For over 5,000 years, essential oils have been prized for their aromatic compounds and healing properties, extracted from trees, plants, and herbs through natural methods. Indigenous communities worldwide, particularly in Asia, South America, and Africa, have honed traditional harvesting techniques, hand-picking and processing plant materials to preserve their purity and efficacy.
The delicate process of extracting essential oils, whether through cold-pressing, steam distillation, or other methods, ensures that the resulting compounds retain their natural essence. Chemical or non-organic extraction methods compromise the integrity of the oils, rendering them unfit for therapeutic use.
In recent years, the surge in demand for natural products has spurred the rise of multi-level marketing companies like doTERRA, positioning essential oils as alternatives to pharmaceuticals. The purported healing benefits of these oils have gained widespread popularity, with many households turning to them for relief from various ailments.
However, Vice’s “The Price of Purity” sheds light on the darker side of the essential oil industry. Investigating frankincense harvesting in Somaliland, journalist Hind Hassan uncovers unsustainable practices driven by Western demand. Over-harvesting and exploitation of local communities threaten the future of essential oil production, raising concerns about ethics and sustainability.
One major issue highlighted is the reliance on middlemen by big essential oil companies, including doTERRA, who fail to establish direct relationships with farmers. These middlemen exploit farmers, promising higher prices but failing to fulfill their obligations, ultimately depriving communities of their rightful earnings.
While doTERRA claims to prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing, their actions paint a different picture. Despite building infrastructure in local communities, such as hospitals and schools, the lack of transparency and direct engagement with farmers casts doubt on their commitment to ethical practices.
To truly support sustainable essential oil production, companies must establish direct relationships with harvesters and ensure fair compensation for their labor. Likewise, consumers must scrutinize companies’ ethical claims and demand accountability, fostering a more transparent and responsible industry for the benefit of all involved.
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