The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils: The Complete Guide to the Use of Oils in Aromatherapy and Herbalism by Julia Lawless (1995, Paperback, Reissue)

This is one of my most valuable reference books for my aromatherapy business. This is the first book I turn to when learning about an essential oil new to me.

Buy this book first, then build the rest of your aromatherapy library.


Specific likes include:

A large number of essential oils are reviewed (over 160)

Information on natural plant origins, herbal traditions, and current cultivation

Crucial safety data for each esssential oil

Full latin names and common names (including synonyms) along with related species to give you the tools to buy authentic essential oils

Information on the method of extraction, color and aroma characteristics, principal chemical constituents, and medical terminology for the actions of the essential oil

A description of the plant, including pictures and sketchings

A good starting point for learning home uses, homeopathic interactions, and other uses for the essential oils

A good background on the fundamentals of essential oils and how to find high quality, therapeutic, and authentic essential oils; as well as a quick summary of critical safety precautions (ex. which essential oils to avoid when pregnant)


Specific dislikes included:

I quickly outgrew the information on the specific aromatherapy uses of each essential oil, however there is enough information for the casual user of essential oils. For intermediate or advanced users, or those who want an understanding of the mental and emotional health aspects of essential oils, you will need to add additional books to your library on aromatherapy.

The book is organized alphabetically by latin name. While this is understandable (common names are not the same everywhere), it still is a little annoying.

Don't expect much information on herbalism - yes, that is in the title, but you will only find extensive information on the aromatherapy aspects of essential oils

It is very hard to find this book to purchase, so if you see it, don't wait, just get it! I had to search for 3 months on- and off- line.

This book is very well organized, set up to understand the origins of using herbs and the discovery of herbal medicine. It is a comprehensive guide in that it covers medicinal usage/herbal and folk tradition, how to apply or use it in various methods of application/usage, prevention/safety data, preparation/proportions, how its extracted/botanical origins, what harmonizes with it and most important...a picture is worth a thousand words, in description. This is exactly what I was looking for! It is basically a reliable source 'cookbook' to have as a reference guide to understanding essential oils in an A to Z presentation. Personally I bought this book, as I wanted to make potpourri's and soaps, lotions, bath teas, salves/balms. I needed to know the "WHY" behind the oils...to make a BETTER product, relying on knowledgeability not just repetition of the trades. This book definitely aides in that type of educational value. I highly recommend it to all who want to learn, not just 'Do'..'Because' methods of practice.

I use this book in my classroom for my students. It is a nice simple yet very informative beginners book on the oils. If you are just beginning to explore the E.O.'s then this is the book for you. Even if you are a long time user of the oils this is a nice reference book. Thank you Julia Lawless