Books have long been the guardians of knowledge—preserving ancient wisdom, shaping industries, and guiding innovation. In the world of essential oils, natural extracts, perfumery, and wellness, books have played a quiet yet profound role. They've documented centuries of plant-based remedies, trade practices, and extraction techniques—laying the foundation for the work we do at TMV today.
Ancient Texts: The First Records of Botanical Knowledge
Charaka Samhita (India) – A cornerstone of Ayurveda, referencing ingredients like turmeric, basil, and cinnamon still central to our work.
Enquiry into Plants by Theophrastus (Greece) – One of the earliest botanical texts describing aromatic plants and their uses.
De Materia Medica by Dioscorides (Rome) – A herbal guide listing over 600 plant-based remedies including myrrh and frankincense.
The Canon of Medicine by Avicenna (Persia) – Among the first to describe distillation techniques for extracting essential oils.
Trade, Perfumery & Extraction: Books That Shaped an Industry
The Book of Perfume by G.W.S. Piesse – Connected scent to musical notes, revolutionizing perfumery.
Perfume: The Alchemy of Scent by Jean-Claude Ellena – A poetic yet scientific dive into fragrance creation.
Handbook of Essential Oils by Baser & Buchbauer – A modern reference on extraction, composition, and applications.
Nez – The Olfactory Magazine (France) – A contemporary publication that explores perfume as both art and science, connecting the world of scent to culture, society, and the environment.
From the science of olfaction to the storytelling behind raw materials, Nez continues to inspire a deeper, more emotional relationship with aromas—an ethos we hold close at TMV.
Modern Science & The Future of Botanicals
Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand & Young – An indispensable guide to safe and effective use.
Phytochemical Methods by Harborne – Enabling in-depth analysis of plant constituents.
Green Extraction of Natural Products by Chemat – Driving forward sustainable, eco-conscious innovation.
Books as Bridges: From Ancient Wisdom to Future Innovation
At TMV, we stand on the shoulders of these great texts—bridging tradition and modern science to create solutions for fragrance, flavor, and wellness. Books have preserved our past and guide our future—from CO2 extraction to nutraceutical applications, from ethical sourcing to sustainable farming.
What book has shaped your journey in this space?
Let us know in the comments—we’d love to build a shared library of botanical wisdom.
Happy World Book Day!