Do you have an essential oil book that you just love? This is an oily question that we asked our readers. Here you will find a list of essential oil books and reference guides that are recommended.
I am not going to lie, I have a HUGE collection of essential oil books, but the results from our readers were much different.
I do a lot of research for the different posts I write for the blog, so the general users probably doesn’t need as many books as I have. I think it is good to have one or two essential oil reference books available, newbie or expert.
The answers from our fans revealed that over HALF said they didn’t have any books on essential oils. Many said they use the internet, Pinterest, blogs (like ours!!) for their essential oil information. A few were still too new and just haven’t made the investment yet.
I totally agree with what Cheryl G said “I have several that I like. No two are alike, they all offer something different!“.
It is hard for me to find just one “complete” book. None are ever “complete”, and if they were I surely wouldn’t be able to pick it up because it would just be too big.
Buying Essential Oil Books – Questions to Get Answered
There are many fabulous essential oil and aromatherapy books available on the market today, especially for beginners. You can also find more specific topics like Essential Oil Recipes, Essential Oil Safety, Aromatherapy for Pregnancy, Essential Oils for Children, etc.
Nowadays it is easy for people to self publish books on all types of topics, even if they lack knowledge on the particular subject matter. These books may actually contain harmful information and suggestions.
I think it is important to carefully review any essential oil books before purchasing them.
Here are 4 questions to consider:
1. What are the authors qualifications?
Look at what qualifies the author to write a book on this topic, any education received, practical or professional experience, accolades, etc.
2. Is it the most current edition of the book?
It is best to get the most current addition available to ensure you have the most up to date recommendations and safety data.
3. Is the book brand neutral?
In general, the most objective books tend to be ones not affiliated with a specific brand but there may be exceptions.
4. What do the reviews say?
This is a good way to get a general idea of what the readers think of the book. Keep in mind that reviews from beginner users may not notice inaccuracies or potential risky information.
I like what Liz R said “I have taken out many from my local library and have compiled recipes & blends in a notebook so that I can go back to them“.
That is a great idea, especially if it is financially not possible to purchase a book. Also a smart idea if you just want to see what is out there before purchasing one or if you want to compile your own notebook with recipes and oils that you like!
List of Essential Oil Books – Fan Favorites
These are the top fan favorite essential oil books according to our readers. There were a few books mentioned that I was not familiar with and couldn’t find enough information on the author so I did not include those recommendations for safety reasons.
Majority of these books I do own so I added a short snippet on each book about my personal thoughts.
To learn more about each book, just click on the picture.
1. The Complete Book of Essentials and Aromatherapy
This was the NUMBER ONE book mentioned by our fans (and by me!). So, if you are looking to get an essential oil reference book, this is it! It is reasonably priced, a tried and true book, and a great resource to have. I use this book the most out of my collection, you will frequently see snippets in my post from this book (especially on EO Spotlight posts). <<Buy Here >>
| Author | Valerie Ann Worwood |
| Publisher | New World Library; 25th Anniversary Edition (2016) |
| Pages | 712 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, Revised and Expanded is a necessary resource for anyone interested in alternative approaches to healing and lifestyle. This new edition contains more than 800 easy-to-follow recipes for essential oil treatments from Valerie Ann Worwood, a consultant and expert on the clinical uses of essential oils internationally. |
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2. Essential Oils: All-natural remedies and recipes for your mind, body and home
If you are a newbie, this is the #1 book I would recommend. This is my second favorite book in my collection. I really enjoy this book, it is very practical and laid out beautifully. I reference it frequently and it is one that I think would be helpful to new users too. If I had one complaint it is that the oils in the book are listed by their botanical name so it is slower for me to find the oil profile I am looking for (the table of contents lists them by common name so it is best to start there!). It highlights 88 essential oils and includes uses and recipes too. <<Buy Here >>
| Author | Susan Curtis, Fran Johnson |
| Publisher | DK; 1 edition (2016) |
| Pages | 256 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | An instructional reference guide to essential oils and aromatherapy from the experts at Neal’s Yard Remedies, a trusted source for natural health and beauty products. Learn how to harness the healing powers of essential oils for treating maladies and improving mental and physical well-being. Use homeopathic alternatives to treat everyday health issues, including acne, PMS, insomnia, and indigestion, and rebalance your energy, enhance your focus, and release stress. Whether you live an all-natural lifestyle or you are just beginning to use alternative methods to eliminate synthetic chemicals from your everyday products, Essential Oils is packed with authoritative information to answer your questions. This visual guide features comprehensive profiles of 88 essential oils, full-color photographs, and helpful guidance for using, blending, and storing. |
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3. Essential Living: Aromatherapy Recipes for Health and Home
I do not have this book yet but i have it ordered and it will arrive soon. I will update here on my thoughts once I review but I have no doubt it will be great. I have Andrea’s other book “The Heart of Aromatherapy” and really enjoy that one. She always has great recipes. <<Buy Here>>
| Author | Andrea Butje |
| Publisher | Plant Therapy Essential Oils; 2nd edition (2012) |
| Pages | 88 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | Andrea brings the therapeutic use of essential oils to your home in Essential Living. Her easy-to-follow recipes teach beginners and experts alike how to create natural, safe products to replace synthetic chemicals and toxic ingredients found in many store brands. With a modest collection of essential oils and tools from around the kitchen, learn how to create cleaning scrubs, natural air fresheners and healthy body products. Neatly organized by room and purpose, these recipes give readers the power to replace unwanted chemicals with handmade, effective, aromatic products. |
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4. The Complete Aromatherapy and Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness
I enjoy this book too. It has 109 essential oils listed and lots of remedies to go along. I like that tips and safety facts are in the margins of the pages, they are very helpful. It doesn’t have pictures or any color, I think it would be an even better book with both. <<Buy Here>>
| Author | Nerys Purchon, Lora Cantele |
| Publisher | Robert Rose; 1 edition (2014) |
| Pages | 480 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | In this comprehensive book there are many, many more ways to use the oils for everything from arthritis and asthma to high blood pressure and constipation. Essential oils are now emerging as scientifically proven and accepted remedies for a variety of common conditions. The why and how certain oils heal still remains somewhat mysterious. Oils can help to treat everyday ailments, whether it be strengthening the immune system, fighting bacteria and viruses, and lowering stress levels to toning, relaxing and strengthening muscles. These oils help the body heal itself. This book features 109 oils and 450 remedies. The recipes are easy to follow, do not take a long time to make, and are quite inexpensive — the biggest cost is the oils. The oils are organized in an A to Z format, and each entry features the botanical name, a full description of how and why the oil is extracted as well as its therapeutic uses. |
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5. The Heart of Aromatherapy: An Easy-to-Use Guide for Essential Oils
I like this book because it is different than others, Andrea not only goes over each oil but she also shares the oils in a story format (described as “expressive personality profiles”) that offers a unique way to learn about the oils she highlights. It is also fun to read the oil stories to kids, they will enjoy them too! She has lots of beautiful recipes, some call for less common essential oils, so a new user may have issues with not having the oil called for. <<Buy Here>>
| Author | Andrea Butje |
| Publisher | Hay House Inc; 1 edition (2017) |
| Pages | 288 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | Aromahead Institute founder Andrea Butje brings 40 essential oils to life in this guide to safe and effective aromatherapy. From cardamom to lavender to yuzu, each oil’s aroma, uses, and safety tips are clearly defined, while the core physical and emotional supportive properties are captured in expressive personality profiles.Over 100 recipes are included to support skin care, rest and relaxation, respiratory health, digestion, pain relief, meditation and contemplation, and even natural cleaning. Kid-friendly adjustments accompany each recipe to ensure safe usage and a healthy home environment for all ages.Take an up-close and personal peek at essential oil distillers around the world as they describe the passion, work, and meticulous care they put into creating their homegrown products. Andrea walks you through what you need to know to select quality essential oils from trustworthy sources.By the end of this book, you will know which oils you want to turn to for different needs, whether physical or emotional, and you will be able to personalize aromatherapy blends to perfectly complement your mood and spirit. With only the most essential of resources, you can invigorate your mind, body, heart, and home. |
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6. The Essential Oils Complete Reference Guide: Over 250 Recipes for Natural Wholesome Aromatherapy
I recently purchased this book so I could see what it was all about. It has lots of images (I love that!) and I like the essential oil profiles that she lists, very detailed. She has lots of blend recipes but unfortunately most are master blend recipes to make 5 ml essential oil blends. So that means I have to use 100 drops to make just one blend recipe in the book. What happens if I don’t like the blend? <<Buy Here>>
| Author | KG Stiles |
| Publisher | Page Street Publishing; 1 edition (2017) |
| Pages | 464 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | Explore the world of natural, nontoxic essential oils for all aspects of your life. Stimulate your senses and soothe your body and soul with the popular practice that has become a respected, safe alternative to modern medicine. Learn all about essential oils to use for bettering your life and the lives of your family and friends. Included are: – Profiles of the most widely used essential oils – Formulas and blending guides with the most effective techniques for using them – Accurate application methods from time-honored poultices to modern day steam inhalation – Remedies for a wide range of ailments including muscle strain, headaches and skin problems – DIY personal care from beauty treatments, massage and cooking to moms & new babies, pets and spiritual healing – Over 300 stunning images This comprehensive guide is a must-have resource and welcome addition to the libraries of experienced and novice aromatherapists alike. |
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7. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit: Restoring Emotional and Mental Balance with Essential Oils
I do not have this book in my collection but I just ordered it so I can see how I like it. Will update once I review. <<Buy Here>>
| Author | Gabriel Mojay |
| Publisher | Healing Arts Press; 1 edition (2000) |
| Pages | 192 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | In this unique synthesis of Eastern and Western healing approaches, Gabriel Mojay combines the practice of aromatherapy with the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine. Mojay explains the esoteric and energetic healing properties of 40 essential oils and shows how they can be used to manipulate qi, the body’s vital energy, to stimulate healing from negative emotional and mental states. Some forms of nervous tension, for example, are caused by stagnant qi energy, which can be released with essential oils. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit provides help for a wide range of common emotional and mental complaints–including depression, low energy, lack of concentration, poor memory, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Easy-to-reference charts and full-color illustrations teach simple aromatherapeutic massage and acupressure techniques that restore balance to the body and psyche. |
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8. The Healing Power of Essential Oils: Soothe Inflammation, Boost Mood, Prevent Autoimmunity, and Feel Great in Every Way
I like how Dr. Z writes, he teaches in a very down to earth format and is good at breaking complex topics down so they are easy to understand. This is a fairly new book for me so I have not tried any recipes yet. <<Buy Here>>
| Author | Eric Zielinski D.C. |
| Publisher | Harmony; 1 edition (2018) |
| Pages | 305 |
| Brand Affiliation | None |
| Description | Achieving true health is not an easy task. For many people, it might be easier to pop a pill or push aside lingering discomfort in favor of finishing everything on your to-do list. In The Healing Power of Essential Oils, Eric Zielinski, D.C. shows readers how to make their health a priority with the life-changing benefits of essential oils. Essential oils are the natural solution to everything from anxiety and depression to deep-seated inflammation. For beginners, Dr. Z teaches everything you need to know to get started, including the top seven oils you should stock from Day 1 and the commonly used techniques and tools. He illustrates daily practices you can follow to enjoy the properties of essential oils, including a five-minute devotional using frankincense and neroli to set you up for a productive and stress-free day, and a simple bedtime routine harnessing the soporific effects of lavender. |
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9. Emotions and Essential Oils
I do not own this book, it does have doTERRA blends in it so that may be a limit for the readers that don’t use this brand. <<Buy Here>>
I have a similar book called Emotional Healing with Essential Oils by Daniel Macdonald.
| Author | Enlighten |
| Publisher | Enlighten; 7th edition (2018) |
| Pages | 167 |
| Brand Affiliation | doTERRA |
| Description |
Updated with 12 new oils! Essential oils are widely used for physical health but not as often for emotional healing. Emotions & Essential Oils bridges this gap as a user-friendly guide for helping you taking charge of your emotional health. First, the guide describes the innate emotional properties of common oils and blends. Then, a reference chart and comprehensive index help you choose oils and blends for a wide variety of emotional states. |
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10. Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils
I have the 8th edition of this book and have had early editions in the past. This book has dōTERRA® brand names. I find this book valuable for looking up symptoms and finding a list of possible oils but they also list the brand blends so it is not as helpful to me as I would like it to be. I really prefer to have non branded books. Contains promotion for internal use as well. <<Buy Here>>
| Author | Aromatools |
| Publisher | AromaTools; 10th edition (2018) |
| Pages | 511 |
| Brand Affiliation | doTERRA |
| Description | Modern Essentials: The Complete Guide to the Therapeutic Use of Essential Oils now features dōTERRA® brand names for all products. Amazingly practical for anyone wanting to learn about essential oils and their everyday uses. It is the ultimate guide, whether you are a new or experienced essential oils user. The simple, easy-to-use format has been improved to help you quickly find important information: which essential oils to use for hundreds of health conditions, how to safely and effectively apply them, and ways to incorporate oils into daily living. This book is an indispensable reference for any aromatherapy library. |
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11. Quick Reference Guide for Using Essential Oils
I have an older edition of this book, I like the compact size of it. This book has Young Living blends and products in it. Like the last book, I find looking up symptoms helpful but the blends and other products suggested are not helpful to me. They have a full size edition too. <<Buy Here>>
| Author | Connie and Alan Higley |
| Publisher | Abundant Health; 2018 Edition (2018) |
| Pages | 704 |
| Brand Affiliation | Young Living |
| Description | An abbreviated version of its larger counterpart, this portable guide contains the entire “Personal Guide Section” of the Reference Guide for Essential Oils: recommending oils, blends, and supplements for over 600 health conditions. It also includes basic charts and information, including Vita Flex Therapy and Raindrop Technique. |
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More of My Favorite Aromatherapy Books
While these books didn’t make the fan favorite list, these are additional books that I have in my library and find helpful.
The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
- The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Aromatic Oils In Aromatherapy, Herbalism, Health, and Well Being by Julie Lawless
- The definitive AZ 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, frankincense, ylang ylang, 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 Encyclopedia of Essential Oils gives detailed information on the most commonly available and widely used flower oils and aromatics.
- Buy Here
The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils
- The Healing Intelligence of Essential Oils: The Science of Advanced Aromatherapy by Kurt Schnaubelt Ph.D.
- Explores science’s new biological understanding of essential oils for improved immunity and treatment of degenerative diseases. Explains how essential oils convey the complex natural healing powers of plants, offering scientifically proven advantages over synthetic drugs. Offers revolutionary essential oil treatments to ameliorate the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer treatments as well as for hepatitis, osteoporosis, liver detoxification, and the prevention of UV damage and melanoma. Presents simple recipes and protocols for strengthening the immune system; for treatment of common ailments, such as colds, flu, herpes, and candida; and for pain management.
- Buy Here
Essential Oil Safety
- Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals by Robert Tisserand, Rodney Young
- The second edition of this book is virtually a new book. It is the only comprehensive text on the safety of essential oils, the first review of essential oil/drug interactions, and it provides detailed essential oil constituent data not found in any other text. Much of the existing text has been re-written, and 80% of the text is completely new. There are 400 comprehensive essential oil profiles and almost 4000 references. There are new chapters on the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the urinary system, the digestive system and the nervous system.
- Buy Here
Essential Oils of the Bible
- Essential Oils of the Bible: Connecting God’s Word to Natural Healing
- Spiritual and physical healing with essential oils gathered from the Bible. In Biblical times, essential oils were used for everything from holy ceremonies to everyday needs. Today, we can harness the all-natural power of essential oils to calm, purify, and heal our bodies and homes. Essential Oils of the Bible is written at the intersection of science and spirituality, allowing the benefits of both to infuse your spiritual essential oils practice.
- Buy Here
The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia
- The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia: A Concise Guide to Over 385 Plant Oils by Carol Schiller & David Schiller
- Includes a general introduction to proper safety, preparation, and usage of the oils, and what to watch out for in commercial products. Separate chapters provide descriptions of the essential oils, carrier oils, and infused oils, detailing their derivation and history, documented properties, and aromatherapeutic methods of use. With category listings of oil properties and cross-reference lists from botanical to common names.
- Buy Here
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy & Herbalism by Julia Lawless
- 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.
- Buy Here
Essential Oils Natural Remedies
- Essential Oils Natural Remedies: The Complete A-Z Reference of Essential Oils for Health and Healing by Althea Press
- For thousands of years, essential oils have been used to promote health and well-being. In this complete A-Z reference, new and seasoned practitioners alike will find everything they need to harness this ancient power of healing. This book offers practical, factual, in-depth information on using essential oils to treat over 170 common maladies. From allergies to wasp stings, you’ll find the treatment information you need when you need it.
- Buy Here
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