Essential oils are incredibly popular, but there are a lot of wild claims out there, both about the powers of essential oils and the quality of different products. There is so much inaccurate information out there that Daisy refuses to sell them. 

So how do we evaluate a given company's oils? How can we avoid the expensive snake oil sellers in favor of the good stuff? Are these oils safe for the furry family members? And how can we make our own? This article will answer all of these questions, but remember: we here at The Organic Prepper don't give medical advice! If you have specific questions or a condition you think could be treated in this way, ask your doctor. If your condition is immediately life-threatening, you shouldn't be reading blogs on the computer. Call 911 or go to the ER! 

The history of essential oils

Essential oils have been used for centuries for various purposes. Basically, these oils are concentrated plant extracts. According to Lebermuth, the first use of essential oils is believed to be in prehistoric cave paintings. Egyptians used them for both adornment and in various forms for both medical treatment and spiritual ceremonies. Cleopatra's beauty is attributed to spa treatments that used oils and Dead Sea salt.

These oils are used in Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healthcare system, and are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.