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The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy
A necessary resource for anyone interested in alternative approaches to healing, this book contains more than 600 easy-to-follow recipes for essential oil treatments and aromatherapy.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
266 people are currently reading
3883 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Ann Worwood
26 books128 followersValerie Ann Worwood is an aromatherapist, a reflexologist, a member of the London and counties society of Physiologists, and as Chairman of Research is an active member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists. She runs her own clinic in Romford, England, conducts research on aromatherapy and its effects on endometriosis and infertility, and is a consultant to several natural beauty and health clinics. In addition, she lectures all over the world on the benefits of aromatherapy and essential oils.
Dr. Worwood has long been interested in natural medicines. Her study of essential oils was stimulated by her discovery of just how effective their medicinal qualities are, and this interest has led her to making a full exploration of all their life-enhancing qualities.
Dr. Worwood has long been interested in natural medicines. Her study of essential oils was stimulated by her discovery of just how effective their medicinal qualities are, and this interest has led her to making a full exploration of all their life-enhancing qualities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
March 14, 2022
How do you review this 😂 I love essential oils as aromatherapy. My favorites are peppermint and eucalyptus. This book gives you an in depth look on the power of aromatherapy. I do not consume them nor use them as medicinal therapy.
March 30, 2011
This is the best book I have ever found listing all the Essential Oils and their uses. I call it my Essential Oil Bible. It contains every possible oil available and then some. There is no possible way to remember everything listed in this book, which is why I end up using it as a reference tool. I am constantly going back to this book to look up this or that for oil use. I use essential oils for everything - all ailments, feel goods, illnesses, and more. This book has become one of the best books I have on Essential Oils.
May 9, 2016
It's a decent reference, but there are better EO books (with updated information) out there. I prefer a book that explains why certain oils are used for Z or Y, not just gives recipes. I also find her tone throughout the book a bit off-putting. Nonetheless, I'll hang onto it as a backup because it is easy to look up specifics (which I would then cross-reference with a more modern and instructive book such as Schnaubelt's or Tissarand's.
(And I can't believe she's advising using EOs on pets. Only an experienced person should do that. EO can cause liver and kidney damage in cats, dogs and birds.)
(And I can't believe she's advising using EOs on pets. Only an experienced person should do that. EO can cause liver and kidney damage in cats, dogs and birds.)
October 1, 2012
(see caution in mid-review)
This book is very informative. I gleaned many things from it, and have decided to keep it as reference material for recipes etc.
However, I strongly suggest that this is not your only source for information on essential oils.
CAUTION:
This book is EXTREMELY lacking in safety material. And actually incorrect when it comes to essential oils and animals. You should NEVER use essential oils on a cat. Their livers cannot process it. It will kill them. Re: the other animals listed, I do not have enough information to say what is or is not accurate regarding them.
Because of the extreme inaccuracies in animal section, I am more skeptical of the book as a whole. It could be that the information on essential oils back in 1991, when this was written, was not as available as it is now, however there is no updated version. So I recommend caution and further research before attempting more than basic, well known, methods of use.
This book is very informative. I gleaned many things from it, and have decided to keep it as reference material for recipes etc.
However, I strongly suggest that this is not your only source for information on essential oils.
CAUTION:
This book is EXTREMELY lacking in safety material. And actually incorrect when it comes to essential oils and animals. You should NEVER use essential oils on a cat. Their livers cannot process it. It will kill them. Re: the other animals listed, I do not have enough information to say what is or is not accurate regarding them.
Because of the extreme inaccuracies in animal section, I am more skeptical of the book as a whole. It could be that the information on essential oils back in 1991, when this was written, was not as available as it is now, however there is no updated version. So I recommend caution and further research before attempting more than basic, well known, methods of use.
July 12, 2009
This is a fantastic reference book for working with essential oils both as a perfumer and as a cosmetics formulator. Ms. Wormwood is one of the world's acknowledged experts on all things essential, and her advice about the therapeutic value of many of these oils is brilliant. As someone who has more than 20 years of experience working with the medical modalities of these types of therapy, her advice is both scientific in approach, and holistic in value. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2014
I have just started using essential oils in the last few weeks. I am already a firm believer in them and what they can do. This book has been so helpful in educating me in the world of essential oils!
September 23, 2016
A must if you're into essential oils! Use it often!
September 18, 2017
While this book has some useful information, it is lacking in several ways. First and foremost, the lack of oil safety for usage is big. Secondly, it has some extremely outdated content. Be sure to have a more recent oil book to go along side this if you need a good reference book for your essential oil use.
January 10, 2023
A great resource for those interested in the subject of aromatherapy. Definitely not a book you would want to read front to back, but full of a lot of useful recipes!
December 28, 2023
La aromaterapia de la A a la Z. Para mi es un libro de referencia sobre este tema.
May 24, 2025
Kitabın esansiyel yağlar ve taşıyıcı yağlar hakkında sunduğu bilgiler çok hoş… Ayrıca medikal taraftaki kullanım reçeteleri de çok hoşuma gitti. Birkaç tanesini de denedim… Sabun yapımı için planladığım bazı yağların kullanımları içinde bana değerli bilgiler kattı… Tekrar tekrar açılıp bakılacak kitaplardan…
July 22, 2010
Okay, this one's definitely a keeper. Zack's warts are vanishing and I only applied the essential oil remedy for three or four days. Warts are so annoying, I had the hardest time getting rid of them when I was a kid. I'm absolutely amazed at how well this worked.
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Many essential oils behave as antiseptics, antibacterials, antivirals, and/or antifungals. They are natural and smell good so I'm learning how to use them. I appreciate the wealth of information in this book. There's a recommendation for a basic kit containing 10 essential oils with a variety of uses, ranging from medicinal treatment (physical and emotional) to pest control in the garden. The book is organized pretty well, but there have been some things that took me a while to find. I think it'll be easier to navigate when I'm more familiar with the layout.
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Many essential oils behave as antiseptics, antibacterials, antivirals, and/or antifungals. They are natural and smell good so I'm learning how to use them. I appreciate the wealth of information in this book. There's a recommendation for a basic kit containing 10 essential oils with a variety of uses, ranging from medicinal treatment (physical and emotional) to pest control in the garden. The book is organized pretty well, but there have been some things that took me a while to find. I think it'll be easier to navigate when I'm more familiar with the layout.
April 28, 2013
This is a fabulous reference book. I read it cover to cover and marked up most of the pages with notes and highlights; I tabbed many pages of recipes and tips that I want to refer back to.
Some of the oils I wasn't familiar with and to collect all the ingredients she uses could be costly, but overall there are amazing recipes and a lot of very valuable information on essential oils and their practical uses in every day life.
Would recommend this to anyone who uses essential oils - beginner to advance.
Some of the oils I wasn't familiar with and to collect all the ingredients she uses could be costly, but overall there are amazing recipes and a lot of very valuable information on essential oils and their practical uses in every day life.
Would recommend this to anyone who uses essential oils - beginner to advance.
August 17, 2013
Okay, if we consider that.."recent work (Villemure, Slotnick, and Bushnell 2003) has shown that the areas of the brain that light up in response to a painful stimulus can be dulled by creating positive moods with a pleasant odor" - this book becomes essential. Aromatherapy can be used to improve our lives in a myriad of ways. I have personally used it to quit smoking and manage pain. This book provides a thoughtful historical, emotional, and spiritual background with practical tips for combining essential oils to get their maximum holistic benefits. I highly recommend.
May 27, 2013
The quintessential layman's reference book for essential oils, aromatherapy and natural healing and home. I've abandoned a number of commercial products, from acne treatments and household cleaners to moisturizers and air fresheners. I've also seen this book used in upscale spas and holistic healthcare. I've moved multiple times, and this book and my oils are always packed with the absolutely-positively-can't-live-without-it stuff!
September 23, 2013
I have heard this book refered to as the "bible" for the subject matter. It is very thorough & has common sense advice (cut out smoking, booze, etc). There has been a lot of recent research on essential oils that make this an even more valuable resource guide. I have read several reviews on this site and on others, that the advice on using oils on cats & dogs internally is toxic. So yes please, follow the advice of medical professionals first.
October 30, 2013
This book is amazing. It goes through so many emotional and physical issues and how to heal them with aromatherapy. The author gives recipes and explains how much to use. She explains so much in detail and it is a wonderful book if you are just getting started into using essential oils. It is also a great book if you use aromatherapy but want some more information on the benefits physically and emotionally.
September 28, 2019
This is a wonderful book. One of the classics. It is chock full of 600 recipes and lots of information.
I refer to it often. The only reason I do not give it 5 stars is because it is lacking much needed safety information and age limitations for oils. My copy is from 1991 and so it has some outdated info.
I refer to it often. The only reason I do not give it 5 stars is because it is lacking much needed safety information and age limitations for oils. My copy is from 1991 and so it has some outdated info.
October 17, 2007
i really appreciate the way this book in indexed. any ailment or issue you can think of is listed in a clear way so you can turn right to it. the relevance of a book like this is in its usability and this is still my favorite in that department.
April 2, 2008
This is probably the best book out there if you want to learn more about Essential Oils and Aromatherapy. Valerie Ann Worwood is incredibly knowledgeable in the subject, and i refer to this book often in my library!
April 30, 2009
My bestfriend got me this book a couple years ago for Christmas. My mom and I argue over it, it's so good and useful.
March 31, 2011
My favorite reference book for using essential oils. There is even a section for children and babies...these I have also used for adult use with success.
May 22, 2015
every serious aromatherapist should own this book
June 6, 2015
All you need. This book will replace the 4-5 books I have on the subject matter. It is well organized and very informative.
August 8, 2015
Essential Oils - you wouldn't think a book would become outdated. Maybe it's just me. This seemed like a waste of time and I abandoned it.
September 2, 2022
Overall, an okay book. It's over-stuffed with suggestions and irrelevant text, while it misses some important aspects.
Many oil combinations don't work so well (in my experience), but that's to be expected. There is no one-size-fits-all, everything is relative, and more often than not we have to improvise. And in aromatherapy, it's no different. We have to experiment with different blends until we find the right combination.
I'd not say this is a "Complete Book" of essential oils. The author doesn't give us a dilution and a conversion chart, which is extremely important to follow when we are creating our own blends. She also left out many important essential oils, such as Tansy, Rue, Sassafras, Pennyroyal, Wintergreen, and Camphor, just to mention a few. Apparently, she doesn't know much about those oils, for she even warns against them.
On the page right before the Introduction (in the edition I have, printed in 1991) the author states with great conviction, after a bold WARNING , that oils such as Boldo, Camphor, Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Pennyroyal, Rue, Tansy, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormwood, among a few others, should NOT be used under any circumstances.
She also recommends against deadly nightshade plants and stinging nettles, which makes me understand she doesn't know those plants very well. Yet, she states with great pride what is not true. For example, some deadly nightshade plants are poisonous if ingested, yes; however, not all of them. Tomato, eggplant, and potato are just a few of our friendly deadly nightshades. And Belladonna, too. Belladonna is feared by many people, but I've taken homeopathic Belladonna for headaches and it's fabulous! So, it's partial information and unfair (to the plants) to simply generalize and say they are poisonous. There is more than that to say and to know.
About the oils not to be used in any circumstances: more limited, or even incorrect information. I use Wintergreen oil for bruises and joint aches, diluted of course; and also mixed with other ingredients for a natural mouthwash. Poisonous? No way! I have also used Tansy and Pennyroyal essential oils, topically. And these plant oils cannot be harmful if properly diluted with carrier oil.
For all my life I have used: Boldo leaves (tea and extract, great for the digestive system), Camphor essential oil (topically, for joints and muscles), Horseradish (tea and tincture), Mugwort (tea, excellent for upset stomach), Mustard (oil, great for hair), Pennyroyal leaves (tea, for colds), Rue (oil and fresh plant for spiritual rituals of cleansing and strengthening), Tansy (essential oil, topically, for joints/muscles), Thuja (homeopathy remedies for respiratory issues), Wintergreen (topically, for bruises, sore muscles, joints), Wormwood leaves (tea, excellent for stomachache). And, I also eat the leaves (sauteed) of Stinging Nettles and make tincture or tea of their roots, which I use to rinse my hair and also to drink. It's a great blood purifier.
So, I am living proof that those plants and their products are not poisonous if appropriately handled and used. To say they "should NOT be used in any circumstances" is not sensible. And, of course, it wouldn't be sensible either, for the reader, to blindly avoid or use the plants or products, without further research and small tests on themselves.
I would not take essential oils internally, but the author gives suggestions and recipes for cooking with essential oils. It should be clearly and emphatically explained -- but it is not! -- that only food-grade oils should be ingested, and always in very small amounts, and even so, not all oils will be good for each individual. Besides, some oils can be highly harmful if ingested, as I have learned from many different sources. Moreover, most essential oils in the market are intended for aromatherapy, therefore, not suitable for ingestion -- even if the "recipe" calls for lavender or orange oil, which theoretically are okay to ingest, they may not sit well in your stomach. First, because essential oils are super concentrated, and second because of the quality and purity of the oil, which is not always stated on the bottle, and if it is, can it be trusted?
The book is good to give us some ideas, but still, it misses more precise and trustworthy information. It works as a basic guide to have around, but the best guidance one can have is from their own experience, research, and common sense.
Many oil combinations don't work so well (in my experience), but that's to be expected. There is no one-size-fits-all, everything is relative, and more often than not we have to improvise. And in aromatherapy, it's no different. We have to experiment with different blends until we find the right combination.
I'd not say this is a "Complete Book" of essential oils. The author doesn't give us a dilution and a conversion chart, which is extremely important to follow when we are creating our own blends. She also left out many important essential oils, such as Tansy, Rue, Sassafras, Pennyroyal, Wintergreen, and Camphor, just to mention a few. Apparently, she doesn't know much about those oils, for she even warns against them.
On the page right before the Introduction (in the edition I have, printed in 1991) the author states with great conviction, after a bold WARNING , that oils such as Boldo, Camphor, Horseradish, Mugwort, Mustard, Pennyroyal, Rue, Tansy, Thuja, Wintergreen, Wormwood, among a few others, should NOT be used under any circumstances.
She also recommends against deadly nightshade plants and stinging nettles, which makes me understand she doesn't know those plants very well. Yet, she states with great pride what is not true. For example, some deadly nightshade plants are poisonous if ingested, yes; however, not all of them. Tomato, eggplant, and potato are just a few of our friendly deadly nightshades. And Belladonna, too. Belladonna is feared by many people, but I've taken homeopathic Belladonna for headaches and it's fabulous! So, it's partial information and unfair (to the plants) to simply generalize and say they are poisonous. There is more than that to say and to know.
About the oils not to be used in any circumstances: more limited, or even incorrect information. I use Wintergreen oil for bruises and joint aches, diluted of course; and also mixed with other ingredients for a natural mouthwash. Poisonous? No way! I have also used Tansy and Pennyroyal essential oils, topically. And these plant oils cannot be harmful if properly diluted with carrier oil.
For all my life I have used: Boldo leaves (tea and extract, great for the digestive system), Camphor essential oil (topically, for joints and muscles), Horseradish (tea and tincture), Mugwort (tea, excellent for upset stomach), Mustard (oil, great for hair), Pennyroyal leaves (tea, for colds), Rue (oil and fresh plant for spiritual rituals of cleansing and strengthening), Tansy (essential oil, topically, for joints/muscles), Thuja (homeopathy remedies for respiratory issues), Wintergreen (topically, for bruises, sore muscles, joints), Wormwood leaves (tea, excellent for stomachache). And, I also eat the leaves (sauteed) of Stinging Nettles and make tincture or tea of their roots, which I use to rinse my hair and also to drink. It's a great blood purifier.
So, I am living proof that those plants and their products are not poisonous if appropriately handled and used. To say they "should NOT be used in any circumstances" is not sensible. And, of course, it wouldn't be sensible either, for the reader, to blindly avoid or use the plants or products, without further research and small tests on themselves.
I would not take essential oils internally, but the author gives suggestions and recipes for cooking with essential oils. It should be clearly and emphatically explained -- but it is not! -- that only food-grade oils should be ingested, and always in very small amounts, and even so, not all oils will be good for each individual. Besides, some oils can be highly harmful if ingested, as I have learned from many different sources. Moreover, most essential oils in the market are intended for aromatherapy, therefore, not suitable for ingestion -- even if the "recipe" calls for lavender or orange oil, which theoretically are okay to ingest, they may not sit well in your stomach. First, because essential oils are super concentrated, and second because of the quality and purity of the oil, which is not always stated on the bottle, and if it is, can it be trusted?
The book is good to give us some ideas, but still, it misses more precise and trustworthy information. It works as a basic guide to have around, but the best guidance one can have is from their own experience, research, and common sense.
Read
August 24, 2025Looking for books on essential oils? Completely updated essential oils book: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy might be the best aromatherapy book available anywhere. And, it just got better! If you liked Modern Essentials, you’ll love this essential oils favorite: 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. Explore the multitude of benefits of essential oils and aromatherapy: In her clear and positive voice, Worwood provides tools to address a variety of health issues, including specific advice for children, women, men, and seniors. This aromatheraphy book also covers self-defense against microbes and contaminants, emotional challenges, care for the home and workplace, and applications for athletes, dancers, travelers, cooks, gardeners, and animal lovers. Worwood also offers us her expertise in the use of essential oils in beauty and spa treatments, plus profiles of 125 essential oils, 37 carrier oils, and more. An essential oils book classic for 25 years: Since the publication of the first edition of this book 25 years ago, the positive impact of essential oil use has become increasingly recognized, as scientific researchers throughout the world have explored essential oils and their constituents for their unique properties and uses.
August 17, 2025
I’ve gone through many essential oil books over the years, but The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood is one of the most practical. It goes deep into how oils can be used for emotional support, skin care, meditation, breathing, stress relief and even household use. It’s well organized and actually useful for professionals too.
The chapter on frankincense really stood out to me, especially how she talks about Boswellia sacra oil and the difference between general frankincense and premium Omani frankincense oil for things like skin regeneration and aromatherapy. I work directly with Hojari frankincense in Oman and produce pure frankincense oil in Muscat. So it was reassuring to read how aligned her descriptions are with what we actually supply under our brand Lebotta.
Worwood explains clearly why quality, sustainability and purity matter — and that's exactly what we focus on: wildcrafted, sustainable frankincense oil, nothing diluted, no fillers. For anyone involved in skincare formulation, aromatherapy frankincense oil, or bulk supply, this book is a solid foundation.
If anyone is working with or sourcing frankincense oil in Oman or wants to buy directly from a manufacturer, I’d be happy to connect and share more
sales@lebotta.com | www.lebotta.com
The chapter on frankincense really stood out to me, especially how she talks about Boswellia sacra oil and the difference between general frankincense and premium Omani frankincense oil for things like skin regeneration and aromatherapy. I work directly with Hojari frankincense in Oman and produce pure frankincense oil in Muscat. So it was reassuring to read how aligned her descriptions are with what we actually supply under our brand Lebotta.
Worwood explains clearly why quality, sustainability and purity matter — and that's exactly what we focus on: wildcrafted, sustainable frankincense oil, nothing diluted, no fillers. For anyone involved in skincare formulation, aromatherapy frankincense oil, or bulk supply, this book is a solid foundation.
If anyone is working with or sourcing frankincense oil in Oman or wants to buy directly from a manufacturer, I’d be happy to connect and share more
sales@lebotta.com | www.lebotta.com
March 28, 2022
My husband and I walk a lot and lift weights; we also have a large property where we are often picking up limbs, cutting wood, chopping and stacking. We have sore muscles often. I saw this book at the library - looked at the over exercised muscles part on page 97 - went to the local herb shop and bought the Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Ginger and diluted this in Grapeseed Oil; later we tried the Muscle Fatigue Formula on page 81 of Thyme, Rosemary, Cypress, Eucalyptus, Peppermint, and diluted with oil and we really enjoyed the heat we felt from this while massaging it on aches. We have also tried the Synergistic Blends for Walkers, Joggers - I use the oils in a bath now and then (lavender) for relaxation. I now keep a bottle of oil by my computer and will smell it throughout a day. Right now, my favorite is Lilac, last month it was lavender, the week before it was Rose - they are pleasant, make you smile and not stress. I refer to this book often
May 12, 2021
Huge book, and a good reference for essential oils and carrier oils. I enjoyed the recipes and how simple they were, I mostly use them for aromatherapy rather than medical uses, but it is really interesting to learn about the medical associations for different plants.
For being such a huge book I didn’t really see much safety info, thankfully I already know a fair amount. It would have been nice if the author had included which oils different animals are commonly allergic to, because I know that’s a big thing to look out for.
For being such a huge book I didn’t really see much safety info, thankfully I already know a fair amount. It would have been nice if the author had included which oils different animals are commonly allergic to, because I know that’s a big thing to look out for.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews