I get excited whenever I come across ingredients which are new to me. They can be fixed oils, emulsifiers, rheology modifiers or essential oils. Natural base ingredients are being created and there are just so many types available in the market now. This can be overwhelming as I only have 24 hours in a day. Can you imagine, maybe you can, juggling between being a wife, mom, researcher with fun experimenting of ingredients?
Well, if you are somewhat new to formulating or creating your own skincare or personal care, I want to introduce this little book to you. I came across this book a few months ago and have been my go-to book whenever I need to have a quick check on certain ingredients.
This book, as you can see in the photo above, is called The Essential OILS Handbook. You may notice that the word OILS are in capitals. I did this on purpose. It shares the information both on essential oils and carrier oils that you can use to dilute the essential oils in. Each carrier oils has its own beneficial properties with different skin feel on application. It’s just the perfect combination for anyone who wants an easy reference guide. This book is so small and cute that it is easy to carry it around with you. It is written by Jennie Harding, a highly respected aromatherapist, lecturer and author who had written several books from essential oils to chakra healing and stress management. Jennie has been teaching and lecturing on aromatherapy in the Uk for the past 20 years and is the Head of Tisserand Academy and Product Technical Advisor.
This book explains about aromatherapy, plant distillation, the science of essential oils, how to store them, essential oil blends to various types of carrier oils that you can use to dilute the essential oils in. It is so concise that it is very easy to understand. For example if you want to know about avocado oil, it tells you about the oil, how it feels on the skin and which skin type it is good for. You can get some idea with suggestions on face and body use. It also suggests which essential oils to blend in with and the quantity that goes with it. This is the reason I call it my go-to reference book if I want to check on an ingredient quickly.
I’ll share a little bit more on the essential oil section. I choose Black Spruce as an example. It has its INCI name which is Picea mariana. A little bit about its origins where it is nature to Canada and the northern US. It has been used as a respiratory remedy for many years. Then there is the safety section where it indicates the suitability of the oil such as if it is non-toxic and non-irritating or if it is unsuitable for people with asthma conditions and the likes. If you like to create blends with essential oils, there are suggestions on which other essential oils that you can blend it with for certain purposes.
It is well written and easy to follow. When you practise and follow the suggestions provided, you will begin to understand and experience how each ingredient work. Thereafter you can improvise it to your liking.
I am not affiliated with the author or any retailers. I’m sharing this book here as I know it can benefit many of you who may find yourself not knowing where to start or which direction to head to. I will put the link below where you can get the book. However I cannot guarantee the availability of the book as this information is as is at the time this post is published.
If you find this post useful, please comment below. If you want to know something about this book, comment below as well and I’ll try to help you out.
These are a few links where you can get the book.
Amazon store – https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Oils-Handbook-Vitality-Well-Being/dp/184483624X
Book Depository – https://www.bookdepository.com/Essential-Oils-Handbook-Jennie-Harding/9781844836246
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-essential-oils-handbook-jennie-harding/1111120372
If you have a Kindle, it is available on Good Reads as well.
Hope this gets you going in a good direction.
Eliza
