Synergistic blending is at the very core of aromatherapy practice. This book explores the concept of synergy and the evidence for its presence and significance, and provides practical guidance on how to build aromatherapeutic blends effectively and safely based on research evidence. The author covers new and exciting developments in research into the use of essential oils, explores the merits and limitations of holistic, psychosensory and molecular approaches to blending and suggests effective ways of choosing the most suitable approach for individual clients. Evidence-based profiles of essential oils and absolutes are included and the comprehensive tables summarising their actions enable practitioners to identify easily potential contenders for synergistic blends. Throughout the book, the author encourages students and practitioners of all levels to reflect on their practice, appraising the intended outcomes of their blends and treatment plans, so that they can emerge more knowledgeable and insightful practitioners.

The olfactory journey described in this book introduces readers to the pleasures and benefits of educating and training the 'nose', our olfactory palate. Jennifer Peace Rhind explores the process of cultivating our sense of smell and demonstrates how the process itself can be therapeutic and enjoyable, as well as informative. She highlights the different skills involved, from olfactory vocabulary, awareness, and memory, through to discrimination and fragrance creation, and the activities that can help to acquire them, emphasizing the value of experiential learning. She describes the Japanese art of koh-do or the 'way of incense' and suggests ways of creating group events inspired by this. Based on her twenty five years' experience working with essential oils and aromatic plant extracts, she also leads the reader through a variety of scent families, with information on the botanical source, odour profiles, olfactory notes, and suggestions for comparison with other scents. This method of educating and training the 'nose' is fascinating, challenging and life-enhancing and will be of interest to anyone eager to develop their sense of smell, and of incalculable use to aromatherapy students and practitioners who must acquire these skills for their career.

Revised and significantly expanded, the latest edition of this handbook provides full information on the use of essential oils in the field of contemporary aromatherapy and aromatic therapy, based on the most up-to-date research evidence behind their therapeutic applications. The third edition features a fully updated and expanded contents including detailed Aromatic Profiles of over 250 essential oils, absolutes and resinoids, a new chapter on the latest research in pharmacognosy to foster an understanding of how essential oils work, and a new chapter on formulating essential oils, based on theory and evidence and containing practical suggestions. The author provides a detailed account of how essential oils are created, how and where aromatherapy is used, and the underlying pharmacology and chemistry. This will be an indispensable text for all students and practitioners of aromatherapy and related disciplines, as well as anyone interested in the use of essential oils for health and well-being. To access an updated table of contents and index, please see the 'Resources' section at this link: www.singingdragon.com/catalogue/book/9781787752290

How do we perceive flavour? How can understanding the senses help us to make better tasting meals? Wake up to creamy avocado with fragrant orange pepper seasoning and green Tabasco dressing, snack on sweet and citrusy carrot and lime leaf kebabs and curl up with a warming bowl of butternut squash and spinach curry. An alternative way of looking at food, Cooking for the Senses introduces neurogastronomy and explains how understanding smell, taste and our other senses can be the key to making tasty, healthy food in your own kitchen. The authors explain the science of flavour and provide guidance on how to train your palate and be more mindful in the kitchen. This cookbook will inspire you with a practical flavour guide to a wide range of plant ingredients, and over 100 delicious vegan recipes for everyone that reflect neurogastronomy in action. Seasoned with tales of the authors' own culinary experiences, this first book on neurogastronomy for the home cook is bursting with flavour.

For thousands of years fragrance has been used, across many varied cultures, for altering mental and emotional states, and as part of spiritual practice. This book explores the impact of fragrance on the psyche from biological, anthropological, perfumery and aromatherapy viewpoints. Beginning with an exploration of our olfactory system and a discussion of the language of odour, the author examines the ways in which fragrance can influence our perceptions and experiences. She introduces us to a broad range of fragrance types - woody, resinous, spicy, herbaceous, agrestic, floral and citrus, as well as the attars that form part of Unani Tibb medicine. Traditional and contemporary uses and the mood-enhancing properties of fragrance types are presented. The book then provides an overview of the theoretical and philosophical frameworks that have been used to analyse how and why we choose fragrance. Finally readers are given guidance on how to cultivate their olfactory palate, which reveals a new dimension in the use of fragrance to enhance wellbeing. This book offers a wealth of knowledge on plant aromatics and the powerful influence of fragrance on wellbeing. It will be of particular interest to aromatherapists, perfumers, psychotherapists, ethnobotanists and anthropologists.