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

by Jennie Harding

Whether through massage, a hot aromatherapy bath or a cooling compress, essential oils can bring life-enhancing benefits to everyone. In this stunning addition to the Essential Handbook series we learn how to incorporate them into our lives. The first section of The Essential Oils Handbook describes how the oils are extracted from plants, evocatively explains how they have been used traditionally in different cultures, and guides the reader in the best ways to integrate them safely and effectively into their daily routine. This is followed by an invaluable directory of 100 oils, each complemented by a full-color photograph of the plant from which the oil is extracted. Every information-packed entry offers examples of how you can use the oil to benefit both mind and body, whether massaging sore muscles with rosemary oil or adding ylang ylang oil to a bath to calm your mind. For each oil, key points are highlighted to provide essential information and fascinating facts at a glance. Authoritative yet accessible, this book will delight anyone who wants to use oils to enhance their well-being, or simply takes great pleasure in these complex, alluring fragrances.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Reference, Medicine, Medical

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2008

Reviews

[Ann Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this little book on a whim and was quickly staggered by how much I didn’t know. I think I’d heard somewhere that a few drops of peppermint oil on a cloth held near the nose can help to settle your stomach and prevent nausea. However, I had no idea that valerian, for example, had such a deep sedative effect that recipients of massage therapy with this oil are cautioned against driving or using machinery for eight hours after exposure. The camphorous aroma of spike lavender could lead to seizures and those who suffer from headaches should steer clear of ylang ylang’s strong scent or the sweet floral appeal of jasmine. This book is concise and informative, with photographs, scent synopses and instructions on proper use for each essential oil.

[Liaken · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my purposes, this is THE book on essential oils.

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book with tons of good information and easy to read. Great pictures also. A great reference for anyone who is interested in essential oils and aromatherapy. So much I did not know. I won my book from Goodreads Giveaways. I would recommend this book to my friends.

[Gato Negro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic information. I also like the way it is arranged with history, chemistry, and definitive tips up front, followed by carriers and eos. Excellent reference.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not enough on how to use them in diffusers...

[Giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Organized while still giving a ton of information. Easy to read and digest as well.

[Robin Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good explanation of Essential Oils and how to use them! I've referred to this book often. Also adds some useful recipes. I recommend adding it to your Essential Oil and Natural Health library.

[Francine Apollo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have had this book for about 6 years. It is something I keep on my personal reference shelf. I learn from each entry and the photos are great.

Recommended for hobbyists.

[Bernie4444 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes a good coffee table book.

This book makes a good stab at explaining the essentials of essential oils.

The author Jennie Harding is pretty much an expert in the field of essential oils as a tutor at the Tisserand Institute in London.

The information is in alphabetical order by the common names of plants and such. There are some practical uses and warnings.

Then it goes off the deep end and you feel that you are reading the stars. There are a few common themes for usage, but most of it is wild speculation or one person’s opinion displayed as universal facts.

[Felicia · Rating 2 out of 5]

For books about essential oils and how to use them, it isn't bad. But it's not great, either.

The author did some explaining in regards to the relationship of essential oils to the body, and how to use them for aromatherapy. She also covered some application techniques (massage, vaporizing, and compresses.) But when they got to the essential oils themselves, I felt the book was lacking. I've come across much more exhaustive information in other guides. Harding stuck to the 'emotional' and aromatherapy benefits of oils in this book (providing information like "this oil promotes well-being," and "this oil reduces stress.") There were some mentions of how certain oils help coughs/chest colds, and digestive issues, but the information tapered off from there.

Essential oils can do so much more than is mentioned in this book. Really what I wanted was a completely different oils guide, so I'm moving on from here.

[Jacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very informative little book. It has a little about each oil, where it comes from, what it smells like. Then a bit of safety information, toxic or non-toxic, sensitizing etc. It says a few oils such as spike lavender are not safe for people with epilepsy as its camphor content could bring on seizures. Also a few oils should be avoided during pregnancy. I had no idea aromatherapy could be so serious.
After that serious information comes a small section which tells you what kind of emotional support you can expect from your oils. Then comes the recipes. First, for mental and emotional well being. A lot of depression, anxiety and stress recipes. Then the physical, healing the body. Many cold, flu, migraine and upset stomach recipes. There were other recipes too, but this is what I remember.
It definitely made me need to buy more essential oils.

[Lin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the content of this book. It was informative and an interesting read. My only complaint is with the format. It's a book that is 288 pages long squeezed into the dimensions of 4.2 x 0.8 x 5.3 inches. It felt awkward to hold and read. I wish the book was in a larger format. I also wish the type was a little larger. That would make for a very nice, albeit thinner, book that wouldbe a pleasure to read, instead of a chore.

[Valerie L · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all let me say the information is good, and I like the pictures and set up. Yet the book is too little and chubby. The size makes it hard to read, hard to keep open and difficult to use. Also the index is to short. It needs to have a better index so I can flip to the back and look something up - otherwise I find myself flipping through page after page to find what I'm looking for.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book before I really got into essential oils. I had been using them to make homemade cleaners and deodorant and wanted to know more. This was a nice introduction but essential oils are powerful and potent so if you are wanting to use them medicinally there are better resources.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

It didn't provide new info for me.

[River Rhode · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative and visual. A good entrée into the fun of using oils and scent.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

The content of the book was good, but the formatting/layout leaves much to be desired.