Recommended Reading

Introductory Titles

Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art

Written by: Kathy Keville & Mindy Green
Published: 2009
Page Count: 246
Price (USD): $19.99

“A comprehensive guide to using essential oils in health, beauty, and well-being. Expanded and revised throughout, including new material on ayurvedic and ceremonial aromatherapy, massage, and herbal treatments, as well as updated resources and scientific findings.”

Amazon reviewer: “Finally a complete guide that is easy to read and affordable. The descriptions, explanations, and step-by-step preparation methods are written for the novice and are easy to follow. I especially like the quick reference on page 30 outlining the basic essential oils. The book is full of them, and I think they’re wonderful to use in concocting new, safe and different aromatherapy mixtures. The authors have done a remarkable job of translating the seemingly enigmatic language of aromatherapy. The charts in chapter four are especially helpful. Now lavender oil has become a relaxing addition to all my baths!”

The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide: Using the Science of Carrier & Essential Oils to Create Natural Personal Care Products

Written by: Danielle Sade, BSc, CAHP
Published: 2017
Page Count: 384
Price (USD): $24.01

This is an all-in-one guide for anyone who wants to make cosmetics at home. It is accompanied with full-color illustrations and photos, which make the book appealing as well as really practical, as you can see what your product is supposed to look like. Danielle makes sure that you know everything you need to know before you start experimenting, building up your knowledge base layer by layer. Each material used is described in as much detail as is necessary, and so is every technique applied. The text is easy to follow. It almost seems as if you are in a one-on-one lesson, personally guided by the author herself, as she dispenses useful tips and troubleshooting ideas, making sure you avoid unnecessary mistakes. The formulas are well presented, listing tools needed and ingredients. I especially appreciate the double measures – milliliters as well as cups and spoons. And did I mention it is all science-backed? Overall, this book encompasses all you need to know, with detailed recipes as well as more general guidelines if you feel creative.

The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook For Everyday Wellness

Written by: Nerys Purchon & Lora Carbo Cantele
Published: 2014
Page Count: 480
Price (USD): 24.95

Amazon reviewer: “Essential oils can be useful in many ways, and this beautifully designed book contains a feast of information, including many valuable safety tips. I urge you to follow them. I have known Jennie for many years, first as an aromatherapy student, and then as a teacher at the Tisserand Institute. Jennie has a passion for plants and essential oils, and she writes with vitality and wisdom. I can appreciate how much work has gone into researching the history and tradition of each plant, and into creating the hundreds of blends in this book. Jennie’s breadth of knowledge and years of experience are showcased here in this wonderful introduction to aromatherapy and massage.”

The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being

Written by: Julia Lawless
Published: 2002
Page Count: 226
Price (USD): 18.95

Publisher’s blurb: “The definitive A-Z reference guide to essential aromatherapy oils. Aromatherapy expert Julia Lawless shares her extensive knowledge in this detailed and systematic survey of more than 190 essential aromatherapy oils. From commonly used oils such as lavender and tea tree oils to the more obscure oils including deertounge, oakmoss, cananga, and angelica, The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils offers a wide variety of uses and cures for everything from wrinkles to kidney stones.”

The Essential Oils Handbook: All the Oils You Will Ever Need for Health, Vitality and Well-Being

Written by: Jennie Harding
Published: 2008
Page Count: 288
Price (USD): 13.95

Publisher’s blurb: “This attractive new addition to the Essential Handbook series is both a reference and a guide to these oils and their life-enhancing properties. The main attraction is a directory of 100 oils, complete with a discussion of the benefits of each for body, mind, and spirit, and suggestions on how it can be used. Gorgeous photographs showcase the plants that yield each oil, and an introductory section describes their traditional applications in different cultures around the world.”
R.Tisserand about the author: “I have known Jennie for many years, first as an aromatherapy student, and then as a teacher at the Tisserand Institute. Jennie has a passion for plants and essential oils, and she writes with vitality and wisdom. I can appreciate how much work has gone into researching the history and tradition of each plant, and into creating the hundreds of blends in this book. Jennie’s breadth of knowledge and years of experience are showcased here in this wonderful introduction to aromatherapy.”