Mom’s Review: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood is often one of the first books purchased by people beginning their essential oil journey.
In fact, this huge reference book was the very first book in my aromatherapy collection and is currently #2 in Aromatherapy Books on Amazon.
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I bought this book after being introduced to Lavender essential oil by a friend in a support group. I spent many hours reading it cover to cover while in waiting rooms and hospital rooms. It was a very effective way to bring positive thoughts and energy into my life when I needed it most. It was the book that inspired me to continue my studies and become a Certified Aromatherapist.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy is the revised, expanded 25th Anniversary edition of Valerie’s original book published in 1991. It includes over 800 recipes using essential oils and aromatics for first aid, emotional support, immune support, cleaning, beauty, and cooking, among others.
Valerie includes entire chapters dedicated to women’s health, men’s health, baby, child and teen health, care of the elderly, animal care, providing care and support for major health issues, and even a chapter dedicated to using essential oils to support the athlete.
Some of My Favorites
I really enjoy passive diffusion of essential oils, especially on a natural potpourri. They lend a subtle ambiance to my home that makes it feel like “home.” My routine of adding essential oils to bowls of natural potpourri began with Valerie’s Oriental and Spicy potpourri blends which are warm and welcoming and mimic the energy I aim to create in my home.
It was after working with these blends that I came up with my own seasonal Fall and Winter blends, which are now my favorites to add to potpourri between September and December.
I enjoyed the section on perfumes and eau de cologne, which includes a discussion of notes and accords and provides numerous examples of feminine and masculine scent combinations. I used this section to guide my early attempts at creating custom aromatherapeutic spray perfumes.
The chapters I’ve returned to time and again are those that discuss support for chronic health issues, such as insomnia, leg cramps, and muscle fatigue. In fact, just recently I turned to the section on rheumatoid arthritis while researching oils to use in a massage oil for a friend with RA.
And finally, in my early days of working with essential oils I often referenced the “blends well with” portion of each of the essential oil descriptions. I found that these really helped me understand how essential oils work together; and they were an important part of my early education in aromatherapeutic blending.
“Each essential oil has dozens if not hundreds of components. By blending two or more oils, an entirely new compound is being formed. This accounts for the extraordinary potential of aromatherapy.”
~Valerie Ann Worwood, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (2016)
More Than a Book of Essential Oils
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy isn’t only about essential oils, however. Valerie also provides a good introduction to lipid carrier oils and butters, herbal infused oils, and hydrosols and their roles in skin care and aromatherapy.
For the gardener and those who thrive out-of-doors, Valerie goes into companion planting, weed control, essential oils to deter garden pests, natural insect repellents, and even how to create rich, plant-supporting soil.
Full of Quick Reference Charts
Throughout the book, Valerie has included numerous reference tables, including essential oils for memory support, stress, and self-defense/immune support, skin and hair care, common chemical constituents, and application methods.
I’ve often turned to the quick reference chart that lists the common and botanical names of 125 essential oils and their therapeutic properties, common uses, and precautions. These same 125 essential oils are described in detail, as well.
Valerie’s detailed descriptions include plant identification and growing information, part(s) used, therapeutic properties and uses, characteristics, and blending ideas for:
- 34 lipid oils and butters,
- 5 common herbal oils,
- 26 hydrosols, and, of course
- 125 essential oils.
While, with the changing and growing world of aromatherapy, no book could possibly ever be “complete,” this giant of a book contains a wealth of information and is a great resource, especially for general essential oil users and aspiring or beginning aromatherapists.
It is certain to be a book you’ll turn to time and again as your skills develop.
The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy can undoubtedly be found in your local library (it’s almost always checked out at mine!) or corner bookstore. Or Amazon can bring it right to your door.
You can find other essential oil, aromatherapy, and herbal books in Mom’s Library Favorites on Amazon.
Also by Valerie Ann Worwood
- Aromatherapy for the Beauty Therapist
- Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child: More than 300 Natural, Nontoxic, and Fragrant Essential Oil Blends
- Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils
- Aromatherapy for Your Child: Essential Oil Remedies for Children of All Ages
- The Endometriosis Natural Treatment Program: A Complete Self-Help Plan for Improving Health and Wellness (with Julia Stonehouse)
- Essential Aromatherapy: A Pocket Guide to Essential Oils and Aromatherapy (with Susan Worwood)
- The Fragrant Heavens: The Spiritual Dimension of Fragrance and Aromatherapy
- The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood, and Emotion
- The Fragrant Pharmacy: A Complete Guide to Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
- Fragrant Sensuality: Aromantics and Nature’s Essential Oils
- The Pampered Pregnancy: An Aromatherapy Guide for Wellness and Comfort
- Scents and Scentuality: Aromatherapy and Essential Oils for Romance, Love, and Sex
- Title: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
- Author: Valerie Ann Worwood
- Publisher: New World Library (November 15, 2016)
- Language: English
- Paperback: ‎712 pages
- ISBN-10: 1577311396
- ISBN-13: 978-1577311393
Chris P | Author, Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skin Care Formulator
Chris (“Mom”) enjoys formulating bespoke aromatherapy, skin care, and herbal products to support her family, pets, friends, and clients. She also loves experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. An avid reader, writer, and lifetime learner, Chris enthusiastically explores research rabbit holes and then writes about her discoveries.💚 (Learn more >>)
