A practical guide to the topical application of essential oils for physical and emotional health and healing Well known for their aromatherapy applications, essential oils also have outstanding healing abilities when absorbed through the skin. Applied topically they work well for wound healing, arthritis, inflammation, and skin conditions. Because all of the cells in the body are interconnected, they also affect underlying organs, systems, and soft tissues, influencing hormone release, gently relieving pain and stress, and offering antimicrobial protection against pathogens, viruses, and bacteria. Focusing on 15 essential oils that form a safe and effective "tool kit" for treating a broad range of ailments and conditions, from acne, anxiety, and asthma to psoriasis, shingles, and painful periods, Heather Dawn Godfrey explores how these essential oils complement and support each other's healing properties and can be blended together to offer dynamic, customizable treatments for each unique individual. She examines the body's many absorption pathways, explaining how even the internal organs have odor receptors and how applying essential oils in different ways has specific influences on the body's systems. Offering guidelines for safe application, including recommendations for children and the elderly, the author provides easy-to-reference charts and tables to select the appropriate oil or oils for each situation, and she explains which essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and by those with specific conditions such as cancer. Presenting scientific profiles for the 15 main essential oils discussed, Godfrey also explores complementary therapies that increase the effectiveness of essential oils, including Ayurveda and Chinese medicine, and she details the colors, chakras, gemstones, and crystals that correspond with each oil. She provides recipes for proper dilution and the best carrier mediums, including creams, compresses, lotions, and ointments. Written for both healthcare professionals and for self-care, this hands-on guide will allow you to effectively treat acute and chronic conditions as well as incorporate essential oils into daily life for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.