This complete, practical guide shows how to use the essential oils of flowers and herbs as a gentle yet effective method of natural healing. Beginning with the history and use of essential oils in cosmetics and perfumes from ancient Egyptian times to the present day, the author details 29 essences, with their properties and applications in more than 100 conditions, ranging from emotional stress to skin disorders. Includes easy-to-prepare recipes for massage and medicinal oils, facial masks, ointments, and aromatic baths. Explains the importance of essential oils in Swedish, shiatsu, and neuromuscular massage.  Provides tables of evaporation rates, odor intensity, therapeutic index, and glossary of medical terms.  Robert B. Tisserand is often called the father of modern aromatherapy, as it was he who brought the practice into popularity with the publication of this book. He lectures around the world, and has been actively engaged in teaching and writing about aromatherapy for twenty years. He is also the author of The Practice of Aromatherapy.