One of the hardest aspects of trying to be an informed consumer over the past few years has been attempting to determine good usage practices amongst the many (often conflicting) voices in the essential oil world.

Which applications are considered safe, which ones are risky, what oils are appropriate for which ages and in which contexts? How to mix, when to mix, where to slather, breathe, diffuse after they are mixed? Maybe it’s okay to use this or that essential oil, because my neighbor’s friend’s cousin’s daughter did, and it fixed her problem…

These questions (and so many more!) pop up on a daily basis for me, so I’ve spent years reading and researching. I have nearly 50 essential oil books, written by all sorts of experts in their respective areas. I’ve read through them all, and followed many experts in social media and on blogs and websites. Out of my personal journey and experiences grew an article with the vital information that I wish someone had shared with me at the beginning of our family’s essential oil journey.

During my own discovery process, the world of essential oils has exploded into the mainstream. There are now many resources available to consumers who, like myself, want to be as informed as possible in how to use these powerful tools.

One of the absolute best of the library of resources I’ve come across in all my years of research is The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness by Nerys Burchon and Lora Cantele.

Combining high-level best practice safety guidelines with user-friendly information and age guidelines, this handy volume also has the bonus feature of more than 450 remedies and suggested uses for essential oils. As helpful as the proactive tips and excellent suggested usages are, the cautions section is just as important to give guidelines on which oils may not be the best choice in various situations.

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you want to safely and knowledgeably use essential oils,The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness is a must-have. (As with any of our recommended books, if your budget won’t allow you to purchase it right now, we suggest that you request a copy it from your local library, or perhaps purchase with a friend and split the cost of the book.)

Eager for more recipes and tips on Essential Oil usage? Our email series 101 Uses for Essential Oils is packed with information you can put to use right away!