapy in skincare is as old as the origins of aromatherapy itself, however an exciting new phenomena in the last 8 years has been the rise of the day spa industry. Aromatherapy has played a critical role in the success of
the spa industry. For individuals wishing to know more about the spa industry and how aromatherapy can compliment it, the chapter on Aromatherapy and Day Spas is a must. I think that you will find that this new edition will provide you with a very strong platform on which you can confidently use and practice aromatherapy.
 

Discounts can not apply
Free Shipping can not apply

LIQUID SUNSHINE - Vegetable Oils for Aromatherapy by Jan Kusmirek

The most authoritative source for information about the vegetable oils that are used in skincare and massage.  Kusmirek explains the nutritive and skincare properties and best uses of 50 different carrier oils.  An invaluable guide!  Limited Quantities.

The 'm' technique®

Do you wish you could help?  You CAN!  

Have you ever sat at a hospital or hospice bedside and wished that you could do something to help?  "But I don't know how.  I'm not trained. I'm not a nurse or a therapist."

I have been there and felt that frustration.   A few months ago several of us were introduced to the ‘m’ technique®.  We were trained to do the most basic version of it, a simple, structured hand massage, in less than 10 minutes.  And we experienced the blissful relaxation from stress that receiving the massage gave us.  The ‘m’ technique® is simple enough to teach a child, yet it brings about a rapid and profound relaxing effect.

The ‘m’ technique® consists of a structured series of therapeutic stroking movements performed in a set sequence, at a set pressure and at a set pace. It can be used on very fragile patients, the critically ill, or when massage is inappropriate.

Created by Dr Jane Buckle, the ‘m’ technique® is profoundly relaxing for both giver and receiver. It is now widely used in hospices and hospitals in the UK and the USA, where it is a copyrighted, registered method of palliative care.The ‘m’ technique can have effect on: nervous tension; anxiety; depression; fear; grief; anger; chronic fatigue; chronic pain; headache; migraine; sprains and strains; and low immune function.

Best yet,  it is simple enough for a child to master.  Nature's Gift is proud to make available a 1.5 hour teaching video made for anyone who wanted to touch and wasn’t sure how. You don't need to be a licensed health professional to watch the 'm' technique® and to learn to use the technique on your loved ones. It is suitable for all caregivers, family members, or volunteers.

The Aromatherapy Practitioner Reference Manual
Sylla Sheppard-Hanger of the Atlantic Institute of Aromatherapy.

• Part One focuses on the basic principles of aromatherapy, followed by a section on delivery methods, and one on carrier oils and additives. There is an extensive chapter on safety considerations and different types of toxicity.
• Part Two contains the monographs on the oils themselves, set up in a chart format. It starts with a list of common names and their corresponding Latin name; the oils are listed alphabetically by Latin name. The chart of Essential Oil monographs is over 330 pages long. The categories for describing each oil include botanical & common name, together with type of plant, countries of origin, Biochemical Class, including specific biochemicals usually found in the oil, Traditional and Esoteric uses of each oil (often taken from the traditional herbal uses) including, when appropriate, veterinary uses, and an overview of conditions the EO has been used for, broken down by body system. Each description is accompanied by all relevant safety data.
• Part Three includes a extensive clinical index based on both traditional and modern uses of EO's which also includes a brief "Mental/Emotional/Psychic & Magikal Index" as well as a Chakra index and an Ayurvedic Index.
• Here we also find the index of biologically active phytochemicals and the EO's they are found in, introduced by an overview of phytochemistry, as well as a taxonomical index, breaking the plants down by families. Part 3 also includes a 10 page glossary, and complete Bibliography.

Introduction to Aromatherapy Booklet

My favorite book, at a reduced price!

My very favorite aromatherapy book:

by Gabriel Mojay. In 1996, when first published, I wrote the following review: " I love this introduction to emotional/mental/spiritual healing via aromatherapy Mojay has presented a lovely, gentle guide to healing the psyche thru the use of Essential Oils. Introductory chapters are an review of Chinese Medical Concepts which are difficult for my pragmatic Western mind to grasp. However, his pages on each essential oil are much clearer, referring back to the oriental concepts, but also describing the effect of each oil in a terminology I found more comfortable. He gives a loving description of each EO, an overview of its history, current therapeutic uses, known safety data, and its impact on the mind and psyche. The last section of the book deals with Restoring Balance. He describes various forms of emotional/spiritual imbalance and gives suggested formulas for dealing with them. This is, in my opinion, the finest popular work on the market today dealing with the emotional effects of Aromatherapy. mgc 1996."

Today I find his underlying theoretical framework, the TCM more comfortable. Other than that, my comments still stand. This is one of the books on my shelf I keep coming back to. There still is no better book on emotional and spiritual healing.

The book has been reissued, after being unavailable for several years. Amazon sells the second edition for $15.96, plus S&H (not a change in the text, only the cover is different.) We were able to get our hands on some copies of the First Edition (Thank you Gabriel!) and offer them to you for much less. If this book isn't in your personal library, you owe it to yourself.