Why I’m No Longer Selling Essential Oils
Today it’s practically impossible to scan through your Facebook feed and not see at least one post about Essential Oils. Whether it’s a new treatment for an illness, essential oils workshop or god-for-bid another post sharing their amazing business opportunity, I just want to scream!
Am I the only one who’s fed up?
Don’t get me wrong, I honestly love and use essential oils in my home and I am even signed up as a distributor for one the the big MLM companies. Heck – I have my diffuser going right now with peppermint and grapefruit, one of my favorite combos!! But it doesn’t change my disgust with how oversaturated the internet is with Essential Oils, right now!
Every Tom, Dick & Harry is an EO expert these days!
When I became interested in EO’s I didn’t immediately become an expert, I didn’t host workshops – and after over a year of using them in my home, I’m still no where near qualified. Having this blog, writing cookbooks, running our homestead and generally living life hasn’t left much time for studying essential oils usage & safety beyond my as-need areas of focus.
While there are honest people out there that are knowledgeable and are awesome resources, they are rare the on EO over-saturated internet.
For those of you who are reading this that are truly knowledgable, this isn’t about you! Keep on sharing the give of healthy & wellness!
My problem is with the people who have previously represented themselves as a trustworthy voice in the healthy living movement, but now their motivation behind what they share is solely based upon Building a Business.
I’m curious of how so many people who buy into a business become immediately knowledgable enough to share post after post of solutions to nearly every problem/illness… there just isn’t enough time for them to have proven all of those effective in their own lives!
Having a book about EOs, does not an expert make!
When what has actually happened is that they are in many cases just regurgitating what they’ve read somewhere else as being effective. I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it happens all the time…… It’s actually kind of funny, if anyone comes close to stealing another person’s recipe they get so upset, yet, there’s never anyone upset when they share the exact same EO formulation/solution! (There’s a common thought that there’s lots of business to go around)
I began separating myself from EOs on my blog right after posting about my Homemade Aromatherapy Necklaces — I was actually asked by other EO enthusiasts to share additional details with them so that they could in-turn write their own posts and even sell their own necklaces, in competition with mine on Etsy. Yes, they even had the nerve to ask where I bought my supplies cheaply so that they could price theirs the same! It wasn’t long after that, I closed down my Etsy store and started to really reconsider the type of circle I am running in.
Unfortunately, there are so many well-intending people who are sharing EOs because they are bringing in BIG money right now and not because they are authentically experienced. It’s plain and simple economics. Some people are more motivated by money than others, that’s why I’ll never be rich! 🙂
I also want to be clear that I don’t think it’s WRONG to profit from your passions or from sharing EOs as a business. I make money on my blog with ads, sponsored content, affiliate programs, etc… and have, made money from EOs but feel that the over saturation of EOs by the masses has taken away from those whom are truly experts.
My husband and I alway laugh when we see a post about chickens written by someone who, we know for a fact, doesn’t have chickens and has never had chickens. But because raising back yard chickens are a popular topic, they pulled together information and wrote a post on it, representing that they have experience, just to get traffic to their site. Things like this happen all the time, and we’re seeing the same sort of thing occur with EOs too.
Often we are seeing people well known for their amazing food are now transitioning their blogs to containing mostly EO posts, selling EOs is more profitable than sharing a recipe – be cautious!! There is no way someone can be authentically using/testing numerous solutions in such a short period of time. And since for many of us, this is part of our profession, we’ve gotta pay our bills too so I truly do understand how difficult the struggle is to find a middle ground that’s representative of your voice and still pays the bills.
Another beef I have with the EO movement, is that many people are looking to them for a quick fix. Never actually dealing with the underlying cause. While I’m confident EOs can be highly beneficial for many issues and have used them with great success in my own life, I cannot believe most of the health claims that are being made. There is no part of aromatherapy alone that will make you healthy, however it can be beneficial as a part of an otherwise healthy lifestyle. (and again, just being honest, most of the EO things I’ve tried out have failed more often than succeeded)
Although I have made money through offering EOs on HSITK, I’ve decided to separate myself from the company I was a part of… I don’t have anything against the company and will still continue to use their oils myself but not be promoting them here on my blog.
2015 is all about taking the time to strategically think about what is important to me and my space here on the internet. I’ve decided that there are areas inwhich I am willing to relax my perfectionism to help empower YOU to keep making better choices and not be scared to be less than perfect. Instead just keep doing BETTER every day. Not everyone is ready to go totally crunchy and make their own deodorant, many of you just want know what brand to grab at Target that’s a better choice, right?
And part of this transition is, transitioning away from having an EO business associated with Health Starts in the Kitchen.
Will I still occasionally talk about EOs? Yes, but only in a very authentic voice. With solutions and blends that I am really using in my life and have found to be beneficial. Most likely they will be included as apart of a bigger theme – I’ve been working on a post sharing the things I have done to improve the quality and duration of my sleep, aromatherapy plays a part, as an example.
What about the EO posts already on HSITK? I’m temporarily linking them to this post while I update those that I still want to have as a part of my voice. Some may not return if I feel they are no longer a representation of the message I want to share with you. There has also been legal issues associated with using certain language pertaining to the use of EOs that I need to modify, i.e. our government is overstepping their boundaries and I can’t run a successful blog from jail 🙂
What EOs do I recommend? I believe that quality matters and there are many quality brands to choose from, including but not limited to the MLMs. I’ll continue to use the brand I’ve been using but I will also continue to try out other brands and I’m not opposed to using any specific brand even if it’s been poised as a competitor, I’ve never been one that felt that the brand I sold was the end-all supreme choice, it was more-so a quality brand that what was the most economical with being a distributor.
We are all in this healthy-journey together and I authentically have your best interest at heart. I don’t want to persuade you to purchase a brand only because I sell them, it’s not fair to you. And that’s not me being my authentic self.
The best part about blogging, is that this is a place for my voice. A place to genuinely share my opinion and have this space reflect my views. If you are upset by what I have said, I am very sorry that we have a different outlooks on this subject.
Hi….great article! I totally agree with what you have written. I love essential oils and also was part of a MLM company. I felt that I did not know nearly enough about Essential Oils and had concerns re: dilution rates/internal usage that some people were promoting, Am no longer a part of a MLM company and am studying Aromatherapy through an accredited institute and gradually incorporating the essential oils into my massage paractice. There is still so much to learn!!!
Julie
Julie,
why do you have the same affiliate link to essential oils as the writer of this blog post?
Love, love, love!
I SOOO appreciate this article. I have been a member of an MLM for over three years now. I didn’t start doing the “business” until this past January. I in no way feel like I am an expert, and although I am hoping that my family will be blessed in the long run by the business, my primary purpose in learning more and sharing what I have learned with others is because I have SLOWLY become awed by the effects of chemicals on our bodies that we take in orally, topically, and by inhalation.
I have not ventured out too much to other markets because, well frankly it is hard for me to find an awful lot of information authenticating the purity of most oils. That said, I don’t doubt there are others out there. I have just been content with what I have for now.
I do love sharing what I have learned about toxins in our homes through research, a college course I have taken, and looking at toxin/chemical information on government websites (scary stuff). Our primary objective should be helping to educate people so that they are aware of what they are using that is contributing to cancer, Parkinson’s Disease, and even plain old IBS. Too many (the majority I would venture to say) are in it with a primary purpose of getting rich quick. Not cool
THANK YOU! I’ve been learning about essential oils for a long time now, and I, by no way, consider myself an expert. I only use oils that I know are safe, and I always encourage people I know to do their own homework on it. I actually saw a pin on Pinterest talking about using pennyroyal essential oil and wintergreen oil for consumption to help with some new illness. I saw another pin suggesting putting a few drops of clove oil in an infants mouth to help with teething. These shade tree essential oil salespeople don’t really know what they’re talking about, and it’s pretty scary. They’re doling out ill-informed, dangerous advice for profit.
Thank You!!! I use EOs for much more than just aromatherapy, and have for a few years now.. i have a fairly extensive collects with many of them premixed blend (of only various EOs… one thing i dispise of some of the MLM blends that are cut with COs, but still hold a hefty price), just for the symplicity and while i love the theraputic benefits of many of my individual oils, i can never seem to mix them in a ratio that is as aromatically pleasing as the company that i use. I am in no way an expert, but a huge advocate in the areas that i have researched and tested, or helped friends research and test.If you have not yet discovered Edens Garden essential oils, you might check them out.They don’t do any wholesales, only directly with customers so everyone gets that “bottom line” price which makes them much more affordable.. all their blends are theraputic grade EOs and they have a decent selection of carrier oils as well. I also love that they have a monthly charity they donate 10% of their profits to, as well as a DIY section (not sure if thats what its actually called on their site), and each month they a new (often seasonal or holiday related) EO project. Just a suggestion :)… After seeing a, yes i know, FB post (they’re the end all be all of EOs didnt ya know?) that mentioned putting tea tree EO in your childrens shampoo as they all head back to school to prevent the spread of lice… i had already filed this in my brain housing group, but had slept way too many times… after reading your post on tea tree shampoo for the dog and mentioning you use the same shampoo for the dog as yourself I thought “this is perfect!”… no lice for the princess, and no fleas for the dog! I have only one blog that i follow closely with others that always seem to pop up when i’m searching for a good recipe. I think i found another blog to faithfully follow.. and to think I just clicked looking for a good pumpkin pie creamer as the mornings have finally fallen below 75 degrees out here. Wish you the best and continue to be true to you! you are clearly a beautiful person inside and out, thank you for all you do to share your journey!
So then who do you recommend we buy EO’s from..? For us we’re so new to this.
I mostly use doTERRA essential oils, young living are also very good. There are many brands that are equally wonderful.
Great post, Hayley! I totally think you hit the nail on the head with this one! It’s getting a little nuts out there!
*slow clap*
Girl I could not have said it better myself!!!! You are 100% on all of this. I recently signed up as a distributor for an EO company but that was after LOTS of thought. It’s not a decision I made lightly and have yet to even make a post on my blog about it. I have been using oils for about 10 years now but I can’t imagine teaching a class or claiming to be an expert. People have definitely gotten out of hand. I love EOs and will use them forever and if I can share that love and some of the awesome things that they can do and help with, and maybe make a few bucks in the process…that’s alright with me 🙂
I’m SO glad you wrote about this. I was selling oils for an MLM company, too, and that only lasted 3-4 months. I will still use them for myself b/c I love the benefits, but everything you said above is EXACTLY what I’m feeling about EO’s. I feel like it’s just going to desensitize the real reason why EO’s are good for you. People are going to think it’s just another way to make money and start to think EO’s aren’t good. Definitely agree on the research. Whenever I want to add to my EO collection, I do extensive research.
Good for you for writing this article! I absolutely love everything about it! You are so right about the over saturation of EO info on the web! I’m the same as you, I love them, I use them but I’m not an expert by any means. I have an etsy shop too and SOME of my products contain EO’s but only one’s I have used myself and basic ones for basic items (like lip balm and lotion). I’m more concerned with just having safer, healthier products. Not everything HAS to contain an EO and they are not the end all be all to every health problem imaginable! Anyway, high-five, thumbs up, I love how you keep it real here!
I agree with you 100%! Thank you so much for sharing this.
Yes yes yes!!! A friend of mine sent me your blog post today. I have been using EOs SOME for about a year now. I am slowly working my way through a book to educate myself. I have been invited and attended ONE class. I sat and listened and took it all in. I was astounded by some of the claims and comments but I was not completely turned off. The women presenting the class basically laid claim that EOs could truly cure/fix anything. That I did not believe. So I passed on buying the starter kit and went home.
I began doing some online research and found lots of good information and I bought a book on my NOOK. I purchased a small trio of doTerra oils ( a friend sells) and found success when it came to cold season. Suddenly everywhere I looked and everyone I knew was an OILY expert. A friend even added me to a Facebook page where I was completely astounded at what I saw. People were seeking true medical advice regarding oils from people who have had their oils for a week! Lots of commenting, lots of “expert” advice and my gut screamed NOOOOO!!! I left the Oily Group.
Since I have continued to grow my oil stash and my husband has begun requesting the diffuser at night. I love that I have been able to help boo boos, breathe when sick, sleep better and feel the effects of the perfect soaking bath. ( 🙂 )
I share MY experience only with friends and family and ALWAYS urge..do YOUR research!!! Treat oils like you would any medicine, with care!
So thank you for reading my mind 😉 and this blog post. Could not agree more!! I too buy oils from various companies, not just one and have been pleased with all of them.
Have a blessed day
I have started “unliking” almost every single page that posts about EOs. I’m so sick of it…is there an EO for that?? 😉
I think there is an EO for that 🙂 #bestcommentever
Funny you wrote this, because I was thinking the same thing a few days ago. I’ve been using EOs for years and years, but suddenly it’s trendy. And you’re correct, the information coming out is not always safe or reliable. Hopefully people contact a trusted source before doing anything radical, especially using EOs for animals (cats are incredibly sensitive!).
what brands do you use? Is there something besides the Big MLM’s
Good for you. I avoid any multi level mkt. even if the products are good the indoctrination is not. Everyone starts spewing the same get rich quick get well quick words. Essential oils are good but are not the cure to well being.
You article on EO’s is most intersting, here in Italy, and the rest of Europe, you are not allowed by law to promote “Alternative Remedies” as a giver of health benefits. EO’s can be very dangerous , and have to handled by an expert in the field.
That said EO’s are very beneficial to health and complement a whole host of wellnes, here you have to study a hell of a lot of anatomy, and other medical stuff. This is costly ( you have to pay privately) and timely to get the the legal Qualification to practise. Also it is a requirement in the rest of Europe, to be a practioner, of this type of therapy.
To offer advice on the Internet is dangerous it is not a “snake oil” fix, of course it is a lucrative but expensive therapy. Aromatherapy treatments cost so much here in Europe because the practioners have studied hard, and they are worth the money they command. Essentials are not the latest must have, we only have to look at the Ancient Egyptians at their knowledge of EO’s
I agree with you in a big way. I am very frustrated with the way EO’s have suddenly become so main stream and people who just started using them in the past year or 2 come off as if they know everything about them. Then on top of that, these are the people who end up selling the oils to the people I have introduced to the oils, given samples, and shared my extensive knowledge with. I have been using the oils for more than 15 years!!! People thought I was into crazy magic potions all those years ago and I shared with others only if they asked and were really interested. I never really thought about making it into a business, until about 6 or 7 years ago when I needed to figure out a way to help others purchase their own oils so I wouldn’t have to be the go to person. My business never really took off, but I did help a lot of people. I still have helped a lot of people, and am now with a different company that I absolutely love, but I really more so share with others and put the info and power in their hands to get what they want. It’s something I am passionate about and have been for more than 15 years, so I just can’t turn it into a money making business. If I can get compensated somewhat, then great! I wish I could make tons of money from it, but I just can’t do what all the others are doing to push and sell the oils. I won’t. I’d feel dirty. LOL.
Kudos! Other health bloggers whom I like in every other way have turned me off with the EO issue. When someone sells – and writes about – a product, the reader is never entirely sure what the motivation is.
Interesting article, Glad you are staying true to yourself and living out your purpose Hayley. I went to school for natural health and aromatherapy, the ancient Egyptians truly knew the importance of PLANT therapy. Maybe we should restore the true namesake of EE so that it doesn’t lose its benefits. Only in America do we turn everything good sour.