The Beginner’s Guide to Essential Oils: Everything you need to know to get started by Christina Anthis

August 2019
Althea Press/Callisto Media
Health, Wellness, nonfiction
Rating: 5/5

The author was diagnosed at 10 yo with scoliosis requiring several spinal surgeries. The sequela of nerve pain, narcolepsy and a chronically poor immune system proved more than she could handle. This propelled her interest and education into natural healing with plants.

She details the history of modern medicine and its roots derived from the past use of plants. She is the author of a blog (Hippyhomemaker.com) addressing health and aromatherapy to improve health naturally. The book is nicely organized into three sections which succinctly address each topic.

In section 1, she provides an interesting history of the origins of essential oils and aromatherapy dating back to 2,500 BCE in Egypt. Natural healing is the foundation of Ayurvedic medicine.
Of note, Aromathérapie (1937) by Rene-Maurice Gattefosse, was written by this perfume chemist who treated soldiers during WWI with essential oils. Likewise, oils were utilized during WWII by French army surgeon Jean Valnet.

In the USA, Robert Tisserand remains the expert in the science and safety of oils with his comprehensive 1977 manual, The Art of Aromatherapy. It is the reference used as the Standard of Essential Oils practice for safety. The safe use of essential oils cannot be over emphasized with the abundance of oils being marketed. There are only a few organizations which set guidelines for proper use: Associate French Normalization Organization Regulation and the Alliance of International Aromatherapist are two the author mentions.

I am a medical professional who uses essential oils for health and wellness. Although I’m not trained as an aromatherpist, I certainly agree with the necessity to ensure that people have accurate information regarding the use of essential oils. I find the chemistry of the plants essential oils fascinating but that would not keep most readers interest. The author explains the importance of diluting oils in appropriate carrier oils. Most people might be surprised to learn that there are recommendations regarding the percentage of dilution. It is important to consider the person, their health and desired results.

I was particularly interested in the explanation of blending oils according to the aroma notes and length of evaporation. Aroma top notes evaporate quickly 1-2 hours, which includes many of the citrus oils. Middle note oils evaporate within 2-4 hours, such as pepper, cinnamon, chamomile, rose and tea tree. Base notes are the longest to evaporate; cedar wood, frankincense, ginger, vanilla, vétiver.

In section 2, the most common 30 essential oils are provided in alphabetical order outlining the specifics of each oil.

Section 3 provides 100 recipes for application and use of essential oils which are categorized for: physical health, home, family and emotional well-being. The book concludes with numerous references and sources.

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