Fragrant Pharmacy

by Valerie Worwood

Book by Worwood, Valerie Ann

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Reference, Science, Herbs, Gardening, Alternative Medicine

561 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[G.G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time in England there was Culpepers, a small chain of herbalist stores that sold wonderful aromatherapy oils and diffusers; potpourris, teas, and tinctures; as well as catnip for one’s nearest and dearest. The Cambridge shop offered a haven from the physical privations of graduate student life—cold rooms, drafty libraries, institutional food. Later, the Covent Garden shop offered a similar sort of haven from a life lived too much in the head. And it was there that an assistant suggested this book when I went in one day looking for aromatherapy “recipes.” Worwood provides hundreds of marvelous suggestions, including the clothes sweetener of bois de rose, geranium, and lemon (p. 393) and the “stimulating living room synergistic blend” of grapefruit, lavender, lime, and basil (p. 396).

I recently learned that the Culpepers chain was founded in 1927 by Hilda Leyel (1880-1957, see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilda_L...). Sadly, the business seems to have folded: the Cambridge shop closed and the always-crowded Covent Garden store no longer operating. Such a pity!

But Worwood’s book remains. She shows that essential oils are powerful: calming and restoring, exhilarating and uplifting. I can’t recommend it too highly.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fragrant Pharmacy is a fantastic book to keep on your shelf as a reference, after reading it through. Its full of recipes, and ways to use essential oils. It is a complete guide to aromatherapy, and has remedies for all sorts of complaints, from medical problems like: abcesses, arthritis, high blood pressure, stomach cramps, heartburn, varicose veins and lots more. As well as healthy solutions to personal, and beauty care needs. Pet care isn't overlooked either. Household needs are also covered, offering natural, healthy alternatives to chemical cleaners/products, most of the ideas offered are a great improvement on commercial brands, and a little goes such a long way. The book is laid out in very accessable way, making it easy to find what you re looking for. I really love this one, every home should have a copy. It would make a great house warming gift, or wedding present.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best reference book for essential oils. This was the first book I was recommended when studying aromatherapy and its very concise and easy to read. The remedies are simple to replicate and the author is well versed in combining and utilizing them to the fullest whilst sharing this knowledge with the reader. Anyone wanting one go to resource can use this one or her other "Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy" which is very similar (if not a pretty accurate copy).

[Liz Websdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE aromatherapy book to have in your collection.

[Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous resource for essential oil use in the home for body and household.
It is the same book as The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy: Over 600 Natural, Non-Toxic and Fragrant Recipes to Create Health - Beauty - a Safe Home Environment by the same author.
I have compared many parts of the book and the wording is identical, so you don't need both. This books seems to have a few less topics than the newer book. I read that this is the UK version and the US version is the "The Complete Book of..." version.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book became my best friend in my spa biz years. I continue to browse through and use the recipes off the pages that are now worn thin, have fallen out and that I keep putting back in place. It's a delicious book in so many ways.

There ought to be a "very, very lovingly used" condition option... this one fits.

[Linn Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book on aromatherapy.
It was one of the first I bought and its the one I go back to the most.
It's well laid out, easy to navigate and the recipes work.
Explains the medicinal qualities of essential oils clearly, gives dosages and cautions - what I demand of a book on plant medicine if I am going to confident to use it on myself and others.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

My all time favourite aromatherapy reference book. I have used the blends in this book for countless ailments from PMS to burnout to athlete's foot to stomach upset. They are always effective with no side effects.

[Maynerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was impressed with this whole aromatherapy thing at first but damn dude if you wanna practice this by yourself for yourself, you better be a millionaire.
Didn't feel like reading on once I realized that.
But I still use it for reference, it's not a bad book, it's pretty good actually, just not what I'd want to read in my recreation time haha.

[Sandra Bloom · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book shows how each essential oil can offer many diverse benefits

[Stars · Rating 2 out of 5]

unteresting but i'm not goung to use it. I'm to lazy for that

[Lisa McLeod · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful reference book for witches.

[Lisa Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the loveliest books Ive ever read.

[Sarah Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide to aromatherapy.

[Lynn Seaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the best at the time. Great reference and for self care. Always my go-to for treating all the family.

[Devansh]

Everything an amateur Aromatherapist need to know about Essential oils.

[Charlotte Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have it on my bookshelf and I have successfully used it to keep myself out of the doctor's office on many an occasion!

[Marina De Pina-Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this as a reference book almost monthly, and I have for over 10 years now! Learn many home remedies based on the safe use of essential oils for basically anything that could be ailing you.

[Marcello Tarot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Da consultare e ri-consultare!

Qualche mese dopo avere scoperto il meraviglioso mondo degli oli essenziali grazie a “La mia Bibbia degli Oli essenziali” di Danièle Festy (alla cui recensione rimando), ho voluto approfondire il discorso e, complici le recensioni positive lette qua e là in rete, mi sono deciso ad acquistare questo volume. E non me ne sono affatto pentito! Lo stile della Warwood e la struttura del suo libro differiscono sensibilmente da quello della Festy, e molto probabilmente è per questo che i due libri si completano a vicenda.
“Guida Completa all’Aromaterapia” si articola in più capitoli: (1) “Medicine dalla Terra”, dà un’infarinatura sugli oli essenziali e istruzioni sull’uso di questo libro. (2) “Il tuo Kit Curativo di Base” parla degli oli essenziali più utili, quelli che sarebbe bene tenere sempre in casa per la maggior parte delle evenienze, ed elenca poi tali evenienze. (3) Rimedi per quando si è in viaggio, in diversi climi; (4) l’uso di oli essenziali e vegetali in ambito lavorativo e di studio; (5) “Aromaterapia per sport, danza e allenamento; (6-8) dedicati alla bellezza; (9) focus su neonati e bambini; (10) focus sulla donna; (11) focus sull’uomo; (12) focus sugli “Anni della Maturità”. I capitoli 13-16 abbracciano gli ambienti abitativi, i profumi fabbricabili artigianalmente, l’uso degli OE per le festività e le occasioni speciali, ivi compreso il loro uso in cucina. Un capitolo a parte (17) è dedicato agli animali, e l’ultimo (18) all’ambiente. Non manca un’appendice dedicata ai vari tipi di massaggio.

È un libro da leggere nella sua interezza almeno una volta, per poter essere capito appieno e per trarne il maggior beneficio in seguito quando poi lo si andrà a consultare e ri-consultare per problemi specifici.

[Chantal Pearce · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a keeper. One you will use time and time again.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very functional in using essential oils and products from nature to help with topics from illness to beauty products to gardening. It contains great advice in the use of essential oils all throughout the many stages of life, and troubles that can crop up during those stages. It also has a chapter on making your own perfumes, which I found to be great to make a personalized present with someone that I typically have trouble buying for. The Fragrant Pharmacy is filled with very useful information and I find that I am frequently picking it up to explore the tips noted by Valerie Ann Worwood.

[Ruric Amhari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant & functional little book. All text, no pictures, practial approach to aromatherapy and essential oils for everyday and special occasions uses. Begins with basic home & travel kits, goes on to give remedies based on occupation, sports activities, for general beauty & haircare, for men, women & children. Further sections cove use of oils around the home, garden and for use with domestic pets.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read this book for years. I finally found it this week in my local charity shop. I love how straight forward it is to read, and that you can read it like a reference book. The short list of oils really helps in making me feel confident in expanding my knowledge of using essential oils in the home. The book loses a star for not explained how the different oils help, or explaining the different properties of the oils in a through way.

[Saffron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this book over and over as a reference, for me it is a far more in depth book than either of the Tisserand volumes.

If you are looking for lots of information about how aromatherapy can benefit your life from basic health care to fragrance your home. For me this is an invaluable reference.

[Patricia Morgunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great author and the best source of Metaphysical Aromatherapy I've ever come across. I found this author from my university lecturer whilst I was studying Complementary Medicine. I've brought most of her works ,however they are somewhat old in publishing terms I think she other editions now available.

An essential book for all aromatherapists.

[Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

cannot live without this book. best reference on aromatherapy and essential oil first aid that i have come across, though the british author tends to the occasional nanny-ish lecturing. a slightly more crabby, practical mary poppins who's really really into plants.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brillant book for treating different problems and explaining how essential oils help. Gives recipes and how to use methods to use in you daily life. A wonerful book I will buy. Love the section on using oils for scent too, for occasions like christmas ,halloween and easter.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

an excellent all round guide to aromatherapy::

[Bookish Enchantment (Katherine Quirke) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is incredibly good. I use this often and it is a great aromatherapy reference.

A must have for those keen on aromatherapy.

[Anne Jenkinson]

My "bible" I'd be lost without it - I have 2 copies on the go. The book I tell everyone to buy.