Monographs of Rare and Exotic Essential Oils and Absolutes - by Scott a Johnson (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

For centuries, plants have been used for survival, food, and healing, creating a strong connection between man and nature. Ancient healing systems, developed and refined over hundreds or thousands of years, and passed down from generation to generation kept cultures healthy. Remarkably, today's science has proven our ancestors correct in many of their discoveries of the healing properties of medicinal plants. Revitalized by scientific validation, a renewed interest in traditional medicinal plants is occurring among the public and scientific community.

Monographs of Rare and Exotic Essential Oils and Absolutes explores more than 225 essential oils extracted from time-honored indigenous plants. This exploration is intended to reveal the healing properties of traditional aromatic plants and preserve their historical and medicinal value. Many of these plants have demonstrated antidepressant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiulcer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and antimicrobial properties in scientific research. It is possible that an undiscovered or uninvestigated plant used anciently could hold the key to reversing conditions that plague modern man. Continued examination of traditional medicinal plants will benefit the health of modern man and may lead to important discoveries of phytomedicines. A plethora of plants with complex mixtures of aromatic molecules await discovery to become a vital part of man's quest to improve health and live longer.

Review Quotes

Scott Johnson's previous works are among the most used and referenced texts in our office. What separates his works from others in the field is that they are completely evidence-based; focused on what peer-reviewed scientific investigation says about essential oils, not historical use and modern anecdotes. Monographs of Rare and Exotic Essential Oils and Absolutes is no different, thoroughly researched and offering insight into new essential oils that even the most experienced user may not be familiar with. As an essential oil researcher myself, I found the monographs fascinating as most of the compounds were totally new to me, and the research totally comprehensive. Scott used all the available research to establish composition and use guidelines, and just like his other works, Monographs of Rare and Exotic Essential Oils and Absolutes does not make claims that are not supported by modern scientific investigation. I expect that this will take its place next to Evidence-Based Essential Oil Therapy and Medicinal Essential Oils as one of the most used and references texts in the essential oil industry.

Damian Rodriguez, DHSc, MS

This book is full of useful, detailed information for anyone interested in the safe and effective use of essential oil therapy. It is well researched, very organized, and delivered in a way that is both useful to the clinician, as well as understandable for the novice. It includes over 4,600 references, potential safety concerns, possible drug interactions, and much more. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends, colleagues, and clients - as well as referring to it often myself! Thank you, Dr. Scott!

Michael R. Marlow, Naturopath

This excellent book starts strong with a culturally oriented review of the historical and traditional applications of aromatherapy. The commentary supporting the logic and value to be gained by the integration of essential oils into allopathic medicine is deeply appreciated. As a board certified anesthesiologist, I am impressed with the clinical aspects of the sections on "reported therapeutic properties" and "selected evidence" as well as the extensive chemistry presented in the monograph for each plant. As a clinically certified aromatherapist I am impressed when reading the "cautions" documented for each of these rare and exotic essential oils and absolutes.

James L Geiger, MD