Eucalyptus oil blends well with other essential oils, including grapefruit, rosemary and peppermint. Its purifying properties have made it a popular ingredient in beauty products for those dealing with problem skin concerns. Publisher’s blurb: “Smell is a social phenomenon, invested with particular meanings and values by different cultures. Odors can enforce social structures or transgress them, unite people or divide them, empower or disempower. This book breaks the “olfactory silence” of modernity by offering the first comprehensive exploration of the cultural role of odors in Western history – from antiquity to the present – and in a wide variety of non-Western societies. Its topics range from the medieval concept of the “odor of sanctity”, to the aromatherapies of South America, and from olfactory stereotypes of gender and ethnicity in the modern West to the role of smell in post-modernity.” Made from the majestic trees of the same name, eucalyptus oil has a powerful smell that has been harnessed by indigenous Australians for centuries. Books mean various things to people. It’s important to read books, but it’s equally as important to keep in mind what you read and set it to good use. I hope you enjoy learning from these amazing books about aromatherapy and essential oils as much as I have. They truly are an invaluable resource for information and inspiration!

Patchouli oil has an earthy fragrance which is both calming and sensual. Traditionally, it has been used to help ground the user and ease feelings of stress. Aromatherapy is useful for many different things in life. Applications range from colds to headaches, psoriasis, or to make toxin-free cleaning products. The goal is to get away from chemical solutions and shift our lives towards more natural ways of living. This book is a thorough, yet easy-to-understand aromatherapy book that introduces the wonderful world of aromatherapy and essential oils. It’s an easy read that makes it fun for the beginner to get the total essential oils picture in one book only. Sandalwood oil originates from the East Indian sandalwood tree, which is renowned for being one of the most valuable trees in the world. Both the heartwood and the roots of these precious trees are used to make sandalwood essential oil. The two elements of ‘Colour and Light in Oils’ that interested me most were the discussions about colour composition and utilising under-paintings. Verrall and Capon explained, among many other things, that a great way to make a powerful painting is to focus on just a selected few relationships within your subject. They wrote that you can home in on those important elements by carefully curating your colours to create moods and draw attention to specific areas. Throughout the book Varrell provided many examples of this in his paintings, showing and describing how he generated atmospheres and narratives by being considerate with his palette and colour-based decisions. He also discussed colour theory in depth, analysing his use of contrasting and complimentary colours within his work. This was supported with photographs of his underpaintings and painting progress shots to show the evolution of his decision making.While you won’t find an index of every oil ever made in here, the 45 oils that are listed are the most common, most popular ones and described in detail so that you can definitely learn how to apply them in your daily life. Books should function as reference not just a one time fling you’ll never see again. There are lots of books on my book shelf that I revisit regularly.

Two of our favourites are Miaroma Patchouli Pure Essential Oil and Tisserand Organic Patchouli Essential Oil. At Holland & Barrett, we carry two great brands of pure eucalyptus oil: Miaroma Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil and Tisserand Organic Eucalyptus Oil.Traditionally, tea tree oil has been used by Aboriginal people as a natural antiseptic, as well as for insect bites and stings. Nicholas Verrall has been working as a full time artist since 1970 and is currently a member of the Royal Society of British Artists. I reviewed his book, ‘Colour and Light in Oils’, co-written by experienced author and art journalist Robin Capon, by making a painting that tested their suggestions. Sandalwood Oil:With its distinctive earthy, yet sweet smell, there’s no mistaking the classic scent of sandalwood oil, which is often used in perfumes and air fresheners.