• When money loses value, people will trade goods and skills to survive. Essential oils are a smart, often overlooked bartering item due to their versatility.
• They’re lightweight, long-lasting and serve multiple needs, such as cleaning, hygiene, mental health support and natural remedies, making them highly tradable in a disaster scenario.
• Essential oils like lemon, tea tree and pine can replace commercial cleaners.
• Lavender (soap), peppermint (toothpaste) and tea tree (shampoo) can be used to make homemade care products.
• Frankincense and lavender can reduce stressful feelings, while peppermint can support focus.

When disaster strikes and paper money loses value, bartering will become the currency of survival. History has shown that in times of crisis, whether during the Great Depression or in modern-day economic collapses, people turn to trading goods and skills to meet their basic needs.

While water filters, batteries and hygiene products are commonly stockpiled for bartering, one often-overlooked item could be a game-changer: essential oils.

These concentrated plant extracts aren’t just for aromatherapy. They have practical uses in cleaning, hygiene and supporting mental well-being.

In a long-term survival scenario, essential oils could become highly sought-after commodities. Here’s why you should consider adding them to your bartering stockpile, and which ones will be most valuable. (h/t to OffgridSurvival.com)

Why you need essential oils in your survival stockpile

Unlike bulky supplies, essential oils are lightweight, compact and have a long shelf life if stored properly, such as in dark glass bottles, away from heat and sunlight. They also serve multiple purposes, making them incredibly versatile for trade.

In a post-collapse world, people will still want:

• Cleanliness (to prevent disease)
• Personal hygiene (soap, toothpaste and deodorant)
• Mental relief (stress and anxiety management)
• Natural remedies (for minor ailments)

Essential oils can help with all of these, making them a smart bartering investment.

Best essential oils for bartering

If you’re not familiar with essential oils, here are some options that can also be used for bartering in a post-SHTF world.

Cleaning and disinfecting 

When commercial cleaners run out, people will need natural alternatives. Essential oils have natural cleaning properties, making them perfect for homemade cleaning solutions. (Related: Declutter and refresh: Natural scents and organization hacks for a spring-ready home.)

Here are some of the best essential oils for bartering:

• Lavender – Lavender essential oil adds a pleasant scent while disinfecting surfaces.
• Lemon – Lemon essential oil is great for degreasing, disinfecting and freshening the air.
• Pine – Pine can be used in floor cleaners and laundry detergents.
• Tea tree – A powerful antiseptic for killing mold and germs.

Offer small bottles of essential oils with simple DIY cleaning recipes attached. People will appreciate the extra knowledge.

Personal care and hygiene 

In a crisis, soap, toothpaste and deodorant will be in high demand. Many essential oils can be used to make these products from scratch.

Here are the top picks for bartering:

• Lavender – Soothes skin and can be used in soaps and lotions.
• Peppermint – Peppermint essential oil adds freshness to homemade toothpaste and mouthwash.
• Sandalwood – Sandalwood is a luxurious scent for homemade perfumes and aftershaves.
• Tea tree – Tea tree can help with foot odor and dandruff when added to shampoos.

Pair essential oils with basic ingredients like baking soda or coconut oil to create a complete hygiene kit.

Essential oils for mental well-being

Disasters are stressful. Essential oils can help reduce stressful feelings, support restful sleep and boost morale, all of which are crucial in a crisis.

Top picks for bartering:

• Frankincense – Frankincense essential oil encourages relaxation.
• Lavender – Inspires a sense of well-being and aids sleep.
• Peppermint – Supports healthy energy levels and mental clarity.

If you’re bartering, you can attract more people to trade with if you teach them how to use essential oils for stress relief, such as for diffusing, topical application, or inhalation.

How to store and trade essential oils

Here are some suggestions on how to store essential oils in your survival stockpile:

• Buy small bottles (5-15 ml) – Look for smaller bottles, which are easier to trade than large ones.
• Label clearly – Include the essential oil’s name and suggested uses.
• Store in a dark and cool room– Keep in mind that sunlight and heat can degrade essential oils.
• Bundle with recipes – Including a simple guide on how to use essential oils increases their perceived value.

In a post-SHTF world where cash is worthless, essential oils could become a form of liquid gold. Their versatility, long shelf life and high demand in hygiene, cleaning and emotional wellness make them an excellent bartering tool.

By stocking up now and learning about the uses of essential oils, you’ll be prepared not just to survive, but to thrive, even after disaster strikes.

Where to get lab-verified essential oils for your survival stockpile

The Health Ranger Store is here to help you prepare for any emergency. That’s why we’re proud to introduce an assortment of lab-verified essential oils for your prepping needs such as Organic Lavender Essential Oil, Organic Lemon Essential Oil and Organic Peppermint Essential Oil.

Health Ranger’s Organic Lavender Essential Oil is carefully extracted from the flowers of Lavandula angustifolia using steam distillation. It has a pleasant and unique floral scent, marked by sweet herbal nuances and rich green accents that will transport your mind to a fragrant lavender field.

Use Organic Lavender Essential Oil to freshen your home, linens and clothes by placing a few drops of this purified essential oil in your diffuser, wardrobe or on your mattress. You can also use it to make DIY soaps, lotions, perfumes, bath salt soaks, massage oils and insect repellents.

Health Ranger’s Organic Lavender Essential Oil is non-toxic, non-GMO, non-China and certified organic. It is also extensively lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.

Health Ranger Select Organic Lemon Essential Oil is a potent, all-natural food grade oil that is extracted from the peel of the Citrus limon fruit. Its powerful cleansing properties and refreshing aroma make it ideal for use as a non-toxic cleaner or air freshener.

Our non-GMO lemon essential oil contains no artificial coloring, flavoring or additives. It is also vegan, certified Kosher and organic, and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.

Lastly, you can try Health Ranger’s Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, which can be used topically or for aromatherapy to support your overall health and well-being.

You can also use peppermint essential oil to keep your breath fresh or to freshen the air in your home naturally. Unlike store-bought fresheners, our premium peppermint essential oil contains no toxic chemicals.

Health Ranger’s Organic Peppermint Essential Oil is certified organic and contains no additives or synthetic chemicals. It is thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals and microbiology.

Visit EssentialOils.news for other prepping uses for essential oils. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more supplies for your prepping stockpile.

Click on this link for the Ultimate Prepper Gear Checklist for Outdoor Survival.

Watch this clip about how to incorporate Organic Lavender, Lemon and Rosemary Essential Oils into your skincare routine.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Top essential oils to include in your spring cleaning routine.

Birch essential oil: A timeless natural remedy for health and wellness.

The healing power of copaiba: An essential oil with ancient roots and modern benefits.

Lavandin: A comprehensive guide to this versatile essential oil.

Sources include:

OffgridSurvival.com

FoodStorageMadeEasy.net

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