Top Essential Oil Leader: Jade Shutes

Jade Shutes is widely recognized as a leading authority in professional aromatherapy, with more than 25 years of experience shaping how essential oils are studied and responsibly applied. Her work has consistently emphasized safety, scientific understanding, and ethical practice, helping elevate aromatherapy from casual use into a disciplined and respected field.

She is the founder and director of the School for Aromatic Studies, an internationally respected institution dedicated to comprehensive aromatherapy education. Through this school, Jade has developed structured programs that address essential oil chemistry, anatomy and physiology, safety guidelines, and professional standards. These courses serve students worldwide, including practitioners seeking both foundational knowledge and advanced professional training.

Education also plays a central role in Jade’s published works, which are widely used as teaching resources. Her books include Aromatherapy for Bodyworkers, which focuses on practical and safe application for massage and manual therapies; The Carrier Oil Palette, an in-depth examination of carrier oils and their therapeutic roles; and  The Ultimate Guide to Aromatherapy, which presents a structured, educational overview of essential oils for informed use. Together, these works support both classroom learning and independent study.

Across her teaching and writing, Jade consistently integrates aromatherapy with herbal medicine and holistic health traditions. She presents essential oils as supportive tools within a broader system of plant-based care rather than as isolated solutions. This balanced approach has helped aromatherapy gain credibility among educators, wellness professionals, and students seeking thoughtful, evidence-informed instruction.

Beyond her formal credentials and publications, Jade’s long-term influence is reflected in the practitioners she has trained and mentored. Many students credit her with shaping not only their technical skills but also their critical thinking and ethical approach. Her legacy is seen in a generation of aromatherapists who practice with discernment, responsibility, and deep respect for the plants they study and use.

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