The author of Skin Cleanse returns with a comprehensive guide to the ultimate ingredient for living an all-natural, plant-based lifestyle: essential oils.
For millennia, essential oils have played a key role in health and beauty rituals. From references in the Bible (frankincense and myrrh) to Hippocrates (who documented the effects of oils from over 300 plants) to Ancient Egypt (Cleopatra pioneered the use of fragrance), essential oils have been revered throughout human history for their healing powers and their unparalleled scent.
But in modern times, they’ve often been misunderstood, underappreciated, even cast as “dangerous”—and relegated to the dusty shelves of health food stores. That is, until recently. Today they’re back in the spotlight as increasing numbers of consumers are looking for all-natural alternatives to skincare products and opting for fragrance-free detergents and soaps, natural remedies for common ailments, and toxin-free home cleaning solutions.
Enter Adina Grigore, owner and founder of the wildly popular all-natural skincare line SW Basics. A former essential oil skeptic, Grigore learned everything she could about these potent plant-based compounds when she began formulating her products. And what she learned was that essential oils are some of the most powerful, healing, health-promoting compounds found in nature. That, and they smell pretty great too.
In Just the Essentials, Grigore offers a 21st-century guide to these ancient oils, offering a fresh, fun, and authoritative overview of what they are and how they can be easily incorporated into anyone’s life. From plant-based medicine to all-natural skincare to safer and cleaner household products to aromatherapy, this handy and entertaining guide provides detailed advice for a wide array of oils, safety guidelines, and a range of do-it-yourself recipes to get started. Inside you’ll discover such fun facts as:
- Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial that is proven to be as effective for treating acne as benzoyl peroxide; it also kills oral bacteria and is a life-saver for tooth infections.
- Cinnamon oil is a circulation-booster that helps to ease everyday aches and pains as well as headaches (even migraines).
- Peppermint oil is brimming with antimicrobial properties; peppermint oil can be used for everything from alleviating digestive problems to cleaning your kitchen counters.
With lists of the best oils for beginners; instructions for diffusing and safe handling; and DIY recipes from dish soap to toothpaste to facial masks, Just the Essentials makes it easy and enjoyable to reap the many benefits of these pure plant extracts.
GENRE: Nonfiction
PUBLISHER: Harper Wave, an imprint of Harper Collins
RELEASE DATE: March 7, 2017
PAGES: 240
I’ve been wanting to explore essential oils for a while now but I have absolutely no idea where to start. Which oils are best for the inflammation I want to get rid of? What’s the best way to use essential oils? Do I use all the oils the same way? Just the Essentials answers these questions and gives a basic overview of several other aspects of essential oil use – as well as DIY recipes and tips.
Grigore’s style is engaging and easy to read, and the book is laid out in such a way that makes it a good go-to reference to have on hand. I also really loved the illustrations peppered throughout the book, in the same style as the cover. The chapter called The Beginner’s Top Ten is a really helpful resource for newbies like me who are just starting out, but Just the Essentials also has some recipes that I think would appeal to the more experienced at essential oil use as well.
Bottom Line: Whether you are an essential oils beginner or if you have your fave supplier on speed dial, Just the Essentials is a good book to have around. It’s easy to follow and fun to read, and it’s clear the author knows what she’s talking about. I’m looking forward to using this guide as I start my own journey with essential oils.
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 4 stars / Great resource!
Photo by Liz AndrienAdina Grigore is the founder and CEO of the all-natural, sustainable skin-care line S.W. Basics, which she started out of her kitchen in 2011. A graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Adina has worked in the wellness industry since 2007 as a private holistic nutritionist, a personal trainer, and a workshop coordinator teaching people about the DIY nature of wellness. S.W. Basics products are now sold internationally and have been featured in Vogue, O Magazine, W Magazine, the New York Times, InStyle, Real Simple, and Martha Stewart Living, among others.
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Other Books by Adina Grigore
What about you? Do you use essential oils? What’s your fave?
I have been looking at this book. So glad to hear your thoughts on it Carrie! I use tea tree oil but that is the only oil I have ever used. I’m interested in the cinnamon oil for migraines because my daughter gets them. I think I’m gonna give this book a try.
she has a couple of things about migraines and headache remedies in there. Really fascinating stuff.
My thoughts exactly! =)
i’m shocked 😉
I’m a fan of using oils. And have found that we really love doterra and young living. This book would be wonderful in finding more combinations to make solutions.
i think it would be too
Carrie for aches I love deep blue and peppermint. Past tense is a great blend for headaches.
i’m mostly wanting inflammation-fighting oils but pain-relievers would be a great thing too lol
Peppermint is good for inflammatory issues.
oh good!
I have wanted to try out essential oils, but like you have no idea where to begin. I am going to get a copy of this book!
yay!
I’ve talked to numerous people who use essential oils for so many things and for every member of the family. I actually signed up as a distributor for doterra last year when a friend had a party and was offering specials on a beginner’s kit of most used oils, so I could get my oils at a discount. I won a detailed gift hardback book on the use of oils – which ones to be used for what, different forms of use, etc..
As Bree mentioned – doterra and Young Living are the most popular and supposedly the most pure. There are all kinds of essential oils, it’s important to get a pure line. I have used the Deep Blue for leg pain, and other oils also. Carrie, you may want to take a look at my book and kit of oils, since I will see you soon.
yes! I will! AND YAY! 😀
I hope you have fun as you learn and experiment with essential oils!
Thanks for being a part of the tour.
After dabbling in the use of essential oils for years, I finally started distributing for Young Living in December. Some of the results we’ve had using oils has been nothing short of miraculous and I am always excited to talk about how they’ve helped my family. I picked up this book to help further my own oils education and couldn’t be happier – I love the whole chemistry/science behind it all and am finding it so fascinating! She breaks it down very simply and I look forward to trying more oils!
Yes, it’s very easy to understand but has lots of great info!
I enjoyed this one too! And I look forward to trying more of the DIY recipes in the book.