Just the Essentials: How Essential Oils Can Heal Your Skin, Improve Your Health, and Detox Your Life

by Adina Grigore

The author of Skin Cleanse returns with a comprehensive guide to the ultimate ingredient for living an all-natural, plant-based essential oils.

In Just the Essentials, Adina Grigore, owner and founder of the wildly popular all-natural skincare line SW Basics, presents a 21st-century guide to these ancient oils. A former essential oils skeptic, Grigore offers a fresh, fun, and authoritative overview of what they are and how they can be easily incorporated into anyone’s life. 

From plant-based medicine to all-natural skincare to safer and cleaner household products to aromatherapy, this handy and entertaining guide provides detailed advice for a wide array of oils, safety guidelines, and a range of do-it-yourself recipes to get started. Inside you'll discover such fun facts

Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial that is proven to be as effective for treating acne as benzoyl peroxide; it also kills oral bacteria and is a life-saver for tooth infections.Cinnamon oil is a circulation-booster that helps to ease everyday aches and pains as well as headaches (even migraines).Peppermint oil is brimming with antimicrobial properties; peppermint oil can be used for everything from alleviating digestive problems to cleaning your kitchen counters.With lists of the best oils for beginners; instructions for diffusing and safe handling; and DIY recipes from dish soap to toothpaste to facial masks, Just the Essentials makes it easy and enjoyable to reap the many benefits of these pure plant extracts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health, Self Help

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2017

About the author

Adina Grigore is the founder and CEO of the all-natural, sustainable skin-care line S.W. Basics, which she started out of her kitchen in 2011. A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Adina has worked in the wellness industry since 2007 as a private holistic nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a workshop coordinator teaching people about the DIY nature of wellness. S.W. Basics products are now sold internationally and have been featured in Vogue, O Magazine, W Magazine, the New York Times, InStyle, Real Simple, and Martha Stewart Living, among others.

Reviews

[Novelesque Life]

DNF
2017; Harper Wave/HarperCollins

I really wanted to read book, as I have heard about essential oils from other people and TV ads, but didn't know much of what they did. I attended a seminar where I learned more about essential oils and I don't think this is something I want to get into.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through Edelweiss. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been wanting to explore essential oils for a while now but I have absolutely no idea where to start. Which oils are best for the inflammation I want to get rid of? What’s the best way to use essential oils? Do I use all the oils the same way? Just the Essentials answers these questions and gives a basic overview of several other aspects of essential oil use – as well as DIY recipes and tips.

Grigore’s style is engaging and easy to read, and the book is laid out in such a way that makes it a good go-to reference to have on hand. I also really loved the illustrations peppered throughout the book, in the same style as the cover. The chapter called The Beginner’s Top Ten is a really helpful resource for newbies like me who are just starting out, but Just the Essentials also has some recipes that I think would appeal to the more experienced at essential oil use as well.

Bottom Line: Whether you are an essential oils beginner or if you have your fave supplier on speed dial, Just the Essentials is a good book to have around. It’s easy to follow and fun to read, and it’s clear the author knows what she’s talking about. I’m looking forward to using this guide as I start my own journey with essential oils.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

see my review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is different than many other essential oils books in the market in that it's written in a conversational, friendly tone. Instead of a dry catalog of oils, properties, uses and recipes, this is a book that seeks to engage the reader. For those that want to know more about oils but get depressed when they see shelves full of books with bulleted lists and latin words, this is a great option. For those that prefer straight knowledge without puffery, this isn't the right book. If you are an essential oils geek that wants to convert the entire world and you have a friend that thinks you are crazy, this could be the book to loan to them, which would make this a good addition to an essential oils library.

[Lauren Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to this subject and this was a good introduction. Provided technical and practical information without being overwhelming.

[Kelly Schulze · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick & easy read about essential oils and their usage, history and some DIY's included. I loved Adina's take on some things; like ingesting oils. I also enjoyed how she included some warnings and also gave some tips for knowing if it's a good quality essential oil vs a low end essential oil. This book was super helpful!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a good book! I ended up buying a lot of the oils she reccomended for beginners. I had rented it from the library but found that I needed to purchase it to keep on hand. Lots of great used for oils too.

[Just Commonly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
.I've been interested in essential oils since I've read a bit (passing comments) about it in other books or magazines. I've had other friends that have just recently gotten into it. So I'm naturally curious as to what essential oils are and how can it provide "improvements" in a variety of areas in your life. Just the Essentials by Adina Grigore is a great start for any newbie like me. Honestly, I know nothing about it, except what I've heard or read in passing. With a simple introduction, a history lesson and the commercial use of essential oils in our every day products, this was a great start.

Just the Essentials is not only for newbies, I think it would be beneficial to experience users as well, since it includes a breakdown of the types of oils and which oil for what uses. Also, there is a section for DIYers to play with, recipes that harness the use of essential oils and for different types of ailments, skin conditions or home aids. There's even a little tidbit of what is harmful, such as for expectant mothers. Personally, I think the "Beginners' Top Ten" section was the one I looked into more. Great for beginners to play with or consider making our own products. In all, a fairly comprehensive book in just about 193 pages (might change, since it is an advance reader's copy that I've read for this review), and a book I know I'll refer to, at lease the uses of each type of oil.



This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I want to say I won this book on Goodreads. Second, I am glad I did. I am new to the world of essential oils. Even though I have heard many wonderful things about essential oils, I never got past the conversations. This book gave me an opportunity to dive in and get educated in an fun, easy to understand way, with charts and pictures, minus all that scientific stuff that makes me snooze. I love the fact that the author uses simple recipes and encourages the reader to experiment with different oils. The Moisturizing Spot Treatment recipe was made with ingredients from Target! How can you not love that?!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a quick and easy read with a ton of essential oil recipes to try out. I learned a few things and have a better understanding of EO now. The author is amusing in her writing and breaks down EO into basics that anyone can delve into.

[Brittiny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of great information presented in an easy to read and understand way. Anxious to get my hands on a copy for my own personal use and reference (borrowed this particular copy from the library)

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great beginner book, feel like I can now invest in some essential oils and not waste my money. Knowledge saves time and money!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read Grigore's "Skin Cleanse" yet, but both of these were recommended from The Wellness Project, and I really like Grigore's approach to her skin, essential oils, and her writing style. The book was modern, fun and easy to read, while still being informative. And it helped jump start my interest (again) in essential oils, which I've owned for a while, but I had put away my diffusers and EOs. But they're back out now! There wasn't a whole lot of magical new material in this book (you can only say so much about EOs that others haven't said), but I enjoyed her writing and it's a great book for beginners.

She provided a bunch of recipes, but I'm greedy. I wanted more!

Next up: Skin Cleanse

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to get into essential oils, this is a great book to have. Lots of good information for beginners and some simple recipes. Also the list of the author’s favorites is helpful and her mention of certain oils that aren’t good for around young children was nice. I also loved her easy, conversational style of conveying information.

I gave this four stars instead of five because there is no mention of using essential oils around pets and how certain ones can be especially toxic for cats because of how their livers work. I also wish there had been less recipes and more of the good scientific information she undoubtedly possessed, but maybe that is because this book is really meant for true newbies.

This is definitely going on my to-recommend list.

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book and learned so much about essential oils. I’ve been using EOs since 2014 but still am not very confident in knowing that I’m selecting pure oils. I know what to look for now and what to research. I found this book to be easy to read, fast moving, but insightful too. I checked this out from the local library but plan to get my own copy as it is a great reference book and has several DIY tips and recipes. Just the Essentials answered so many questions I had on EOs!

[Jess Rossi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there is some good information in here, but the writing style obscures it a bit. The author tries to convey this information in a way that is akin to pop culture, and I found this to be a bit distracting. I’m sure some people resonate with this style of writing, but I found it to be rather distracting.

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book for a beginner. I have used essential oils for years but never really looked into the benefits beyond which smells I liked. This book is easy to read, the info is shared in a way that is easy to understand, and there is an abundance of good information. This was the perfect starting point to learning more about oils.

[Rachael Sandison · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a novice I wanted to learn more about essential oils and their properties. Its an easy enough book to dip in and out of, with a friendly conversational tone without being a list of oils and properties. Ideal for beginners such as myself but for more in depth knowledge it would be useful to add to a collection but not necessarily “the bible of essential oil knowledge”.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. I’m new to essential oils so I was able to understand a little bit more, the book answered some of the questions I had and I loved that we had some recipe at the end. I think it’s an awesome book for anybody wanting to start using essential oil!

[Terri Palermo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really like this book, in every regard: the writing style, the easy way all the wonderful information is shared, the author's humor...just everything!
Such a great and complete history on everything oils and all sorts of creative DIY recipes and ideas.

LOVE this book!

[Shelby Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the better essential oil books I’ve read. It hits every mark from recipes to controversy with the pharmaceutical company’s. I’ve use it a lot for reference while working in holistic healthcare.

[AliceinWonderland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good basic introduction with cute illustrations but nothing you couldn't learn online or any other natural remedy/EO/herbalism book.
I did like some of the recipes though and it's worth a try! 😉

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to better understanding essential oils

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the recipes she includes in this book but I would have enjoyed more discussion of other oils and what they can be used for, not just the few she focuses on.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to have to buy this book eventually. So many good ideas and natural remedies in here.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really easy read and lots of good info. The book also contains a decent section of DIY recipes too.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really hoping for more recipes. :(

[kathryn elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

GREAT resource for essential oils. A fun book to read that is full of scientific explanations, oil recipes, hacks and ideas. I borrowed it from the library, but it is now on my Christmas wishlist!

[Ann-Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chit chatty format that includes serious & objective research / findings about essential oils.

[ielaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love love love love love!!!!!!

[Bode Cauthon · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some excellent parts about this book but I didn’t find it a comprehensive guide.