From Book News, Inc.
As an expert on herbal medicine and aromatherapy, Lis-Balchin (applied biochemistry, South Bank U., London) compiles a lavender color-covered volume of two dozen chapters on multiple aspects of heavenly-scented Lavandula species. In addition to covering lavender's taxonomy, confusing nomenclature, traditional uses, and commercial production, contributors provide reviews of the chemical profiles of its oils and research on its therapeutic properties (e.g., antimicrobial, psychological).Copyright © 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR


Book Description
Lavandula species are mainly grown for their essential oils, which are used in perfumery, cosmetics, food processing and aromatherapy products, and for their use as ornamental plants and ingredients in numerous cottage industry products. Certain types of lavender oil have also been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The dried flowers have been used for centuries in pillows and sachets to promote sleep and relaxation, and oil of spike lavender is used as an insect repellent. Lavender: The Genus Lavandula is a comprehensive volume covering all aspects of our current knowledge of lavender, including:
* taxonomy, and history of usage and nomenclature
* lavender cultivation for essential oil production and retail purposes in different countries
* phytochemistry of the genus
* chemistry of Lavandula oils
* theory and practice of distillation and standardization of lavender essential oils
* pharmacology and therapeutic properties of lavender oil and Lavandula extracts
* use of lavender oil in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, food processing and medicine
* new research into Lavandula species and their oils.
With contributions from lavender researchers worldwide, this book will be of interest both to graduate students and scientists in academia and industry who are involved with lavender, to professionals in the lavender growing and retail industry, the perfumery, food and cosmetics industries, and to those interested in lavender for alternative and conventional medical use.


Book Info
South Bank Univ., London, UK. Text covers aspects of lavender. Topics include taxonomy, cultivation, chemistry, phytochemistry, new research, pharmacology, and therapeutic properties. For students, researchers, and those interested in alternative therapies.


About the Author
Maria Lis-Balchin is with the School of Applied Science at South Bank University in London, UK.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With contributions from lavender researchers worldwide, this book will be of interest both to graduate students and scientists in academia and industry who are involved with lavender, to professionals in the lavender growing and retail industry, the perfumery, food and cosmetics industries, and to those interested in lavender for alternative and conventional medical use.

Individual volumes in the series Medicinal and Aromatic Plants - Industrial Profiles provide both industry and academia with in-depth coverage of the major medicinal and aromatic plants of industrial importance in a genus. Each volume discusses key topics such as plant sources and their commercial cultivation, chemical constituents, quality assurance, pharmacological properties, toxicology, application and market trends relevant to the genus.

SYNOPSIS