I receive a number of emails asking me how to find pure essential oils; specifically, oils that haven’t been diluted with petroleum-based solvents. Avoiding solvent-based essential oils is important for your health because the solvents are very neurotoxic and can affect your concentration and mood.

To test for purity, place a drop of your oil on a piece of blotting paper. Pure oils will not leave a residue after evaporation, while those that contain petroleum products will.

For more about using essential oils in the home, see our eBook Natural Home Scents. For more about using essential oils in a detox bath, see the eBook Homemade Detox Baths. For more about using essential oils in the bath in general, see the eBook Beauty and the Bath.