You’re likely here because you’ve been hearing the buzz about essential oils and you’re wondering IF you should and HOW you can start using essential oils in your own home.
First, let’s start with a few concerns that may be stopping you.
You don’t think these oils will work for you.
You don’t understand what makes doterra oils different than other companies, Amazon or oils you can purchase in the mall.
You are hesitant about purchasing from a “pyramid scheme”.
I totally get it! I’ve had these same concerns in the past!
Ok let’s start with “Do these oils really even work?”
Maybe you purchased a lavender essential oil from Marshalls, and didn’t notice any difference. Here’s the thing…
Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular all over the world. This has resulted in “essential oils” being sold in grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores and even gas stations. What many people don’t know is that there are NO LAWS governing the essential oil industry. Companies are legally able to label bottles as 100% pure even if there are chemical additives, synthetics, and fillers in the bottle.
I know that sounds unlikely, because you have probably been under the impression that the FDA is regulating the safety and purity of these products. But Essential Oils fall under the same laws as Fragrance. Companies do not have to disclose what makes up their fragrance because it is considered proprietary.
I chatted more about why and how I gave up synthetic fragrances in this post!
This is why it’s incredibly important that you purchase oils from a reliable company!
Before purchasing my first set of essential oils, I researched the topic profusely. I compared pricing, sourcing methods, as well as company values. I wanted to share the main reasons why I chose doTERRA.
What makes Doterra Different?
Doterra’s number one goal is to provide the highest quality essential oils in the world. They achieve this through the way their product sourcing and quality testing.
1. PLANT SOURCING:
DoTERRA’s oils are sourced from all over the world. Instead of prioritizing owning their own farms, they focus on partnering with farmers who have been growing these plants for generations and generations. 96% of Doterra’s oils are exclusive – meaning no other company is purchasing oils from the same farms. The farm locations have been specifically chosen because they have the climate, soil and growing conditions to produce the highest quality therapeutic plants and essential oils.
Why is it SO important to source oils in their ideal climate?
Have you ever visited California during strawberry season, and tasted a fresh strawberry? The intense flavour doesn’t even compare to the strawberries that we find in our grocery stores in Canada. This is an example of how climate, temperature, and soil lead to the ideal growing conditions for a plant.
Organic essential oils could be grown in local greenhouses, but they would not have the same therapeutic qualities. You may have previously tried a cheap version of an essential oil, without seeing results. This is likely the reason. Even if the oil was pure (which we already learned is unlikely!), it was not grown in optimal growing conditions.
Humanitarian Partnerships
The other reason Doterra chooses to partner with farmers all over the world is so they can positively impact farmers, families and communities! Most of the Essential Oil industry is corrupt, unethical and unsustainable.
Doterra pays their farmers fair & on time wages, which is unfortunately very rare in the EO industry. To read more about how doTERRA sources their oils in a way that is ethical and sustainable, click here. Doterra is present during every step of the process, from planting the seeds, to harvesting the plants, and packaging
2. Oil Testing
Any company can claim to own their own farms or have the highest quality EOs, but without the testing to back it up…how do you know if it’s true?
Doterra’s Source To You resource is a public database where you can look up the batch number of any Doterra Essential oil.
Each batch is tested in Doterra’s labs as well as by a third party. In total each batch goes through 60 tests including for pesticides, yeast & mold, arsenic, Formaldehyde, Salmonella, etc!
The purity of an essential oil is its most important characteristic. An essential oil that isn’t pure means you run the risk of putting germs, heavy metals, or adulterants onto or into your body, which can provoke irritation, adverse effects, or even sickness.
Without a globally accepted standard for essential oil quality, doTERRA created its own testing process, calling it CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade®. The CPTG process certifies that there are no added fillers, synthetic ingredients, or harmful contaminants in their essential oils that would reduce their efficacy. If the batch of oil doesn’t live up to this certification, it isn’t sold.
Lastly, why does Doterra need to be sold through the Network marketing model?
First, a pyramid scheme is an illegal business model which recruits people to buy an opportunity. In a pyramid scheme there is no product.
Now that we have that out of the way, I’d encourage you to question why you have a stigma towards network marketing?
First of all, why would you NOT want to support your friend, sister, aunt who is selling this product? When you purchase from them, they are getting a small percentage of that money. You have the opportunity to directly support them. I think that’s awesome!
Often I hear the argument that Network marketing products are overpriced so that consultants can be paid a percentage.
Can you name one company that doesn’t have an advertising budget? That isn’t paying thousands or MILLIONS to promote their business? That doesn’t pay rent at a brick and mortar shop. It’s no different. Every item you buy in Target, on Amazon, or at your favourite boutique is marked up in order for the business to factor in these costs. That’s how good business works.
I’d argue that every business in corporate America is a “pyramid scheme”. Think about the structure of Old Navy, the American army, or the local police department.
They’re all structured like a triangle with one person at the top, a few people at the next level, with more and more people at each lower level. Those at the top make all the money and have all the control.
The difference? In a corporate business model like the American army, there’s only room for one person at the top. The people at the lower ranks may be able to climb the ladder, but only at the cost of other people. 100 people, or 1000 people can never be at the top. In network marketing, there is no limit to how many people can see success.
Doterra is very much a customer based company, not recruiting business partners. Statistically, 90% of those who purchase Doterra oils are only customers. I can’t speak for everyone, but if you purchase oils through me I will never pressure you or even ask you if you want to pursue the business aspect of it.
However, I will support you if that’s the role you choose!
The thing is, Essential Oils have the potential to change your life. And when a product changes your life, you naturally want to tell your friends about it. Right? If you find a new restaurant in town the the best food, and the friendliest service, you want to tell your friends about it! This is how people start selling oils. They have a life changing experience with the product and can’t help but tell everyone they know.
Doterra is a community based company. When you purchase Essential Oils, you’re opting into a community. If you purchased the oils from a store, you wouldn’t get this! Doterra knew that having that human element was important, which is why they chose the Network marketing route!
Jumping into the world of essential oils changed my life. Not because essential oils are the solution to every problem (although they are the solution to many!) But because Essential Oils opened my eyes to a whole new world. A world with so many opportunities. A world where I became in control of my own body, and empowered to learn more about it.
A world where there ARE solutions to the health problems we’re just told we have to live with.
Read 100 ways to use the top 10 oils!
Since the day I got essential oils into my home I have felt in control of my own health. I’ve pursued and found healing in so many other areas of my life, because I’ve advocated and fought for myself. Because I’ve had the courage and perseverance to believe that being truly healthy IS possible.
That’s what I want for you!
If this answered your questions if you should starting using essential oils in your home, be sure to pin it for later!
Essential Oil Video Trainings
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long do the bottles last?
There is an expiration date stamped onto the bottom of each oil – typically 5 years from the date it was packaged! In terms of how long a bottle will last you, that depends on your usage!
Doterra oils typically come in a 15mL bottle, with a few coming in 5mL. A 15mL bottle contains approximately 250 drops. A “dosage” is typically 1-4 drops – 1 drop if you’re applying to your skin and 3-4 drops in your diffuser. Do even if you use 3 drops of lavender in your diffuser every night, a 15mL bottle will last 83 days, or almost 3 months!
What is the difference between being a wholesale customer vs wellness advocate?
Doterra’s wholesale membership works like a Costco membership! Any starter kit includes the membership, you don’t have to purchase it separate! In the future you’ll pay $35USD or $42CAD to renew your membership, which includes a free 15mL bottle of peppermint.
If you realize you love these oils SO much that you want to share them – you can upgrade your account to a wellness advocate! There is no cost and no strings to do this. Maybe you JUST want to enrol your mom – you can do that! There are no monthly sales requirements, you don’t have to pursue it as a full-time business.
Are Essential Oils safe for pets?
YES! Doterra essential oils are absolutely safe for pets. Amazon/walmart/drugstore essential oils are NOT because you have no idea how and where they were created, tested, packaged, etc.
There have been a number of fear based posts on social media in the past years. These emergencies were always caused by poor quality oils.
For more professional advice on Essential Oils, head over to the Essential Oil Vet – a licensed vet who has studied Essential Oils (Keep in mind – Essential Oils are not taught in veterinarian school at this time).
Do I have to order monthly?
Nope! Doterra has a loyalty program for customers who do wish to purchase regularly – but it’s completely optional. There are no monthly or yearly requirements to keep you wholesale membership! If you fall in love with the oils and wish to purchase oils, shampoo, toothpaste, cleaning supplies, etc from a one-stop-shop, there are perks to ordering monthly!
What’s the best way to get started?
The starter kits are absolutely the best way to get started! They are heavily discounted, waive the membership fee, include the most popular oils, and often include a free diffuser!
Are oils just pretty smells?
Definitely not! Many people get started with EOs because they want to replace candles & air fresheners. But when you’re using high quality oils, there are SO many opportunities beyond just making your home smell nice! Many clinics, veterinarians, and even hospitals are using Doterra Essential Oils for their therapeutic effects!
Do I have to sell the oils?
Nope! 90% of doterra customers are only ever customers! It’s a product based company, and my desire is never to recruit you to join the business – unless of course you want that 🙂
How will I know how to use the oils?
Your starter kit comes with a booklet that describes some common uses for every Essential Oil that doterra sells! Additionally, you will receive a helpful reference booklet from me. You’re always welcome to reach out to me with questions – or for more specific resources!
Here are a few of my favourite resource books!
The Essential Life Book – my very favourite EO resource! This is the “Essential Oil Bible” and an incredible, comprehensive resource for any ailment!
Emotions & Essential Oils – a fun book to learn more about how Essential Oils affect your emotional health!
Essential Oils for Pregnancy, Birth and Babies – this is my recommendation for any current or expecting mamas!
Do I need a doterra diffuser?
Doterra diffusers are by far my favourite diffusers that I’ve tried. They come with a 1 year warranty, and all of mine have functioned perfectly for years. However, if you’re on a tight budget, I would splurge on the oils and save on diffusers! Just keep in mind that they might not last several years.
I don’t think I’ll use all of the oils in the starter kit.
That’s totally what I thought! I remembering thinking “I don’t need lavender – I’m a great sleeper!” or “I don’t really get headaches so I don’t need peppermint”. But the reality is that the starter kit oils are good for SO MANY THINGS. I wrote a blog post on 100 ways to use the 10 starter kit oils!
