Essential Oils

I'm looking to buy some essential oils can anyone recommend some reputable places that aren't too expensive in the UK?  I just don't have a clue where to look for a good variety.

If you know of anyplace in the US that's ok too as I can get it shipped over.

Thanks in advance!

I'm not sure - maybe a health food store?  Maybe the Body Shop?  Or how about looking for aromatherapy places or suppliers?  Hope you get some responses from someone who knows! 

I know our little health food shop sells them, not sure what the brand is though.  I was more familiar with the brands from the US, as we sold them at my old job.

That's kind of what I was trying to go for Mrs R an Aromatherapy supplier possibly, but I just don't know who's reputable.  I've done google searches, but since it's not something I'm familiar with I don't feel confident giving out card details to a place I'm not sure of.

So far Holland & Barrett looks pretty fairly priced, but I'm still looking at the minute.

I like New Directions UK.  Very nice quality stuff and a wide range of oils that you don't find in most stores.

Holland & Barrett

This was my first thought. Any of these?

http://www.yell.com/s/health+food+shops-sheffield.html

I have ordered from Summernaturals in the past and have not had any issues:
http://www.summernaturals.co.uk/

Thanks Mrs C, Mapleleaf & Red!

I've been looking more for a place online as I'm about to pop and can't go traipsing about at the min.    I've left this til last minute as I've got recipes for postnatal massage oils that I want to try.  

I normally get mine from my local store (Therapy to Takeaway in Leamington) but they source their essential oils from Purple Flame Aromatherapy - http://www.purpleflame.co.uk/.

I've been ordering mine online from Abbey Botanicals for years and have always had great service plus terrific value for money.

Can't recommend them enough!  Their blended oils, especially, are terrific quality and value.

Thanks all!

I found a shop on ebay (yes, I know they're cheap, but to start with I'm not wanting to spend £10 per 10ml I'd easily be spending over £100 that I couldn't justify to DH) for the oils I'm wanting...  Plus if I don't like 'em I don't feel like I've wasted too much.

The shop's called: The Aroma Shop if anyone's interested.  I'm gonna place my order this evening. They're also offering a free 100ml bottle of Sweet Almond Oil when you purchase 6 or more essential oils, so saving me even more money.   

Will try and remember to post if they're any good once I get my bits.

Thanks again!

I know the use of essential oils is ever increasing, but since I spent the past two years doing research with how essential oils interact with enzymes that metabolize drugs and things, I just wanted to warn you that there isn't a whole lot of information out there on possible side effects of using them....So if you're on any other medications, it might be wise to check with your doctor first, as there can be interactions with how your medications are metabolized when you're using essential oils..(some essential oils decrease the activity of liver enzymes, thus there is a potential for your medications to accumulate to an unsafe level)

But I just LOVE LOVE LOVE! the smell of them.  I used to dab a little bit of lavender on my skin to help me relax/destress. I worked a lot with the citrus-y ones too. It made my research so enjoyable and yummy smelling, even in the tiny itty bitty concentrations i was using 

I use my essential oils as supplements of a sort.  For example, I use soap nuts liquid for a lot of cleaning purposes, particularly in the kitchen.  And I add in Abbey Botanicals anti-bacterial oils to the soap nuts solution.

Or in the drawers and wardrobes, I soak old breastpads and cedar cubes with oils for scent and beastie-deterents.

I also burn oils, usually in jojoba oil because it doesn't go rancid, in my metal burner for scent.

In the fabric softener drawer, a half a tea cup of white vinegar plus a few drops of lav oil.