Today I’m writing about the best aromatherapy books written by mentor and respected friend Madeleine Kerkhof. I had followed Madeleine on Facebook for a while beginning in 2015. During that time I was growing an aromatherapy business and professionally was (and I still am) an oncology nurse. Madeleine is a nurse and also a massage therapist. Madeleine was known in the Netherlands for her work with aromatherapy and especially as it could be used as supportive measures in health care and hospice programs.
Complementary Nursing in End of Life Care
Madeleine’s work and research in the field of aromatherapy and personal experience has allowed her to write some of the best aromatherapy books available today. Madeleine’s first book Complementary Nursing in End of Life Care was her first book and it was translated into Enlish in 2015. I purchased it as soon as it came out! My online friendship grew with Madeleine and when she mentioned to me she was having an English class in June of 2016 and this book would be the text, I knew I had to go! (I do have a source to get these books less expensive, just reach out)
This book, Complementary Nursing in End of Life Care, is an awesome read. Madeleine has filled the book with recipes and also sharing procedures step by step in all areas of end of life care. Experiencing this book in her English program in the Netherlands is something I will always treasure. I was able to experience the most amazing foot soak using a recipe from the book which improves oxygenation and circulation. Our group created mouth rinses and other amazing aromatherapy blends suitable for symptom management in end of life care.
CO2 Extracts in Aromatherapy
Her second book is CO2 Extracts in Aromatherapy. While I also find this book to be one of the best aromatherapy books, it isn’t available on Amazon right now. I do know of a source in the United States where you can find this. One of the things I love about CO2 extracts is the richness of the oil. The aroma of these oils is amazing and when looking for support in clinical applications, there is a depth for emotional help that seems to go deeper than a distilled oil. A CO2 extract is closer in chemical composition to the original plant from which it is derived, as it contains a wider range of the plant’s constituents. From personal experience I know I used lavender CO2 oil and frankinsense CO2 oil after my son passed away. There was a totally different experience with it than regular distilled essential oils I also used a Rose Otto with the lavender CO2 as a blend in my diffuser. It was very soothing during my grief.
Clinical Aromacare: Aromatherapy in Health Care & Clinical Practice
Madeleines brand new book, Clinical Aromacare, Aromatherapy in Health Care & Practice is the one I just received. I’m diving into it now! This book is currently available directly from Madeleine from the English part of her website at Kicozo. This is written in mind for those in a clinical field and nurses can benefit from the amazing information! You will notice the cover of this book include her dear husband Kees! From Madeleines own personal experience with a critical illness surrounding this wonderful man, she applied principles of aromatic healing in his care.
Summary
Some of the best aromatherapy books I’ve found for health care professionals has been written by Madeleine Kerkhof. If you ever get the chance to take one of her programs in the Netherlands, I highly recommend the experience. She and Kees has also been to the United States to speak in conferences and hold classes. I’m looking forward to speanding time with them again sometime in the future.
Be Well ~ Joycelynn
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