Best Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Books: Which One Should You Choose?

Whether you're just discovering the power of aromatherapy or already using essential oils in your daily life, having a well-written book by your side is one of the best ways to deepen your knowledge. But with so many options out there, the question becomes: which essential oil book is actually the best?

In this guide, we’ll break down the top aromatherapy books—whether you're a beginner, a DIY enthusiast, or a wellness professional. You'll learn what makes each book special and how to choose the right one for your goals.

Why Invest in a Book on Aromatherapy?

While you can find essential oil recipes online, books provide reliable, structured, and in-depth knowledge from certified experts. They’re perfect for learning:

Safe usage and proper dilution
Detailed oil profiles (monographs)
Therapeutic applications backed by science
Aromatherapy for kids, stress, sleep, immunity, beauty, and even cleaning
DIY blends and recipes that are tested and effective

Books also help you avoid common mistakes and misinformation often found online.

Top 5 Best Books on Aromatherapy & Essential Oils

1. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Author: Valerie Ann Worwood
Level: Beginner to advanced
Why it's great:
This is a classic and comprehensive guide with over 800 natural remedies. It covers everything from health and beauty to home cleaning and emotional well-being. It’s one of the most widely recommended essential oil books worldwide.

Best for: Anyone looking for an all-in-one resource that you’ll use for years.

2. Aromatherapy for Everyone

Author: P. Loubaresse & E. Ibarra
Level: Beginner
Why it's great:
This book makes aromatherapy easy to understand and practical for everyday use. It includes simple blends for stress, sleep, colds, headaches, and home cleaning. Visually attractive and beginner-friendly.

Best for: Beginners and families looking to use oils in a safe and fun way.

3. Essential Oil Safety: A Guide for Health Care Professionals

Author: Robert Tisserand & Rodney Young
Level: Advanced / Professional
Why it's great:
This is the industry standard on the safety of essential oils. With detailed chemistry, contraindications, toxicology, and usage limits, it's a must-have for anyone making products, offering treatments, or working with vulnerable groups.

Best for: Aromatherapists, product formulators, or serious users concerned with safe usage.

4. Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy

Author: Suzanne Catty
Level: Intermediate to advanced
Why it's great:
This book focuses on hydrosols (aromatic waters) which are gentler than essential oils and perfect for children, pregnancy, or skincare. It's an excellent deep-dive into a lesser-known part of aromatherapy.

Best for: Holistic wellness practitioners, sensitive skin users, and parents.

5. The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils

Author: Julia Lawless
Level: All levels
Why it's great:
This book contains detailed profiles of 190+ essential oils, including origin, aroma, chemistry, uses, and precautions. It's more of a reference guide than a recipe book.

Best for: Anyone who wants to understand the individual oils in depth and build custom blends.

How to Choose the Right Aromatherapy Book

Here are a few tips to help you decide which book fits you best:

Know your level
Beginners may want something practical and easy to follow, while professionals will need scientific depth and safety data.
Identify your focus
Do you want to make your own products? Learn about emotional wellness? Use oils for kids? Pick a book that aligns with your purpose.
Check the author’s credibility
Look for authors with credentials in aromatherapy, herbal medicine, or natural health.
Prefer updated editions
Essential oil safety guidelines evolve. Choose recent editions where possible for the most accurate information.
Language and style
Choose a book written in a tone and format you enjoy—some are recipe-heavy, others scientific and data-focused.

Final Recommendation: Which Aromatherapy Book Is Best?

It depends on what you need:

For an all-round guide:
→ The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy by Valerie Ann Worwood
For quick, practical solutions:
→ Aromatherapy for Everyone
For serious study and safety data:
→ Essential Oil Safety by Tisserand & Young
For gentle options and family use:
→ Hydrosols: The Next Aromatherapy
For oil-by-oil reference:
→ The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils

Final Thoughts

The right aromatherapy book will empower you to use essential oils with confidence, safety, and creativity. Whether you're making your own diffuser blends, looking for natural sleep support, or exploring holistic health, a well-chosen book can guide you step by step.

Always prioritize evidence-based advice, proper dilution, and age-appropriate use—especially when applying oils to children, pregnant women, or sensitive individuals.