Author Elizabeth Anne Jones is the founder of The College of Botanical Healing Arts in Santa Cruz, California, and with her husband, chemist Larry Jones, established Elizabeth Van Buren, Inc. The company manufactures high-quality essential oil products for hospitals, spas, hospices, nurses and massage schools, to name a few.
Over the years, Jones has been an advocate for the use of essential oils in the medicine field. Her book, Awaken to Healing Fragrance: The Power of Essential Oil Therapy, published by Random House in April of 2010, examines the past, present and future of the rapidly developing practice of the application and use of oils for healing.
Women in History Used Essential Oil Therapy
The book begins with profiles of eleven women in history who are known to have used the oils for personal strength and spiritual health. One of the women, Hatshepsut, who was the first female Pharaoh of Egypt, made the use of fragrance a vital element in her everyday life.
The importance of essential oils was not limited to the royal family. Egyptians made the bathing area one of the most attractive rooms in their houses. Oils and ointments were regularly used to protect the face and body from the sun, dust and dry climate.
The Women in the Life of Jesus
One of the stories in the book gives an account of a happening during the early life of Jesus, when street beggars were allowed to enter private homes during social events, to partake of any extra food.
After one such meal in the home of Simon, a Pharisee of Jerusalem, a woman who once owned a brothel entered and approached Jesus. She carried an alabaster jar of pure spikenard, an extremely valuable lotion, and proceeded to pour some of the oil on his head. She then anointed his feet, wiping them with her long hair and weeping with gratitude that she now had accepted the teachings of the gospel.
Case Studies by Students of the College of Botanical Healing Arts
Jones also chronicles several studies done by her college students, required during the 400 hour course. Most of the studies are done with friends and family members who are dealing with the stresses of modern life.
The case study begins with an interview that examines the whole person; physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. The student then chooses four to seven essentials oils to stimulate the different levels of healing needed. Many success stories are shown in the book.
The Potential of Essential Oil Therapy
In the last portion of the book, Jones recommends that our society begin to operate more integrative clinics, incorporating a Western-trained doctor as well as a team of specialists from different healing modalities. An aromatherapist would be an important part of this team.
She says her research shows that the chemistry of the oils posses the same immune-building qualities present in the plants they are derived from.
The book is written for the lay audience, health practitioners and plant lovers. Although the lay person may have difficulty understanding some of the chemical references, there is an abundance of fascinating material that will bring much more awareness to the subject of healing through the use of essential oil therapy.
Awaken to Healing Fragrance: the Power of Essential Oils Therapy. Published by North Atlantic Books, distributed by Random House 2010. 978-1-55643-875-2
June Smith - I am the retired owner of a pioneering winery founded in the early '70s in California's Santa Cruz Mountains, with dozens of food, wine ...
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