Essential oils are described as the "life force" or "essence" of plants. The most wonderful thing about essential oils is that they are available to everyone and are simple to use once the basic concepts are understood. The appropriate methods and procedures are observed.

The best-known way to use essential oils is through massage. This comprehensive book offers many more ways to use oils for arthritis and asthma, high blood pressure, and constipation. Essential oils are now emerging as scientifically proven and accepted remedies for various common conditions. The how and why certain oils heal remains mysterious. Oils can help treat everyday ailments, strengthen the immune system, fight bacteria and viruses, or lowering stress levels. They can be used to tone, relax and strengthen muscles. These oils help the body heal itself.

This book features 109 oils and 450 remedies. The recipes are easy to follow, do not take a long time to make, and are quite inexpensive … the biggest cost is the oils. The oils are organized alphabetically, and each entry features the botanical name, a full description of how and why the oil is extracted, and its therapeutic uses.

Angelica, for example, has a sweet, rich smell and is excellent in all skin care preparations, both as a tonic and to soften and smooth rough, dry skin. It reduces inflammation and can be useful when applied to irritated skin. As a massage oil, it purifies the body and acts as a lymphatic stimulator, draining the body of excess fluid, increasing energy, and generally quickening the functioning of glands. It's also an excellent tonic for the entire digestive system as it strengthens the liver, stimulates appetite, aids digestion, and generally boosts the whole digestive system.

Author Nerys Purchon was one of Australia's leading experts on herbs, aromatherapy, and essential oils. Her books have sold more than 300,000 copies worldwide.