The Essential Oils Reading List: Herban Essentials’ Expert Guide to Aromatherapy Books

August 20, 2025 | Deborah McCormick

I have always believed that essential oils are more than just lovely scents. To me, they are powerful plant allies that can turn the most ordinary moment into something nurturing and restorative. Over the years I have reached for essential oils to ease stress, freshen my home, settle into sleep, and brighten my mood. But one of the biggest questions I get is how to learn to use oils safely and effectively.

Books have been my teachers. They have given me confidence, inspiration, and new ways of seeing plants as partners in well-being. I want to share with you the 15 aromatherapy books that have shaped me most. Whether you are brand new to oils, a parent, a pet lover, or just curious about the science and soul of aromatherapy, these books can become companions on your journey.

Essential Oil Essentials Reading List

1. The Magick of Aromatherapy: The Use of Scent for Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit

Author: Gwydion O’Hara

A mystical guide that blends aromatherapy with spiritual practice, offering recipes and rituals to harmonize body, mind, and spirit.

2. The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy

Author: Valerie Ann Worwood

The definitive “bible” of aromatherapy with over 800 recipes for health, beauty, and home, perfect for beginners and experts alike.

3. Aromatherapy for the Healthy Child

Author: Valerie Ann Worwood

Guides parents in using essential oils safely and effectively to support children’s wellness, sleep, and calm.

4. Holistic Aromatherapy

Author: Christine (Chrissie) Wildwood

An approachable introduction to natural wellness with recipes, massage blends, and holistic healing techniques.

5. Aromatherapy: Scent and Psyche

Author: Peter & Kate Damian

Explores the psychology of scent and its impact on mood, memory, and emotions.

6. Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals

Author: Kristen Leigh Bell

Provides safe and practical guidance for using essential oils with pets to support their health and well-being.

7. Medical Aromatherapy

Author: Kurt Schnaubelt, Ph.D.

A scientific approach to essential oils, covering their chemistry and therapeutic potential in medical contexts.

8. Aromatherapy for the Soul: Healing the Spirit with Fragrance and Essential Oils

Author: Valerie Ann Worwood

Explores the emotional and spiritual benefits of aromatherapy, from meditation to inner balance.

9. Aromatherapy: An A–Z

Author: Patricia Davis

A user-friendly, alphabetical reference—great for quickly finding the uses and benefits of specific oils.

10. Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit

Author: Gabriel Mojay

Combines aromatherapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote harmony and emotional health.

11. Plant Spirit Medicine

Author: Eliot Cowan

A journey into the spiritual essence of plants, showing how their healing energy extends beyond the physical.

12. The Natural History of Medicinal Plants

Author: Judith Sumner

A botanical and historical exploration of medicinal plants, including the roots of essential oils in healing traditions.

13. Aroma Science

Author: Salvatore Paul Gimelli

A scholarly study on the chemistry and measurable effects of aroma, ideal for scientifically minded readers.

14. The Art of Aromatherapy

Author: Robert Tisserand

One of the foundational works of modern aromatherapy, blending philosophy with practical applications.

15. The World of Aromatherapy

Author: Jeanne Rose & Jane Earle

A collection of global perspectives from experts, offering a well-rounded view of aromatherapy practices worldwide.

The Wisdom I Carry From These Books

These books are more than references on my shelf. They gave me courage when I was just beginning to explore essential oils, reassurance when I wanted to share them safely with friends, children, and pets, and inspiration to keep learning about both the science and the soul of aromatherapy.

In many ways, they laid the foundation for Herban Essentials. Reading them showed me that essential oils do not have to stay in glass bottles on a shelf. They can be part of everyday life. That belief is what inspired me to create Herban Essentials. I wanted people to be able to reach for an essential oil anywhere they are, without complicated recipes or special equipment. A simple towelette makes it easy to carry the benefits of pure essential oils in your pocket, your car, your yoga bag, or wherever the day takes you.

If you are just starting your own journey or ready to dive deeper, these books will guide you with wisdom and heart. And when you want to bring what you learn into daily life, Herban Essentials Towelettes are here to make essential oils simple, portable, and joyful.