Читать книгу The Complete Essential Oils Sourcebook: A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-Being - Julia Lawless - Страница 6

Introduction

I am delighted to introduce this new and beautifully designed edition of the Complete Essential Oils Sourcebook. It is now almost twenty years ago since I started to research and write the material for the first edition of this book, and since that time the popularity of aromatherapy has blossomed on an international basis! Pure essential oils can now be purchased on every high street and downtown center, and the use of natural aromatics in commercial cosmetics and toiletries has both expanded and diversified. This is because the remarkable therapeutic potency of these botanical oils has been increasingly validated by scientific research and by clinical tests, verifying their healing potential. This is especially true in the field of skin care, particularly in helping to combat ageing skin, as well as in the treatment of common infections and viruses.

The reality of climate change, as well as the impact of environmental and ecological issues, has also taken on a greater sense of urgency over these past two decades, largely as a direct result of our consumer culture. The need to pay attention to the type of products we choose to buy, their method of production, and their overall impact on the world in which we live now needs to be of paramount concern to anyone who cares about future generations.

Since essential oils are 100% naturally derived agents, functioning in a positive, holistic manner both within our own bodies and within our larger environment, their utilization represents an authentic route toward demonstrating a greater caring for our planet. However, it is important to source essential oils from companies that uphold responsible environmental policies, such as supporting re-forestation, avoiding the exploitation of endangered botanical species (such as Amazonian rosewood), and by employing ecological packaging materials. This philosophy goes hand in hand with adopting a lifestyle that respects and works together with nature, and in doing so, helps to preserve the beautiful globe on which we live.