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Finally – the announcement of the company that I have decided is the best essential oils company. The best essential oils for the money, with natural healing qualities and no additives or adulterating. Finally, I get to share the company that I think can help you on your natural healing journey without breaking the bank.
I’ve learned a lot with all the time I’ve spent researching oils companies and we’ve covered a lot of ground.
If you’ve missed any of the previous posts, here they are:
- Which Essential Oils Company is Best? Starting Out
- The Qualities of a Good Essential Oil
- Problems in the Essential Oils Industry
- A Close Up Look at Young Living and doTERRA
- Are Multi-Level Marketing Oils Worth It?
- Personal Attacks, Bias and Distillation Issues
Now–for the big announcement you’ve been waiting for. The company that I have decided to purchase our oils from and the one that I recommend to you:
Want to know why I chose them? Here’s how.
If you remember, I mentioned them in Part One of the series. I said,
“Looks like they carry good products, but they are a bit expensive. Their prices, for a number of oils, in fact, are almost identical to the MLMs in this group, Young Living and DoTerra. And I don’t see any difference on the surface in the quality department.”
So, the fact that I ended up recommending them was really a surprise for me. I ended up talking with the owner for a few hours and found that he really “knew his stuff.” I also found out that there were a lot of differences between his company and many others in the industry.
I asked him tons of questions during our first conversation (I guess you’re not surprised about that 
), and then more and more over the course of the next 10 months. (Wow–it’s been that long since I started writing this series…..!)
I was intrigued by what he had to say about his company and the oils industry in general. We had countless conversations from March 2012 – January 2013, during which I literally grilled him about his company and others to figure out which company I wanted to recommend–and if his, was in fact, good enough for my family–and for all of you.
What I Like About Native American Nutritionals:
- The owner, Paul Dean, has been in the oils industry since 1997, being first introduced to essential oils about 30 years ago. He started his first full-time essential oils business in 1998.
- Quality Oils – all oils have been GC/MS tested. Certificates are available upon request. More than that, almost all of the oils come from plants grown in remote locations where no pesticides, herbicides, or harmful chemicals are used and only natural fertilizers are used.
- All oils come from plants grown in their indigenous locations (where they grow naturally).
- Almost all oils are sourced direct from small farms (many are from third-world countries). He uses very few “essential oils experts,” who are basically middlemen between large farms and oils companies. Paul contracts with locals in the countries from where he sources the oils, finds a quality farm, sets up a distiller, and extracts the oils. The oils are then sent to Native American, then sent for testing, and bottled. The only oils at NAN that are not from small farms are mainly the organic citrus oils.
- They use no solvents for distillation except when necessary, as in the case of absolutes like vanilla and jasmine (since the cost of those essential oils is otherwise prohibitive.)
- They have affordable prices (not as expensive as the multi-level marketing companies, but not “too good to be true” either.)
- Almost all oils are organically grown or wild-crafted. (This is not the case with most companies.)
- Details for oils are listed clearly on their site (including the Latin name, country of origin, and growing method) (Compare this with doTERRA that doesn’t list the country of origin for many of their oils, nor the growing method.)
- Reasonable shipping prices - I found the shipping costs with YL and doTERRA to be a little on the steep side. I was told several times by customer service reps of one of the companies that it was due to businesses being charged more than residential customers. Well, I talked with reps at both UPS and Fed Ex and they assured me that this is not the case.
- Native American’s owner, Paul Dean, says it is fine to use their oils internally–with caution. I like to use oils internally sometimes, but I don’t care for excessive use that way.
One of my favorite parts about the oils at Native American is this:
- Oils are not heated, mixed with anything else, or adulterated in any way. The only exception is Bergamot, which they sell 2 versions of. The FCF Bergamot is heated after the distillation to burn off the furocoumarin since furcoumarin is photo-toxic. Even Native American’s Eucalyptus Globulus isn’t heated to remove the heavy “herbier” smell. Most oils companies heat their Eucalyptus Globulus to remove that herbier smell, but Mr. Dean thinks that the essential oil left alone is more therapeutic, and so he leaves them as God made them.
NATIVE AMERICAN NUTRITIONALS’ GROWING METHODS–ALL OILS ARE EITHER:
- organically certified
- organically grown (grown with organic methods, but not certified)
- wild-crafted
Their only conventional oils are when the high cost of the organic oils is prohibitive (they can be 4 times the conventional price).
Basically, I think that the oils industry is like the food industry in this respect. In the food industry, you can buy from large grocery stores and companies with things labelled “natural” and “whole grain,” or you can buy from a farmer you know and trust.
I really think, as I’ve learned more about the “Big Ag” industry, that it is often better to buy from a “small guy” (small farmer or small essential oils company) whom you know well, than a “big guy” (big farm or big oils company or expert). In this case, with Native American Nutritionals, you can know you are supporting someone who cares deeply about the farmers he works with and who works with them directly. And you can support a lot of workers in third world countries as well (by the way, Native American pays them a decent wage for their country).
Native American Nutritionals also carries a wide range of other healthy living products that I think are a great addition to your family’s natural medicine cabinet. This is one thing that I didn’t address in other posts in this series.
For example, with doTERRA and Young Living, in order to get the best discounts on their oils as a rep, you need to order monthly over $100 of products. Do that every month and you end up with waaaay too much oils (hence my Overstock of Essential Oils Sale on my Store Page ).
A lot of multi-level marketing oils reps end up ordering other things from the company like personal care products in order to get to that “minimum.” However, I wasn’t thrilled with the ingredients in many of the other products offered.
With doTERRA and Young Living, for example:
- the On Guard toothpaste has titanium dioxide in it (a heavy metal which I would prefer to avoid due to heavy metal toxicity)
- Both companies’ skin care products had ingredients rated 3 and above on EWG’s Skin Deep rating system (I prefer to stick with ingredients rated 2, at the highest). For the prices they are charging, I would prefer to buy organic and really pure products.
There was, in fact, one essential oils company whose oils I thought looked to be very high quality, but their personal care items were loaded with artificial chemicals and I really felt that Native American had an edge over them in that department.
With Native American Nutritionals, you can buy MSM, natural toothpaste, supplements like Defense, and Ph Rescue and feel good about the ingredients used and the quality.
ESSENTIAL OILS SAVINGS!
As a special, for my readers only, you can get some GREAT SAVINGS on Native American Nutritional Oils for one week!.
Native American has graciously offered special pricing on a nice variety of oils and free oils offered with large purchases.
UPDATE: I plan to have more oils posts and likely another sale. If you do decide to order from Native American at any time, I would so appreciate your using my name, my blog’s name, or my referral code: 90166.
Your support means a great deal and helps me to keep this free resource coming to you.
The sale is on now through February 3, 2013, midnight CST. SALE EXPIRED – sorry, but more to come.
Make sure you use COUPON CODE “WholeNew” when you purchase in order to get these great deals.
NOTE: When you click on the link or image to get to the savings info, you will see that the specials are called a “Christmas Sale” – you are basically getting their Black Friday Sale–in January !
Also note, if you are used to Young Living or doTERRA oils, Native American Nutritionals has a listing of oil blends that are comparable to Young Living and doTERRA blends. Just ask for the list .
Of course, if you’ve been following along with this series, you know that I think there are other good companies out there. However, I do think that there are fewer “excellent” companies than I originally thought when I started all of this evaluating.
Just so you know, a number of my readers mentioned Rocky Mountain Oils as a company that they were happy with. During the time that I have been talking to Paul Dean, Native American and Rocky Mountain have decided to merge and they are now working together. They hope to join together to offer more quality customer service and educational offerings in the the future. I look forward to learning more from them!
As for all of the questions about 1st, 2nd and 3rd distillation questions, and the like (as we touched on in Personal Attacks, Bias, Distillation and Essential Oils), we’ll be addressing this more in future posts. I hope to do an Essential Oils 101 Series during which we will address the basics of:
- What Essential Oils Are and
- How to Use Essential Oils Therapeutically
- and More
Sounds great, huh? I can’t wait !
I will also make sure we have a time in the future where we can have a time for you to interact with Paul Dean to ask about using oils for different medical conditions.
You can also feel free to leave questions in the comments section about other oils companies if you like. Either now or in the future I hope to address why I didn’t choose some of the other companies that I looked into. You all brought up a bunch of companies to look at and I really did consider all of them. If you read through the comments you can find some answers as to why I didn’t go in those directions, but I hope to address this in another fashion in the future.
I really look forward to hearing what you think. I am happy and eager to answer any and all questions that you have and I know Mr. Dean at Native American will be available as well.
And….if you would rather buy some Young Living or doTERRA oils at cost, drop by my Natural Store page to see what’s still available.
What are your thoughts? Please share!
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclaimer. The information here is for entertainment purposes only. Please consult a medical professional before changing your diet, exercise program, or before trying any natural remedies.
I know you looked into Eden’s Garden and Heritage Essential Oils. If you don’t mind me asking, what were your findings on them?
I did look into both of them. Frankly, so many of the companies are selling oils from “the experts” and I don’t think, in my opinion, that they are as therapeutic or as pure (as in unadulterated in any form). If there are enough requests like this we could set up a time to look at a bunch of companies on a conference call, perhaps. I think, if you contact those companies, you will find that they are buying from middlemen as well.
Hi Adrienne,Im not a blogger and it is amazing how many opinions are out there.I enrolled with Doterra 4-5 months ago,and love using their oils.I also get 3 orders of the vitamins for my whole family,the vitamins are their number 1 seller.So,I like your site,there is a lot of good information.I hope that recommended essential oil company gets blessed by your recommendation.I’ve met many of the founders of Doterra and trust them to run an excellent company.Having competition is healthy,keeps every body wanting to do their best.I decided to share Doterra with friends,because,talking about something I like at Walmart,does not produce a financial reward.I get money from Doterra,if i enroll someone,and they like the product too.The founders have told their distributors,if they need to improve a product or add one they will.Continue the good work,I’m sorry you get attacked so much,I prefer to be kind,gentle and friendly.I have children with multiple food,and chemical allergies,and have been successful in keeping every one off meds,healthy,and thriving.I’m certain there are plenty of other wonderful companies out there,and I’m working for one of them.
Thanks for your comments and for being so charitable. I appreciate it.
Question,how do I get your news letter,I’m interested in almonds,de tox product and gluten free recipes.I forgot to mention,I’m a nurse,and work in the NICU here in Colorado Springs.Just discovered a book you might like,Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon.I’m sure your busy,but please e mail me,or say hi if you get a chance.
Hi. I will email you
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I, too, would love this information!
Which info, Cheryl? Sorry, but I can’t see what you are responding to easily. Thanks!
Thank you, Adrienne, for all of the time and work that went into this series! I’ll go check out Native American Nutritionals and give them my business. Thank you for doing all of the leg work!
KerryAnn recently posted..Friday Food Fight: There’s WHAT in my Salt?!?!?!
You’re so welcome! Hope you like it!!! Can’t wait to read your salt post
. I can’t stand looking at those store-bought salt labels.
Thanks so much for all of your research. I will most definitely look at your selected company. Just for my own personal curiosity … did you do any research on the Mountain Rose Herbs company? I don’t even need specifics, but was hoping to gain an overall “good” or “bad” opinion from you if you might be able to provide one?
Yes, I did. I couldn’t get enough satisfactory info from them. One person told me that they didn’t recommend using their oils internally b/c their oils weren’t produced in a food grade facility. Other readers were told differently. My last correspondence with them was a bit confusing. I asked them for clarification but couldn’t get it. I was asking more about their sourcing. I really like them as a company but I think I like the continuity of information and expertise at NAN better. Additionally, Mr. Dean is fine recommending internal usage of his oil—within reason. Does that help?
It does. There are so many details to wade through ….. it just boggles the mind. I was definitely hoping to see you choose a NON-MLM company; I’m happy to see that you have. Mountain Rose Herbs has better prices, but I do know that we get what we pay for. As much as I dislike paying more for oils, I most certainly prefer quality to quantity. Thanks again.
I know, MRH has better pricing, but I really like how NAN does their sourcing and his connection with all of his farmers. It’s really a great way to do business, in my opinion.
Yes, Adrienne chose a NON-MLM company, but it is still a company that is paying her commission on affiliate sales (which is not clearly disclosed in this post). Not much different, in my opinion.
Hi Alyssa. I did disclose that in the post – right at the bottom. There is a link in the last sentence. And that has in now way affected my decision. I liked this company and chose them and then made this arrangement. I recommend other things on my blog that I don’t get paid anything for (like Theresa Vernon, my Nutritional Balancing practitioner). I recommend her because I really like her and want to share what I like with my readers.
I don’t have a problem with MLM’s per se, but I do not like the pressure to over buy and I don’t like it when reps make faulty statements and when devotion to a particular company becomes such that someone will admit no wrong. I have already made it clear to Mr. Dean that if something happens down the road where I cannot, in good conscience, recommend his company anymore, then I won’t do so.
Can you explain why you think it’s wrong for a blogger to get reimbursed for advertising? I see why readers might think so, and there are bloggers who recommend things merely to get paid, but I assure you that I don’t do that. I have passed up many money-making opportunities because I didn’t believe in the product, or just plain didn’t have enough time to spend on the recommendation.
I hope that clears up your perception of my reasons for recommending this company. I really think NAN is a great company.
Yes, I saw your standard blogging disclosure at the very bottom, in small font. Easy for the average reader to miss, which is why in my opinion the relationship was not clearly disclosed within the post.
I am part of an essential oils MLM. For me, there is no pressure to over buy. There are no monthly minimums. I buy the oils I want at wholesale. I think your statement about the minimums was misleading and makes NAN look much more attractive. The company I am part of is by no means perfect, but their oils work well for my family. However, you do indeed have to purchase a minimum amount each month to earn a paycheck, which is not the case for a simple online affiliate relationship…
I don’t at all think it is wrong for bloggers to earn money, and never said that. What does not sit right with me is that you have readers who are turned off my MLM’s (like Melody above), but they may not realize you still have financial ties to your declared “winner”.
I greatly respect the hours of work you put into this series and I don’t doubt that you have done your research. But after you pointed out all the flaws about NAN’s biggest competitors (YL and DT), you then gave your seal of approval to NAN. Obviously that will work out in your favor financially when your devoted readers follow your recommendation. There is no where to sign up as an affiliate on NAN’s website, so I am guessing you made a special arrangement with the owner to recommend his products and receive commissions.
Aside from all this, it does not appear that NAN has any of their own farms, is that correct? All of their oils are outsourced? It’s great that they are supporting small farmers in third world countries, but how do they ensure that their farming practices are organic every step of the way? You said that your favorite thing about NAN is that their “Oils are not heated, mixed with anything else, or adulterated in any way”. Well, DT and YL say the same thing about their oils.
I believe that you think NAN is a great company, and would not recommend it to your readers without careful research. But this post does leave me with some questions and concerns about NAN.
Hello Alyssa.
Here are my responses to your comment:
1. There is a really fine line to walk about disclosures on blogs. I have looked at many blogs to decide what to do. I decided to make mine small not to hide it but to have it not detract from the rest of my writing. I use ads to make money, but I try not to have so many that they impede with the readability of my blog, as I feel ads within a post do. However, I could make a lot more money if I put them there.
With the disclosure, if you notice I have the one in small print at the end of my post and also at the end of each post again. I might just remove that 2nd one. I feel what I have done is sufficient and some of my favorite bloggers do it that way.
Sorry if that bothers you but I don’t think I will be changing it.
2. I am glad you don’t feel pressure to buy, but I think a lot of folks do. I have to do other things to make money from my affiliate relationships and some of that is to provide quality information for my readers. I work very hard at what I do and I assure you, for many many months I made almost nothing from blogging at all. Many, many bloggers make very little money though they work very hard. If my content is lousy then I will make less. I think that makes sense. Do you think the affiliate relationships aren’t fair? If so I would be happy to hear that.
3. I addressed the disclosure. I think anyone who follow blogs knows that we often link to sites where we have an affiliate relationship.
4. Yes, I did establish a relationship with NAN. However, that is not unheard of in the blogging world. I was just in touch with another company this week that doesn’t have an affiliate program but they hope to start one and they asked if I would help them pilot their program. So no one else would be able to be an affiliate while I was one, but that wouldn’t be an unethical relationship at all. NAN has different situations, but to my knowledge they hadn’t worked with bloggers until me so this is a new situation for them. I am glad that they have a way to get the word out to others about their oils. And I am glad we were able to work something out. Even if we hadn’t, I would be happy to tell people that they have good quality oils. Again, I have made it very clear that my opinions are honest ones, regardless of my relationship to the company. You and other readers need to decide if you believe me or not. I can’t control that. I can only control how I communication information to you. I think I have done a lot to earn yours and other readers’ trust.
5. NAN doesn’t have their own farms. You are free to ask Mr. Dean about how he performs quality control. I think, however, that Mr. Young and the owners of DT must have a tough time having quality control as well. doTERRA doesn’t own the farms where they get their oils from and clearly those at the highest level of that company don’t know what is happening with their peppermint oil–and they don’t have a wide variety of oils to know facts about. I have talked in great detail with Mr. Dean about his oils and believe me–he really knows his products. I hope to have the chance for you all to talk with him in the future so you can ask whatever questions you would like.
6. Regarding your statement about YL and doTERRA, yes doTERRA says that they don’t heat their oils, but the scientist who tests their oils stated in comments on my site that he thinks their peppermint is redistilled. In my mind, that is adulterated, but you need to decide what you think.
You are right that trust is involved. I feel that I have examined Mr. Dean in great detail about his company and his oils and I haven’t found any reason not to trust him. You are free to contact him as well.
I hope my answers have addressed your questions adequately. Thanks for commenting!
Alyssa, I think anyone who reads blogs regularly will assume, with a post like this, that the blogger has an affiliate link. It’s a pretty common practice, so common that it is regulated now, hence her disclaimer at the bottom. She has been pretty transparent, especially compared to other blogs I have read. There is always a certain amount of buyer beware so it seems your post is a little unfair.
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GeezLouise!
Stop looking for controversy where there is none. There is nothing wrong with getting an affiliate commission, only when that is the sole purpose for recommendation.
You have to agree that this blogger has provided thorough research, invested a humongous amount of time, and provided rich content. Just because someone comes to a conclusion and then chooses to go with that result for herself does not automatically taint results. If you recall, the writer had memberships with other companies in the list that she has been accused of bad-mouthing. That would not make sense if she is trying to make money through them, correct?
Seriously, let it go. Drop the jade-color glasses.
AMEN!!!
I love you, Adhis!
Erika recently posted..Stop Lying to Yourself!
Pretty obnoxious comment, Alyssa.
I agree. I know that Adrienne has spent hundreds of hours on this one post, doing so much research behind the scenes that many of us either don’t know how to do, or don’t have the time to do. I don’t mind at all if she receives a small commission based upon sales at NAN. And her disclosure was pretty obvious to me when I read through her email version of this post.
Thanks, Julieanne. You know, if I really wanted to make money I could have posted the recommendation without doing the sale with NAN. But I wanted you all to save money
. I’m glad it was obvious to you.
Adrienne,
We appreciate all your efforts. You did and still continue to put forth good hard honest work for the good of mankind….all while running your own house and being mom who faces challenges. I admire you and thank you so much! You even go out of your way to have the annual Group Buy for those who shop GreenSmoothieGirl. You rock girl!!!
Can you imagine the number of HOURS Adrienne spent RESEARCHING for this series–for us to read for FREE? I think some compensation is in order. Bloggers work HARD and are often not paid a dime.
Erin recently posted..Detox Your Laundry Room with Wool Dryer Balls {review & GIVEAWAY from Mighty Nest!}
Thanks, Erin. I appreciate your mentioning this. And beyond our time, you know well that there are costs for having a blog, hosting it, paying for anti-spam software, etc. It definitely isn’t something that costs us nothing.
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Thank you so much for all your hard work! I’m excited to check out your recommendation of NAN, as I’ve been eagerly following your research this year. I really respect all of your hard work and research.
I’m sorry to hear about the discrepancy in information you received from Mountain Rose Herbs, and I’m hoping it was just a misunderstanding. I have ordered from them for years now (herbs, EOs, and other ingredients) with absolute satisfaction, and found them to be an outstanding company in both quality and philosophy.
As to internal use of their oils, I did want to point something out. When you click on the “Learn More” link for each individual oil at MRH, you will see a kind of general “Disclaimer” at the bottom of each page saying “Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner.” In the safety data specifically for that herb it will say if that herb is not recommended for internal use.
For example:
Tea Tree oil
“Safety Data: May cause skin irritation. Not for internal use.”
Rosemary oil
“Safety Data: Avoid in epilepsy, hypertension, and while pregnant. Avoid with homeopathics. ”
They are very specific in their recommendations because of the individual safety of the herb itself used in different ways. For example, the dried herb of Sage is fine used internally following some precautions, but because it concentrates the effects of the active constituents, which can be quite “strong” to put it mildly, the oil cannot be recommended for internal use. Even the dried herb itself should not be used long term.
I personally prefer this “individual” oil approach to safety, rather than a blanket statement that a company’s oils are safe for internal use, because, well, many just aren’t. I would like to urge everyone to always research the specific herb/oil itself, no matter which company they decide to purchase from.
Wow – that reply ended up much longer that I meant it to! Anyway, I am now off to NAN to check out their products.
Thanks again for all of your hard work!
Melissa
Thanks! NAN does give an individual approach (as YL and doTERRA did, as well) that some oils are not OK for internal use. I haven’t completely figured out MRH oils and I know many who use tea tree oil internally so I don’t know how to respond to that. Maybe someone else can chime in.
Sorry if I implied that NAN didn’t use an individual approach with regards to internal use of their oils. I wasn’t meaning to infer that at all. Please excuse my 8 month pregnant brain for not catching how my wording could be taken when I wrote them.
As for tea tree oil, a quick google search will bring up a lot of info regarding it’s toxicity if taken internally (meaning actually swallowed, not just used in a mouthwash or toothpaste, etc. and spit out). It can cause hallucinations, coma, vomiting, and blood cell abnormalities (according to the American Cancer Society) .
The info I can’t seem to find is at what level it reaches toxicity. A few drops? A milliliter? An ounce? I’m guessing it’s in larger amounts which is why some people have used it without bad effects. I imagine that it varies greatly by person (a child would reach a toxic level before a full grown adult for example).
My curiosity is piqued. I’ll have to do a bit of my own research now!
By the way, I am seriously considering an order from NAN and I will definitely use your link if I do. I feel you have more than earned any affiliate commissions you get
Oh, no worries. Let me see if I can find out for you
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I have been with Young Living essential oils since 2005. I was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer 3C the chemo stopped working and I at a week stage in the cancer game started to look for alternatives. I will be forever grateful to my wellness coach for directing me to the Young Living company. This company has the purist frankincense oil out there. I would never trust any oil company that can’t show you the land and on location distillers and laboratories for the intricate production of essential oils. Remote location doesn’t mean that the oils are pure only a lab test can tell you this. Did you go on site of all fields you researched or did you do your research from your computer at home?
Hi Kate. I am so glad to hear you are doing well. I am aware of YL’s special Frankincense from Oman, but interestingly, NAN is coming out with Frankincense from there as well. I didn’t know about that when I recommended them…that is a fairly recent development. And NAN is going to travel to the farms where they are getting their oils from and take films so that people can see where the plants are being grown. I think it is great that YL allows folks on their farms…is it on all of the farms? And I agree that remote location doesn’t mean that the oils are pure. In fact, even a lab can’t tell you that. The labs are being fooled all the time by “smart” people–much the same way that athletes fool the doping tests. You really need to know your company and the farmer. Much like is the case with farming.
Of course I didn’t go on site to do my research. I would have to be a very rich lady to do that. – I am sure you can understand what kind of money that would take. I spent hours and hours doing research and still do some as I can. I made it very clear to NAN that if there were a problem with something about their company in the future that I wouldn’t be able to recommend them any longer. And I will share that with my readers if that happens. So far they have proven themselves to be ethical in all of my dealing with them. And with my readers as well. Thanks for reading!
Here is the owner of NAN’s response regarding tea tree and other oils. Hope this helps!
Thank you, Adrienne! I was kind of thinking it was something along these lines, but it’s good to know for sure. That is pretty much in line with what I have been able to discover. I did find out that Tea Tree oil is very dangerous for cats. It turns out that their livers don’t process the oil properly. There have been many cases of owners applying Tea Tree oil to their cats coats to repel fleas (which it does very well). The cats then lick their coats, ingesting the oil, and they end up dying from liver failure
This has been mainly with undiluted Tea Tree oil, but even diluted can make your kitty very sick. There have been cases of dogs getting sick also, but it’s usually not so toxic to them.
Melissa
WOW! He really does know his stuff. This is great information to have.
Thanks for clearing all this up.
De nada
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Thank you so so much for all your hard work
I currently use DoTERRA, because that was what I found to work so well for us but I am going to check out NAN. I might just like them better 
You’re welcome! I’d like to hear what you think!
I may have just missed it in your post (so much great info!) but was wondering is their oil is Therapeutic grade? Any recommendations for someone like myself who’s completely new to essential oils on what to start with first from Native American Nutritional? So excited to try these – I’ve been waiting for your post all week!!!
Hi Kimberly. Therapeutic Grade is a made up term. Native American’s oils are just as good as, if not better than, the “therapeutic grades” of the other companies. I would think you could try one of their kits to start…..but I really like peppermint, eucalyptus, spice traders, oregano, serenity, lavender, orange. They have nice kit offerings listed on the left side of their home page. Hope that helps!
Have you used these oils? I cant seem to find where you explained how they work?
Yes, I have. Can you tell me what you mean by “how they work?” Are you interested in knowing about essential oils in general, or this company in specific?
Sorry for that. I meant have you had success using the oils for treatment.I have so much info in my head concerning oils and everything about them I am some what rattled… I have been looking at their site and LOVE the fact he talks about the Holy Spirit! I am trying to figure out what Copal Oils are? Cant seem to find that either. Could you help with that and also, I have Auria Cascia and Ananada oils that I haven’t used because I have been waiting to see your review on them. Could you give me any info you found on them? Btw…. If you have found me a trustable oil company then I sure don’t mind you making some money from that. Thanks A lot! I will enjoy being able to talk with Paul Dean myself.
Copal is just another name for essential oils. That confused me at first as well. I can’t go into everything right now but most companies are buying their oils from “experts” and I don’t like what I have heard about their practices personally. Also Ananda rewards customers for positive reviews which I find to be a little disconcerting.
Thanks for saying that about the money. I would have recommended him without the money anyway. I’ve honestly represented what I found and thankfully, I am able to make something doing it. The income from this blog has helped our family with our natural health treatments that were really getting to be a problem before and I am very thankful for it. I am coming out of adrenal burnout and it is sure not a fun place to be.
You are very welcome and you have NOT in anyway lead me to believe that you chose American Native Nutritionals for the money you could get. As far as the other companies I asked about. Just needed that last bit of info to confirm what I was thinking. Thanks again.
You are so welcome!!
I’ve been lurking around here for two days now laughing that you were probably feverishing preparing this eagerly anticipated post!!!!
Thank you so much for all of your hard work in bringing this resource to us. As I am of a similar nature and just not satisfied until I’m satisfied, I know that you wouldn’t announce until you were proud of your choice (and as sure as you could be). So without further ado, I’m going to the Native American Naturals website….if I’m not back, I got captured by native americans…..it’s easy for me to get lost…LOL.
Yes, it was a flurry of work considering I had my big raw almond group buy came in this week as well and I have been dealing with that….and personal stuff too! Thanks! I did have more questions for NAN over the past month as well, while dealing with all of the questions of readers, etc., in order to make sure I really felt good about my decision!
You’re too funny! I hope you like it with the natives
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Oh I am captured for sure, and checking the prices just randomly against doTERRA (with my discount) NAN is mostly cheaper, i.e., 15ml Thyme $19.00 vs. Thyme 27.50, Basil $20 v. $16, plus what’s so nice is that you get a choice of sizes and retailers can buy bulk too…
Other than the website being a little lacking technically (some links don’t work), it seems like a really good company…did you check out the free massage videos? How cool is that?
without even knowing anything other than what you said and my own observations from being on the site for a couple of minutes is that native american cultures and paul dean specifically have a tradition of natural healing which feels more authentic to me than an MLM.
Back to the reservation….oh, Adrienne, would it be okay to ask you a couple of business-y questions off-line from here?? What’s your email address?
They would love to know what links aren’t working. I have told Mr. Dean that his site is clunky. Gradually I think they will change that.
I didn’t see the massage videos – thanks! I have been swamped with so much that I haven’t been on his site much recently.
You can email me at wholenewmom at gmail
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I was on the NAN site several months ago when purchasing a couple of oils to try, and I thought it was hard to get around the site, not visually appealing, and looked like something that was commonly found in the 1990s.
…but their oils are excellent, at least those which we have tried!
I do hope, however, that they can upgrade their website to 2013 standards with the ease of use, wider screen option, and more visual appeal. I always feel a bit uncertain about buying something online when I can’t see a photo of it.
I think their site needs work as well. Let them know that. I would love to see it work better. I will pass your comments along but you could make some nice noise as well
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Well, I just visited the site again, and it has been improved here and there.
Nice!
Great!!
it’s Chrome, not their website..I always forget that…I don’t know why Chrome can be so problematic for so many sites as it’s a very popular browser, but whatever.. when I used it in Firefox it was fine…
And add my voice to the ones who couldn’t care LESS whether you make money or not from a company you recommend..one can feel your enthusiasm (or lack thereof) for products you talk about and so if there’s a business relationship as well, good for you.
Affiliate marketing is only sleazy if that’s it’s only purpose…This is an entirely different animal, a content-rich blog on so many topics and levels and you give away so much free information and of yourself, how could anyone even go there.
There, I said it and I don’t care…
Glad to hear it. I haven’t had issues w/ their links and I use Chrome. I LOVE Chrome and wish there were never issue w/ it.
I love how you put that, Janice. Honestly, that means so much. I hope you like their products!!
Thanks for all your work. Will definitely check out the products; however being new to essential oils what is a good starting place for what to have on hand? I know you will be addressing this but since the promo runs through next week I’d like to make a couple of wise choices.
Thanks again.
Hi Mitzi. I think they have nice Copal (EO) kits on their site. I personally would try the Emergency Kit to start since I am mainly looking to oils to help with medical issues. I like using them to help with moods and such, as well, but this is the main reason I wanted to get involved with them. Tell me what you think!
Glad to see your final recommendation, I’ve been excited to hear what it was- definitely not as long of a wait as The Lord of the Rings!
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Very funny, Chara! Let me know what you think if you happen to check them out!
Great info – I appreciate it so much!
You are welcome!!
Thank you for this!
Please share your findings on the other companies. I am especially interested in Aura Cacia because it is local to where I live and the company seems great. Also did you look into NOW essential oils. That company’s prices seem way too good to be true but they claim they are 100% pure and some of their oils like clove say they are safe for internal use.
I looked at them. I think perhaps we should deal with this in a conference call maybe? I don’t believe AC shares their sourcing, do they? Almost all oils companies buy from “the experts”. I much prefer dealing with someone who works directly with the farmers. What do you think? I like NOW and I use a lot of their products but I don’t think they can match this quality. You are saying NOW says you can use their oils internally?
Aura Cacia has one expert (Tim Blakely) who travels to the source to make sure the quality is good and the harvesting is sustainable. I really like to support local business in a small rural community so I use their oils a lot. I really appreciate the locking lids so they do not open accidentally and spill.
I have NOW clove oil and it says clearly that it is fine for internal use. Their website makes their oils sound high quality but their prices are so much lower that I have to wonder.
I have heard of him as I buy quite a bit from Frontier. I am concerned about their pricing too. You can call them directly and ask. I just thought they were too low to be that good. I didn’t know that abt the internal use – interesting. AC says not to use any oils internally so I feel a little funny using theirs that way, do you agree?
I love Native American Nutritionals! One thing you didn’t mention is that all of their oils come in two different sizes. You definitely save money buying the 15ml size (which is the typical size that other oil companies sell) but you can get a little 5ml bottle for about half the price of the 15ml. When I know I’m going to use the oil I go with the larger size, but I love being able to try out oils I wouldn’t have purchased otherwise at the lower cost. It’s also a bonus for expensive oils that you might not use a ton of anyway.
Just wanted to put it out there for people starting out with oils on a limited budget so they could buy several small bottles to try instead of one or two large bottles.
Great tip, Tiff! Thanks!
What are your thoughts on Aura Cacia oils?
I think most companies buy from large oils “experts” who distribute oils to almost all of the companies. I prefer this method of working with small farmers. I think they didn’t smell as potent when I tested them in my home. They do have good prices, though.
Hmm. I have some Native American Nutritionals oils in my arsenal. I have all of the companies mentioned except DoTerra. I do not really like how the MLM distributors have only bad things to say about their competition. That really turned me off.
There is a simple test where you hold the object (in this case, the essential oil bottle) clasped in your hands against your chest, and stand with your eyes closed. If you lean forward, it is good for you, if you lean backward, it is bad for you. I do this with foods and supplements, etc. and it helps me to put things into my body that are GOOD for it. Every person is different.
So, I won’t use oils that aren’t good for me, even though they may be good for others.
You should try this trick. I learned it from my chiropractor, he does a lot of kinesiology. Your body won’t lie to you. (but also know that one day something may not be good for your body but the next day your body wants it).
This totally works!!!!!! I thought it was super hokey and creepy, and didn’t want to believe it…. but it works!!! My cousin introduced me to trying this a few months ago when we were trying to figure out what was best for my bone spur problem. Definitely works!
Wow, this is neat.
Can you tell me what you thought of Bulk Apothecary?
Thank you a ton for all your work and perseverance!
I am actually looking at them for something else. I don’t believe they had any wild crafted or organic oils, did they? As I’ve said to other readers, almost all companies buy from “experts” so you need to see oils from different countries, WC and OG oils and decent prices or else it likely isn’t what you want…or at least not what I want.
You have posted misleading information re: doTERRA pricing… ” in order to get the best discounts on their oils as a rep, you need to order monthly over $100 of products.” This is NOT true. You can have a wholesale membership where you get products at 25% below retail and there is NO requirement to order any amount on a monthly basis to maintain that membership. If you want additional benefits, free products, then yes, there is a monthly minimum. 25% is the maximum discount on product pricing and there is NO monthly minimum order to obtain that discount.
I didn’t think it was misleading at all. You get much better pricing for signing up as a rep and then taking advantage of the freebies and getting the monthly order credit. That’s what I meant since those are the best discounts.
Never heard of them, thanks so much for all your hard work!
Thanks! I hadn’t either. I think I came upon them by chance or from a reader’s recommendation. That’s what it was, actually. See how helpful you all are
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You really didn’t say much about Be Young. Did you dig up anything more about them?
I did hear more about them but I am not ready to share it at this point. I don’t care for how some reps tout the E.O.B.B.D. certification but at least it is something that they didn’t make up themselves. NAN oils have much more “quality control” in that there aren’t even pesticides used where their plants are grown for most of them. One thing Mr. Dean said is that most of the farms don’t even have trucks driving on them so you don’t have exhaust residue to deal with–I thought that was pretty impressive.
That is impressive. Will there be a point where you are comfortable?
I don’t know. Sorry.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading these posts on EO. I enjoy all the posts but have been especially interested in oils. I wish I had waited for the end of the series before buying some oils. I think it will take a long time to get through those bottles first before buying more of that particular oil. But I can now go and feel confident about what I am buying and have the source for it. Thank you so very much for all your time – it is greatly appreciated.
You’re welcome!
I have been following your posts and I have some questions regarding your selection. Does NAN claim to be superior to all other essential oil companies or is that your finding? If so, why? If NAN is superior to all other essential oil companies, why do they provide customers with a list that cross references YL and DT essential oils? Do they guarantee that the essential oils on this list are equivalent? Do they have permission from YL and DT to use their company name and product names? If not, the list is unprofessional and may be illegal. Also, organic and certified organic doesn’t mean much when it comes to essential oils, as it says nothing about how the plants are grown, harvested and distilled. Did you visit the farms and tour the distilleries to ensure that the plants are being grown without chemicals, harvested at the peak time and distilled with the proper equipment, at the right temperature, without solvents or other manipulation? If NAN values quality, what is their criteria for offering “conventional” essential oils? How can they be the best when they offer different grades of essential oil? Since NAN does not grow its own plants, how does it have control over the seeds which determines the quality of the final product? It is good that the owner is okay with ingestion of essential oils but does he provide proof on the bottle that the oils are safe for ingestion? Does NAN’s oils have a supplement box on the label? How does this company rank in sales compared to YL and DT? Since NAN compares its products to others, it should provide this information as well. Do they have AFNOR or ICH third party testing of their essential oils? I’ll look forward to hearing your response to these questions. Thank you.
Hello Faye,
Sorry, but these comments are taking awhile to get through and I likely am going to have to stop soon
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Here are my answers:
1. NAN doesn’t claim to be superior to all other oils companies. In fact, Mr. Dean said the opposite – that there are other oils available that are higher quality that are just out of reach for most folks to purchase. Kind of like how I would never buy a Jaguar
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2. He provides that list so folks who wish to use his oils, but were familiar w/ DT and YL oils can easily find a comparable blend. This is pretty common in the oils industry.
3. I am not sure what you mean by a guarantee, sorry.
4. Using a company’s name and saying something is similar is not illegal. I see it on grocery store packaging all the time. Well, I don’t shop at grocery stores anymore, but I used to
. You know, like on generic product labels “compare to Jif” or something like that.
5. Organic of course means something about how the oils were grown. Harvesting and distilling are another matter and that’s why I think it’s important to know your oils company and “know the farmer” in that way.
6. Of course I didn’t visit the farms and distilleries. I have a comment in moderation from Robert Pappas asking the same thing. If I were to do that I would have to have a bunch of my readers buy a bunch of stuff from my affiliates by clicking through my blog so I could afford to do so
. And if I were going to go to all of the countries where NAN gets their oils it would be a really long trip 
. Also, I wouldn’t leave my family at home for that long 
. But seriously, that’s a little bit of a stretch, I think you can agree.
7. I mentioned that NAN offers conventional oils when the OG alternative is too expensive.
8. I think NAN offering differing grades and clarifying them in an up front manner really distinguishes them. They are completely up front w/ what they offer instead of lumping all of the oils together for the buyer to try to sort through.
9. I can’t answer the seed question. Sorry
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10. NAN says that their oils are safe for ingestion b/c they meet or exceed the quality of YL and DT who have certified that their oils are safe.
11. There is no supplement box on their label. That is something put on by the FDA.
12. I have no idea of sales ranking but that isn’t an indication of qualify, in my opinion. There is a ton of cheap stuff sold in our country and just b/c it sells more in quantity doesn’t mean it’s good. I am not insinuating YL or DT are junk. I am just making a point.
13. NAN does do 3rd party testing of their oils. I will find out what kind. They have also tested other companies’ oils and found them to have propylene glycol and other contaminants in them, though they were labeled as “pure.”
Thanks. Of course, you don’t need to be convinced. Sounds like you are purchasing from YL and are happy and I am glad you are. Hope to see you around again!
Hello again, Faye. Here is the owner of NAN’s response to your inquiry about 3rd party testing:
Faye, here is more from the owner of NAN:
One your comment about the supplement label:
Regarding your question about the FDA giving approval to their kits:
Regarding your comment about his negative experiences at other companies:
Adrienne, thanks for your reply. The more I learn about NAN, the more questions I have. What does Mr. Dean means by Medicine Men and Women? What are their qualifications? Are mothers part of this group?
I have questions about Mr. Dean’s marketing strategy. He is piggy backing YL by comparing his products to theirs. He uses YL for promotional purposes but implies he is better than they are. How can this be good marketing strategy as most people can see that he is coveting YL’s reputation and product quality?
If Mr. Dean does not have written approval from YL to use the company name and product names, he should stop doing so. He would be wise to study FDA requirements and comply with them. He needs to provide regulatory proof of the purity of his product. Why should I take Mr. Dean’s word that it is okay to take his oils internally if he has no third party proof of purity? Why should I do so when he admits that he sells extended oils? If I have a problem with his product, I have to deal with it. Since he does not affiliate with the FDA, what rights do I have to seek legal help if I have suffered harmed from taking his products?
Since you did not know about this company before you started this project, what happened that made you change your mind? Did any money change hands? Did Mr. Dean promise you anything in return for your promotion of his company? I have no problem with your writing about what you like but I question your judging the whole industry, based on your own criteria. No one has the ability to judge an essential oil without education and training in aromatherapy. It takes years of study to learn the basics of this discipline. I would not take on the task without visiting the facilities and seeing how the oils are processed and tested. You haven’t done this, even for the one you say is best. There are ways to fool even the most sophisticated analysis. Since Mr. Dean worked for a company that was not up to his standards, did he learn some of these tricks so he could sell a less expensive oil?
Most people do not have enough knowledge and experience to judge the efficacy and safety of an essential oil. They have to rely on the reputation of the company. If you are the least bit wrong in your selection, you are misleading people. The Bible says judge not, lest you be judged. It also has a commandment about coveting that which belongs to others.
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Hi Faye.
Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I had so many comments to my oils posts and yours was more complex and after awhile it was buried under other work.
I will try my best to address you.
1. The term medicine man, from what I understand, is someone who is authorized to practice medicine by the Native Americans. You can, of course, feel free to contact Mr. Dean yourself and ask him. Yes, there are Medicine Women as well. The Native Americans have a long history of using natural elements to heal illness and disease and some like to keep doing that as opposed to taking part in allopathic medicine. Again, this is my understanding.
2. There are many companies that show what YL blends their blends are similar to. They are doing this b/c they have customers coming to them asking for this. I have readers asking me for this information regularly. I can assure you that Mr. Dean does not want YL’s reputation. He is trying to do things differently and is proud of how he is doing them.
3. He is using the names to show clients what his blends are similar to. You see this all the time in stores that sell generic items “Compare to Nilla Wafers” or “Compare to Tide”. This is nothing different. One does not need permission to say that their product is similar to a brand name. If he put “Valor” on his blend and called it the same thing then you would be correct.
4. My understanding is that YL does their own testing so there is no 3rd party proof of their purity. As for Mr. Dean’s oils, I think it is very much like knowing your farmer. Even w all the labels on foods saying they are organic, there are loopholes and you need to really know and trust where you are getting things from. I have spent hours and hours talking w/ Mr. Dean and I trust him. If that ever changes, my readers will know that.
5. Regarding the FDA, there is some good there, but there are loads of concerns as well. I wonder if you read my posts on “FDA Poised to Ban Supplements” or “Probiotics are Dangerous – Arsenic is Safe.”?? These show how messed up the FDA is. It is very disconcerting to me.
6. I think I outlined very carefully how things progressed in my evaluation and frankly, I am a little (more than a little) frustrated that you would insinuate that my opinion was bought. I think I have gone out of my way to show that I am not “for sale” and I never will be. I chose NAN b/c I like what they do and I think their oils are very high quality. Clearly anyone promoting doTERRA or YL has “money in the game” and it is odd that folks are upset that I have an affiliate relationship w/ NAN as if that is appalling. Does that make sense?
7. I did not set myself up as an expert but it is clear, from some of the sources that other readers have mentioned, that my criteria is good and solid. I think what I came up with is a great way to evaluate a company and I stand by that.
8. I don’t think it is at all reasonable to say that I should visit all the 3rd world countries where NAN gets their oils in order to evaluate oils companies. Does that mean I should visit all the companies that the FDA has tried to shut down in order to write that post? However, Mr. Dean is going to visit the countries and take videos so you can stay tuned to find out more and hopefully that will give you more insight into his company.
9. Mr. Dean wasn’t happy w/ how things were done in the company where he worked so he set out to do things differently.
10. Yes, it is always possible that my recommendation could be off. That is true for all of us. I take my posts seriously and I correct mistakes when I have made them. I felt I was making a mistake recommending YL and doTERRA so that is why this whole series went where it did. So, in effect, what you are concerned about it quite accurate. I had posted about YL and DT and had to go back and correct it even though I had about 19 folks signed up under me at YL and a good number later at DT. It was a risk but I did what I thought was right. I was told that I could make $8,000 per month with doTERRA and I passed it up. I hope you can see that I tried to have integrity with what I was doing.
11. I am confused about your references to “judge not” and to coveting. If you mean that I am not to judge other companies, that is not what Jesus meant. He was saying we should not judge others unfairly w/o a view to our own shortcomings. I assure you that that is not what I am doing. And we are told over and over to judge things. Please explain what you are getting at here.
12. About coveting, please explain here as well. Are you talking about Mr. Dean and YL? I think it’s pretty clear that coveting is one of the sins we all struggle with so I will be the first to admit that I deal with that. Please explain what you are getting at here.
I hope that helps and if I have misrepresented you or you have more questions, please respond.
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Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I have been anxiously waiting this final post. I feel that after months of wondering which way to really go, I can finally buy with confidence. You did all the work I would have wanted to do but simply do not have the time to do at this point in my life. I look forward to future posts on the subject!
Well, I hope this is a good thing for me and for all of you for a long time – thanks!
Yahoo so glad to come home to your new post. I was driving home thinking I don’t feel like I can wait another day and lo and behold..I have never heard of this company so will be off to the site to browse around. One thing I wanted to share about internal EO consumption. I use some of the oils like citrus, cilantro or basil by putting a few drops to taste in olive oil then use that to finish a dish. Like tonight I have a beef stew that I will drizzle with blood orange olive oil. As there is no way in the winter for me to always have these fresh herbs on hand the oils are fantastic. Looking forward to future articles on EO’s
Thank-you so much
Great! I really had to push to get it done today. It was literally down to the wire. Nice tips. I just really watch that I don’t use many internally now and we take probiotics daily. I look forward to more as well!
Hi, I am very happy to read you final post. Your readers can also go to Rocky Mountain Oils website they have very detailed explanations of all the oils. I also contacted RMO about their relationship with NAN. Here is the response I received: “We are very excited to announce the beginning of a very valuable partnership with Rocky Mountain Oils (RMO) and Native American Nutritionals (NAN). Between RMO’s web presence and ability to reach those searching for an alternative to the MLM marketing and NAN’s education and the ability to source the best Therapeutic Essential oils, we feel this merger will assist our company and our customers will benefit by having the best of both worlds. As always, we still offer the best therapeutic grade essential oils for alternative healing and personal care. Our balance with the highest quality and cost affordability will always be maintained.”
Since I am already a RMO user I will certainly be checking out NAN next. Thanks again for all your great work. Blessings.
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I think it sounds like a very good partnership. Thanks!
Oh, I’m so excited to look into these! I would love to know, too, how many of their oils you have tried and how well they have worked (fair, good, great, etc.) for you. And my, for all your work and research, if you get any compensation, you’ve earned it!
Adrienne,
Would you also be able to list in decending order, the other companies you looked at? We do not feel we can order from NAN, due to the fact that they promote non Biblical Spiritual practices, and donate from their coffers to the training of their practice.
We are looking at MRH ourselves, and also want to avoid MLMs.
I am sure many think it should not matter, but we cannot go against our beliefs or conscience.
Could you tell me what you mean by “promote non Biblical Spiritual practices, and donate from their coffers to the training of their practice.” I am not sure what you mean by that. Could you please spell that out more specifically and perhaps I can address it? Thank you.
I believe she is referring to this particular link on their webpage. http://www.nativeamericannutritionals.com/content/the-native-healer.html
It’s what is holding me back from ordering from them as well. :/
Hi Charlene. Thanks. I did a lot of thinking about this a number of months ago and more again tonight. I even spoke with a friend who is a Christian and is married to a Christian Native American. Please tell me what is disconcerting to you and I will be happy to address it–either here or via email. I am happy to correspond with NAN on your behalf of whatever I can do. Of course, it is your decision, but one way to look at this is…I think a lot of what is on the Nemenhah site is pretty innocuous and a lot of what Native American’s practice is merely alternative healing, which I am completely fine with. And at least NAN discloses where their money is going (some of it, at least). There are companies (lots of them) which don’t disclose so openly that I suspect you would disagree with. Amazon, Pampered Chef, Fruit of the Loom, Target, etc. They all have things that they contribute to that I seriously disagree with and I have had to make decisions about each of them. And in my experience, some companies with very distasteful practices hide them. So I prefer this “up front” disclosure.
In any case, let me know your thoughts.
And see, that is the problem. A hidden practice is just that. Hidden and we are unaware. This company is open. The very act of my contacting them with questions, as a Believer, and knowing that they practice witchcraft, has me violating the very thing the Israelite’s were commanded to not do. Seeking counsel from a witch.
PJ, I am sorry, but I don’t see where you are getting evidence that they are practicing witchcraft. I think 1 Cor 5:10&11 talks about not trying to avoid folks who believe differently than you do, but to avoid Christians who act unbiblically without repentance. I think these are clearly two different matters. I appreciate your commenting here – thanks!
Oh no! Please don’t say you’re now offering scriptural advice! LOL!
I was enthralled until this point. My seemingly sarcastic comment isn’t coming because I like MLM’s. Or that I have an affiliation with another company that wasn’t “picked”…lol. Quite the contrary. I also have issues with witchcraft, and feel that everyone’s beliefs should be respected, not corrected. I respect the native americans for what they believe, although their practices do go against my personal beliefs. I does put stop to my potential purchase, but I won’t criticize anyone who does business with them. All of your labor did open my eyes up to companies that I’ve never even heard of before! And that’s good! I thank you for that… But please, let’s not interpret scripture and try to correct another person for their personal convictions and beliefs. <3 I am trying to say this with as much love as possible…real love tells the truth. It is what it is 
Hi Shelley. I am sorry for not responding sooner – your comment got under a pile of others and I wasn’t sure how to respond to you at first. First of all, thanks for commenting. I am a little confused about your first sentence–”please don’t say you’re now offering scriptural advice.” If you are serious, here is my response— I don’t set myself up as some spiritual counselor, but the conversation and comments went that way so I responded accordingly. I take my faith very seriously and I think about these matters and tried to respond appropriately to my readers’ concerns. If there is something that you are concerned about please let me know what you take issue with. You said “please let’s not interpret scripture” but that is what we all are supposed to do when we read it–with an eye to the original languages and the context and the whole Bible, of course. Some of it gets quite murky but we are all adults and can talk about things in a civil manner and hear each other out. That’s my aim, at least
.
I am unable to see which comment you are replying to so that puts my in a tough spot so I hope you will respond and I can address your comment more accurately. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon.
I read through most of the comments and hope I’m not repeating. We are new to EO and used them because of frustration with OTC products for my kids. We are now researching on our own and loving the things that EO can do for us in a healthy way!! One thing we recently found that worked great for us/kids was RC from Young Living. Is Breath EZ on NAN the same as RC? Also what is shipping like with NAN? Thanks for the answers.
Hi there. I dont know about the RC – please contact NAN about their YL-like blends and if you can’t get an answer I will try to dig it up. I asked about their shipping and it was quite reasonable.
I appreciate the research, but are you saying you feel comfortable with the fact that they are Shaman’s? They link to http://www.Nemenhah.org. right off their top bar.
Check out this post on the Shaman Portal (http://shamanportal.org/forum/ayahusca-and-plant-medicine-f12/alternative-health-t679.html): “Native American Nutritionals is a provisional resource for those who wish to find out more about the Native American and Indigenous healing methods and materials that are available and provide several products and various training in the Medicine Wheel-based Native American Healing. Check out my Alternative Health [where he links to http://www.nativeamericannutritionals.com.
About Shaman’s: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism
Sorry, but that turns me off
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Personally, I don’t see how NAN is a shaman organization, and even if it were, the term shaman has a breadth of meaning. I have a friend who is a Christian, who is married to a Native American. Perhaps she will chime in here. She said to me that “I think some people misread the whole shaman thing thinking that shamans are all pagan.” The Nemenhah group is a Native American group that seeks to promote healing in the Native American tradition. They promote healing using natural means, which the owner of NAN believes strongly in.
Just because a group called the Shaman Portal says that NAN is a helpful organization and links to them, doesn’t mean that they are shamans, any more than a vegan site linking to my vegan friendly recipes makes me a vegan.
Regardless, even if they were shamans, that doesn’t have anything to do with the quality of the oils nor their effectiveness.
Many of us, as bloggers, do business with companies whose beliefs are different than ours. I don’t want to single this business out as being a special problem unless I become convinced that it is.
I referred to 1 Cor 5:10-11 (Paul’s teaching about Christians and the world) to a previous commenter. I really understand why some Christians wonder about supporting groups that disagree with them, but I think it can get really carried away to the point that, as Paul says, “..In that case you would have to leave this world” (NIV).
In fact, what Paul is warning about in those verses is not interacting with others of different beliefs, but with Christians who act unbiblically without repentance.
Neither I nor my husband (whom I mentioned is Summa Cum Laude graduate from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) see anywhere in Scripture where it says anything about not doing business with companies or people who have different spiritual beliefs than Christians. Thanks for commenting
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As I said in the comments below, My husband is part Native American and his family does some of the traditional things, but with a Christian slant. Not the shaman thing, but the belief that natural/alternative healing is a gift from God (the ONE TRUE God). So, looking at it from that standpoint, I do feel that you can be a Native American Healer giving God the glory–but not if you are practicing any act that is contrary to Scripture.
You have to be like a Berean and check everything the Shaman teaches against Scripture. If they practice something against Scripture then it’s best to avoid that Shaman. A lot of people misunderstand what a Shaman is. They automatically jump to the conclusion that they are involved with witchcraft or paganism…and yes, traditionally speaking, many are. But most importantly a Shaman is a healer and a wise man/woman. If they follow the traditions that do not go against scripture, then the Christian faith and Native American traditions can mesh well. But
you have to do some research on the particular Shaman and ask lots of questions.
I just want to clear up the misunderstanding that all Shamans are involved in paganism/witchcraft. They simply aren’t and there are more and more of these traditional healers/wise men(women) that are Christians in the strictest sense, yet still follow Native American traditions that DO NOT conflict with Scripture.
While this may not be what a Shaman is in the traditional sense, now days Shamans are more known as the traditional healers/wise men (women). Not all who are called Shamans are dealing with speaking to spirits and the like. Christian Shamans certainly do not. But Shamans now days are more often healers or wise men/women. When I speak of wise men/women, I mean they are wise in the way of healing (from a natural standpoint, not a other worldly standpoint). So to say that all Shamans are in communication with the spirit world or mediums is as offensive as saying all Christians are hypocrites. I am a very strong, conservative Christian woman and I would have no problem is seeking out the healing knowledge from a CHRISTIAN shaman. They have been taught traditional medicine. They know which herbs/plants to use and what to use them for. They are trained in natural healing just the same as any other natural healer. But because of their Native American background their training has focused on the natural healing treatments and methods that comes from the traditional Native American background.
There are LOTS of pagan people training others in the use of essential oils, herbs, and traditional healing. Susun S. Weed and Rosemary Gladstar, two of the BIG names in teaching herbal medicine are pagans. Yet I’ve known MANY Christians who own their books and follow their practices. But I don’t see Christians running around accusing everyone who calls themselves an herbalist a pagan/witch/wicca.
THe best advise I can give you is TALK to the person and verify WHAT they believe and practice before we judge them.
I think you make a good point about there being loads of folks of varying beliefs in the natural healing realm.
That being said, I was looking for a good quality place to buy oils–not a spiritual resource. Plenty of the oils companies I looked at had spiritual or other qualities that I wasn’t thrilled with but that wasn’t what I based my opinions of their quality on
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Thanks for all the investigative work you have done. I have on and off been visiting your blog since I started using essential oils through YL.
How funny I just logged on today (It’s been several months since my last visit) to read your announcement.
Will be trying NAN asap….
You’re welcome. What? You’re not subscribed to my blog? Well, glad to have you back
! Let me know what you think of the NAN oils!
Wow, I have never heard of this company I am excited to check them out!
I know you had so many companies to look into and only so much time, I was wondering if you got a chance to check out Floracopia by chance? One of my favorite herbal friends is loyal to them and I wanted to see what your research lead for your feelings about that one. Again thank you SO much for all of this information. Can I ask one more question? Do you recommend a certain place to get certification in using essential oils for healing from any website for a home based learning modality? I want to learn more about how to use them and there are a lot of options out there for courses, I’d love to know your thoughts. Thanks again Adrienne! 
I did look at them. If I remember correctly it appears that their oils come from experts as well. Doesn’t mean the oils are all bad or anything, but I think there is a lot to be said for going with someone who works directly with farmers.
I don’t have certification recommendations, but I do know a blogger who speaks highly of Jade Shutes’ School. There are good books around as well. I believe you can take her courses via the internet.
It was worth the wait! Thank you for all your time and efforts!!!
I recently spent a lot of time researching oil companies (not 10 months!) so I was anxious to read about your findings. I had decided to go with doTerra but to also check out NAN on your recommendation. Are all of their oils 100% pure or are they diluted? They have a page titled “special NEAT copals” which made me think all of what they have to offer might not be. This could explain the lower price. I sent a message to them as well. Thanks.
The neat oils are undiluted. The other “not neat” oils have carriers in them b/c a lot of people don’t wish to deal w/ adding the carrier oils each time they use the oils. Thanks and I hope that helps.
Hi Adrienne!
I can’t tell you how much I appreciate all your hard work you’ve put into these EO posts. I’ve just recently became interested in EOs so you have answered many questions.
I’m wondering about the NEAT vs “not-NEAT” oils. Do you know, do the oils sold by DoTERRA & Young Living also have carrier oils or are their’s undiluted like NAN’s NEAT oils? That’s a major price difference so I just want to be sure I’m comparing apples to apples price-wise. Thanks!
NEAT oils should be listed as such on NAN’s site. They did have an issue on their site where some weren’t listed correctly. There are some oils by both DT and YL that have carrier oils in them like DT’s Immortelle and YL’s Valor. If you need specific info you can call them directly (NAN, I mean.) or I could help you if you want to email me. It’s my understanding that NAN carries the blends both neat and non neat.
So.. ALL of their oils (even singles) are diluted? It doesn’t specify that on their page. That seems misleading!!! I wish I would have known this before I placed an order with them….. I know some of their oil BLENDS are diluted because in their ingredients it says fractionated cocoanut oil, but if it doesn’t say that it shouldn’t be diluted!
No, they are not. There is a grouping of EO blends that are blended w/ a carrier oil and then there is a grouping of EO blends that is neat (unblended). The single oils aren’t blended w/ a carrier at all. I hope that helps. You should be just fine. They know their site is confusing and they are working on a redo of the site.
Adrienne, the Bible is very clear that all Believers are to avoid all dealings with witches and sooth sayser. NAN owner and board hint strongly at being Shaman’s and also they clearly note that 10% of all sales are given to the organization that teaches the practice.
This will not affect many if not most of your readers, but the rest of us would love to see another alternative or two
PJ, I really understand your concern and I don’t wish to make light of it. However, I just discussed this w/ my husband and we looked at 1 Cor 5:9-11. What Paul is talking about here is that we cannot expect to remove ourselves from dealings with the world. But we are, instead, to be concerned about associating with Christians who don’t act as such. Is there another part of Scripture you are referring to? Believe me, I looked at NAN’s site and asked a lot of questions along the way. And my husband is a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. We take these things seriously. Please get back to me with your thoughts.
I assume you might be relating to Deut 18:10-11. The point is that no one is to be found among the Israelites who is a spiritist, among other things. The context prohibits the people of Israel from doing that. I agree that Christians shouldn’t do these things, but I don’t see there being a prohibition against doing business with someone who is associated with someone who “might” do these things.
What are your thoughts? Is this any help?
“Perhaps one of the most profound and powerful aspects of this site is the opportunity to become a Native American Practitioner.”
” This site is a provisional resource for those who wish to find out more about the Native American and Indigenous healing methods and materials that are available through the company.
We also provide several products and various training in the Medicine Wheel-based Native American Healing.”
These are direct quotes from their website.
I understand that living in and not of the world can be a hard path to determine. But this seems to be a clear cut case.
It is true that the passage in Deut. is directed to the Israelites. They were held to a high bar. But so are we. And to purchase and affiliate with a company that directly states it funds the teaching and practice of what we know to be witchcraft, is one and the same.
I have more I want to say, but am very short on time.
HI again, PJ. I don’t have an issue w/ the Medicine Wheel healing. Nor Native American ways of using herbs and oils for healing. I commented about NAN and Nemenhah in response earlier so hopefully those responses are helpful. Of course, everyone is free to choose as he/she likes, but really I do think that the Scriptural mandates are for Christians not to do certain things….not for Christians not to associate with people who do such things. To the contrary, Jesus associated with loads of folks who were into a lot of stuff that was really distasteful.
I don’t see any witchcraft going on here either, so I am sorry, but I am puzzled by the continual reference to that. I appreciate your concern but I just don’t see the evidence.
My husband is part Native American and his family does some of the traditional things, but with a Christian slant. Not the shaman thing, but the belief that natural/alternative healing is a gift from God (the ONE TRUE God). So, looking at it from that standpoint, I do feel that you can be a Native American Healer giving God the glory–but not if you are practicing any act that is contrary to Scripture.
You have to be like a Berean and check everything the Shaman teaches against Scripture. If they practice something against Scripture then it’s best to avoid that Shaman. A lot of people misunderstand what a Shaman is. They automatically jump to the conclusion that they are involved with witchcraft or paganism…and yes, traditionally speaking, many are. But most importantly a Shaman is a healer and a wise man/woman. If they follow the traditions that do not go against scripture, then the Christian faith and Native American traditions can mesh well. But
you have to do some research on Shaman and ask lots of questions.
I just want to clear up the misunderstanding that all Shamans are involved in paganism/witchcraft. They simply aren’t and there are more and more of these traditional healers/wise men(women) that are Christians in the strictest sense, yet still follow Native American traditions that DO NOT conflict with Scripture.
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Thanks for sharing, Susan. I checked into Native American’s association with the Nemenhah before putting my recommendation behind them and I just spent about 1 1/2 hours questioning Mr. Dean about it again. The reason for the Nemenhah is strictly for health freedom for those who wish to help others with natural healing so that they can have protection legally. Paul says he is a Christian and that many of those associated with the Nemenhah are. He also said that there are nuns in the group. I don’t personally see any real evidence that anything else is going on here.
Furthermore, just to clarify, Mr. Dean said that he hasn’t given 10% of his profits to the Nemenhah for awhile and he simply forgot to take that off of his site. I will say that for sure, managing his site is not his strongpoint
. But his oils and his integrity do seem to be. (Actually, I have found most of the oils websites to be quite confusing at best.)
Thanks again!
PJ, can you provide a link where it says this: NAN owner and board hint strongly at being Shaman’s and also they clearly note that 10% of all sales are given to the organization that teaches the practice.
I know we can’t remove ourselves completely from the ‘world’ but if i KNOW this sort of thing about a company, I’m going to avoid it for sure. I don’t want a % of what I pay going towards something like that, I would never support it otherwise, so I’d love to be able to see it for myself. i’ve been searching around the site with no luck. Thanks.
Adrienne, thank you for your research and suggestions.
Melissa, there is nothing there. Sorry it took so long to approve your comment – it got lost in a big pile. And I am trying to spend more time off the computer
. I responded about the shaman accusations in this post – hopefully those comments will help you. I have asked Mr. Dean a ton of questions and looked around on the site and the internet and it just isn’t there. Some shaman website linked to NAN and it seems that that is part of why this accusation is floating around. Thanks and feel free to ask questions 
. Just might take me awhile to respond sometimes.
So much misunderstanding about Native practices and religion… I humbly submit that the white man did not bring Christ to us Natives. Christ was here long before the white man. Please do not assume that God was absent from the Native people before the salvation of the white man came. Just because it isn’t European Christianity, doesn’t mean it isn’t wholly God-honoring. The arrogance that goes with this sentiment is disappointing. Please gain an understanding of Shamanism before you condemn.
Shamanism is basically communication with the spirit world. If a person practices this, then he or she becomes a medium to the spirit world.
This is expressly forbidden in Scipture. Deuteronomy 18:10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, 11 or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead.
PJ, I just responded to Lea and you can read my thoughts there.
According to my friend, who is married to a Christian Native American, shamanism has a breadth of meaning. From what I read on NAN’s and Nemenhah’s site I don’t see anyone doing the things you mention here. In fact, Nemenhah is about protecting health freedoms and natural healing methods in the Native American tradition. I am very much in favor of protecting the rights of folks to heal naturally. Do you see evidence otherwise?
Oh my goodness, Elexa! I couldn’t agree more! I read these comments last nite, and now, 24 hours later, it still burns my hide! Some of the most enlightened, spirtitual, God-like people I’ve ever met have been Native Americans. Such a beautiful people with centered souls that influence me to be a better person everyday. It is with much pride that I will do business with NAN and other Native American businesses.
I am a Christian, but not like most. As a matter of fact, so sick was I of narrow-minded, judgmental people that I pulled my daughter out of her Christian school. So sick was I of the holier-than-thou attitudes that I stopped doing business with anyone who claimed to be a Christian. So sick of the piousness, I stopped going to church. And you know what? When I didn’t have to deal with all the negativity, the criticism and the judging any more, my relationship with Christ flourished in a way I would have never imagined. Jesus didn’t belong to a church and neither do I.
I believe God gave us everything we need to survive on this beautiful earth and if the Native Americans have a deeper knowledge of how to use these blessings, then I am all for it! God brings healing in many different ways. Sorry folks, healing and enlightenment are not exclusive to White Anglo Saxon descendents from Europe! And how arrogant for any one to think it is!
I am really sorry you had that experience. My husband and I have had some “doozies” too. We are persevering and staying involved in church however, despite the many imperfections. We are a bunch of sinners, right? If you bring a bunch of us in to one organization together, there is going to be some mess
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Thanks for commenting and hope to see you around again!
Susan – I couldn’t agree more, or said it better myself!
Wow! Couldn’t have said it any better myself!
This is exactly how I feel about religion. I grew up Lutheran, was baptized and confirmed Lutheran, went to Lutheran college, and have belonged to a Lutheran church my entire life. Five years ago, I became sick. Really, really sick. After turning to alternative medicine, eating better (organic and R/O water), and ditching the 10 pharmaceutical drugs I was taking, an amazing thing happened–I woke up.
Now instead of being a sheeple, I am an awake individiual, one who is capable and able to see all the dishonesty, backstabbing, lying, and cheating that goes on in the world, and how the haves use their extreme amounts of money and power (and “their” righteous views) to put everyone else down in their place (ie., keep them subjugated and slaves). For the last three years, I have been attending a spiritualist church and finally feel as if I’ve come home. I’m finally among people who “get” me–people who love and welcome everyone, where no one derides, debases, or calls out anyone just because they’re different. Or because they think differently.
We are all a spark of the Divine–God, Allah, Infinite Intelligence, Mother Earth, Great Sun, whatever you want to call him/her. We are here to partake in life on earth so that God can experience “life” through us. That’s the simple–and only–secret of existence. Each one of us is at our own unique spot in this journey we undertake to grow and know ourselves.
Those people who cling so tenaciously to “their views” do so because they are afraid to look inside themselves and find their true self–their Higher Self.
Watch the DVDs/movies The Secret, Avatar and the The Host. Watch them over and over again, until you get it. When you get “it,” you will awaken and see what is really going on in the world.
There is no room for petty disagreements or believing that your way is the “right” way. Enlightened and awakened people know this.
I personally care very much about my own views but I try to be open minded to what I can learn from others. Just because someone doesn’t believe what I do doesn’t mean I can’t learn something from them
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I have been pleased with your recommendation of NAN oils. I purchased some after I emailed you asking about your conclusion before you had posted this. I also purchased the oils for health reasons and found it helpful to buy the book on their website by Bevonne Birch that gives details on the oils and their uses. There are also DVDs on their website that give some information on their uses but I didn’t buy those. From a short-term user perspective, the oils are quality oils. I have been pleased with them and really like “Serenity.” Thanks, Adrienne, for your hard work!
Glad you like them! I really like the Serenity as well. I use it almost every night.
I, too, have been anxiously awaiting your recommendation. Earlier this month, I attended a “workshop” and a DT rep was present- I had never even heard of EOs – but really wanted to try. I went home & started researching and stumbled onto your discussion posts & held out placing an order with DT. My instinct told me to “wait”.
Thank you for your honesty, integrity, and willingness to share your wisdom- I am grateful. I am excited to start this journey with NAN.
Thanks for your vote of confidence. I’d love to hear what you think after trying them!
Adrienne- Does NAN have a starter kit or something? I don’t have any EOs and I want to begin to build my arsenal, but I don’t know where to begin! Thanks!
The do…look on the left side of their site under Copal Kits. I like the Emergency one.
Hi, great work on the EO research. I do have a question regarding NAN’s oils though. If I understand your statement correctly about their oils being “unadulterated”, that means what is in the bottles they sell is exclusively the oil(s) that come from the plants described. If that is true, then the “neat” oils confuse me on NAN’s site. By their definition, neat means no carrier oils or “unadulterated”, right? So if neat=unadulterated, then about the rest (majority) of their oils? Do the rest contain carrier oils? Thanks in advance.
I think if it isn’t NEAT it is blended b/c folks don’t want to use the neat oils on their skin and don’t want to mess w/ carrier oils each time to apply them. NAN has done it for them.
Does that mean that most of their oils have a carrier oil already mixed in? Just quickly adding up the different types, they have 37 neat oils and 171 non-neat oils. I guess when you said unadulterated, you didn’t count carrier oils? I am just trying understand your definition of the terms.
Their singles and blends do not have carriers in them as far as I know. I have used them and they are just like other pure oils I have tried. I agree the terminology is a little odd but I do know I had that conversation w/ Mr. Dean about neat vs oils w/ carriers. If a company ads carrier oils to their oils w/o disclosure that is adulterating in my book. I will get back to you on this.
If the singles and blends do not contain carrier oils, then I think Mr. Dean should probably better categorize the oils on the site. The fact that there is a “neat” category, automatically makes me think all the others have carrier oils in them, otherwise they would also be listed as “neat”. Sorry to question so much, but I as well have a brain wired to find the truth.
Each oil that has a carrier is clearly identified as such. There used to be a different index that was harder to search but easier to see that kind of thing. He is not trying to hide anything at all about his oils, but his site needs some work. Just call and ask when you want to order. If you don’t hear from me tomorrow, let me know. I’ll see if I can get an answer this weekend.
I agree, I think their website is a little more confusing since the update.
I called about this very thing when I wanted to purchase Tummy Rub a few months back. Here was the explanation…
There are several blends that are in a base of carrier oil (all of which are clearly noted in the ingredients listed under each one on the website). Now they have also made these blends available without the carrier oil as well. They have grouped the “duplicates” in their own category – all blends in the special NEAT category also have a blend available with a carrier oil which can be found with the other blends.
To me this is completely confusing, because some of the blends (most actually) grouped in with the Copal Blends are also NEAT.. but not named that way. They just don’t have a duplicate “diluted” blend, so there is no “NEAT” added to the name to differentiate the two. Personally, I think they should put all of the NEAT blends in the “Copal Blend” category, and put all of the diluted/similar blends in their own “Special” category.
Just for clarification, all of their Single Oils are also NEAT, but they do have a less expensive, diluted version of the pricier oils (Jasmine, Helichrysum, etc) in the Blend category.
I have emailed the company and hopefully they can re-organize their site to make it more user-friendly – thanks!
When looking on NAN website it looks like to me that their blends are mixed with a carrier oil but not their singles. The neat oils are the blends that you can buy without a carrier oil added. At least that is how it looks with the oils I have looked at on their site.
Thank you for all your hard work on this!
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I was wondering if you could help me with a particular oil that was given to me as a gift. It is by YL, called Peace and Calming which I love, does NAM have anything comparable? Thanks for your input!!
I used their Serenity and I really like it. Actually, I like it much better. I use it at bedtime now. Otherwise, Grounding would be a blend to try. Thanks!
This is a great coincidence! I had been linked to their site once by a customer of theirs, but couldn’t remember what it was or who gave me the link. She loves their oils and highly recommended them. I’ve been trying to remember what this place was.
Not only do I get a second opinion from you, but I have found the lost site!
Thank you.
I will order from them next week when I have some spending money.
Great! Glad to hear it. I hope you enjoy the oils!
Adrienne, in one of the post you wrote: “I just really watch that I don’t use many internally now and we take probiotics daily.” Should they not be take regular internally? I use lavender a lot in my nose for my sinuses, it is better than the steroids the doctor had me on. ( gave me hot flashes) Thanks for all the information.
I addressed this in Part 6, I believe. The antibacterial and antiviral oils are especially strong and it makes sense that they will kill good bacteria as well. I think in general that the oils are strong and one needs to be careful. I hope to have Mr. Dean available for more questions like these. Thanks!
I highly recommend reading Dr. Stewarts “Chemistry of Essential Oils Made Simple” – you will find that it does not make sense that antibacterial and antiviral oils will kill good bacteria as well. You’ll also find this to be true in the cancer research being done (published studies available at http://www.pubmed.gov), frankincense will induce apoptosis in the abnormal cells but leaves the healthy cells alone. Essential oils do not work in the same way that allopathic medicine works.
- Sara
A very happy Young Living Silver
Thanks, Sara. I think that it’s possible that Frankincense works differently than the “hot” antibacterial and antiviral oils. Those are the ones that I have read about causing the issues w/ gut bacteria. Do you have any links to specific articles and not just to pubmed in general – thanks!
I sure wouldn’t be using essential oils if they carried the same side effects as OTC drugs. That’s the beauty of being able to use essential oils instead of antibiotics. They build up the system, and not tear it down. They are free of harmful side effects. Essential oils, as an all-encompassing rule, work very differently than drugs, because of how the essential oil constituents interact at the cellular level. Doing the research is truly fascinating and exciting, which is why I shared the PubMed link (largely unbiased essential oil science, free of opinion). The Chemistry of Essential Oils book is really a must-read for anyone who really wants to understand how essential oils work, but here is a short article by the author as per your request: “Drugs verses Oils” http://www.raindroptraining.com/messenger/v1n8.html#one
-Sara
I will add, however, that I have heard that taking probiotics is important when using the antibacterial and/or antiviral oils. So, in that sense, while they do good things, they possibly “tear it down” a bit. Thanks.
Thank you! I totally bow to your effort, research, tenacity, and the above board professional and ethical way in which you have, and continue to conduct yourself. Your response to the person who is concerned about NAN using their profit to “promote non Biblical Spiritual practices, and donate from their coffers to the training of their practice” was well done! Especially to the point when it comes to other “main stream” stores who channel their money into areas that are not agreeable is spot on. I stopped going to Target and Walmart for those very reasons. I just shake my head at people who refuse to accept that there is more than one path to God. And that by excluding everyone else’s beliefs, they are practicing exclusion and demonizing “the other” which is about as far away from Christian principles as you can get. I applaud anyone’s effort to become more spiritual in order to be a better person, and to spread the message of peace and love. Tolerance and love goes a long way. And I dare say there is not enough of it in this world. I for one, now have ALL the more reason to purchase from NAN just BECAUSE they DON’T promote “biblical” spiritual practices. Thank you Adrienne also for your response to the Alyssa who seemingly has a grudge no matter how you lay it all out there in the open for us and every one else. You handled yourself with honor, style and grace.
Thanks for commenting, Lisa. I think the issue here is that #1, I was choosing an oils company–not a church. #2. NAN’s involvement w/ the Nemenhah group is about health freedom–not about spiritual guidance.
I hope you enjoy NAN’s oils. I have found the company to be super helpful and I love their oils. Hope to hear from you again!
Thank you so much, Adrienne, for all your hard work!
In response to the issue PJ brought up: I agree with you that there are a lot of companies give money to support and promote things that we would not, or things that are against God and His ways, and we don’t even know about it. But if we do know about it, what are your thoughts on God’s people knowingly enabling / empowering them to do more of it, be it Nemenha or something else?
I also agree that we are not to pull away from the world, but not be of the world. It is hard, if not impossible to avoid all such businesses. Even if a particular business doesn’t support and promote such things, they may do business with some that do. God may call or allow some people to be involved with them in various degrees to be light and salt, as Adrienne may be with NAN. It does take all of us asking, listening to and obeying God, and intentionally living it out.
I do have to say it does appear to me that Nemenhah site does communicate spiritual belief, and not only alternative healing method, as its first tab (Constitution) tells. So the question to me is – is this the kind of church that God would want me/us to knowingly empower support and promotion of?
There must be countless things in 10 months that you spent much time researching and considering before the final recommendation of the best essential oil company. I am truly deeply grateful to you and your family. I appreciate PJ bringing up her concern in the blog. After reading your announcement in the email, I forwarded it to friends and was ready to try NAN and went on its website. Interestingly, One of my children saw some page with the description of the oil, and she exclaimed gently with laughter, “Mommy, that completely sounds like American Indian spiritual stuff! And it is weird.” Neither did this child or I have read the blog correspondences then. Over the years, I have learned to pay attention to my children’s spiritual sensitivity. I know the oils are God given tools for our well being (physical, emotional and spiritual), but where to get it from?! As oils also have a spiritual aspect, it seems PJ’s concern is an additional important issue that I need to personally take some time to talk with God about.
I apologize that I am not good enough of a writer to make this entry more succinct.
You’re welcome. I am spending a ton of time on these comments, so maybe I am going to have to write a post on this…..
Quickly, here is my response…
I think I addressed the issue of supporting a business that has beliefs that one doesn’t agree with when I brought up 1 Cor. The Bible in no way says we need to avoid doing business with those who do not share out beliefs. If you think otherwise, I would like to talk more about it.
That being said, I have chosen not to support certain companies when I have an alternative. I don’t think it’s the place to share those things here, but I might at another time.
Regarding Nemenhah, I think there are a few things to think about. First, Young Living and doTERRA are both owned by Mormons. I promote Green Polka Dot Box and they are Mormon owned as well. I don’t have any issue with that, though I am not Mormon.
Today I had a very long talk with Mr. Dean about NAN and Nemenhah. We had talked about it before and did so again. Mr. Dean asserts that he is a Christian and that the reason he has the link to Nemenhah on his site is to promote health freedom. He says that he no longer gives 10% of his company profits there and, in fact, any donations he makes are now personal.
Aside from that, if you look closely at the Nemenhah statement, I think most of it is pretty innocuous. If there is a specific part of it that bothers you I might be able to address it, but basically they are saying that they have the right to use nature’s things to perform healing and that that is part of their spiritual heritage. Native Americans have long had a history of using herbs and oils to heal and they still do today. There is a lot of talk on their site about things being passed down through generations and their rights to practice as they wish today. I don’t see anything about specific doctrine, witchcraft, talking with spirits, or anything like that. I will say, I read it all pretty quickly, but I don’t see any issues here. It seems to me that talk of such things is more a “knee jerk reaction” than a response to something that is really there in print.
I don’t mean this to “shut anyone up” – I think this is a great dialogue. Please tell me what you think.
I think health freedom is crucial and I personally am happy to partner with Mormons, Catholics, Jews, Native Americans, and whomever else would like to join in that fight.
Thank you Adrienne and others that are facilitating a constructive discussion for us to think through the spiritual issues of NAN and ourselves. I am learning from many of you. Your posts have reminded me not to have broad strokes of what I know or what I think others know. I grew up with Asian alternative health practices. God has allowed many alternative health tools on my journey that I was very uncomfortable with and had to take time to check with Scripture, ask and listen to Him. Some I had to stay away from, some I am using as ways to minister to a range of people, from my family to strangers, and from minor illnesses to cancers, even if some / many of the people who uses those tools are New Agey. God has given me boldness to credit Him with gentleness before these practitioner friends of mine through the years. Their compassion is evident to me, and I pray they would come to know and worship God whom they call “Creator,” instead of the creation, and have eternal life through Jesus.
I also don’t have any problem with doing business with Mormons, Catholics, Jew, Native Americans, and others.
I have had difficult experiences with Christian and non-Christians in business, as well as I myself had been a difficult experience to others 
that I have been learning not to be. My husband and I also have personally experienced the harshest blasting and difficulties by Christians a few times. I hope I /we have not been that way to others. I am so glad for Mr. Dean that he is a Christian. I heard Mr. Young of YL, although was raised a Mormon, became a Christian. Christian or not is not a problem to me.
I tried to say (perhaps not very well) in my last post that Nemenhah site does communicate spiritual belief, although it is not clear what kind of church it is and what it means by “Spiritual Adoption.” My question in my last post when I asked “is this the kind of church that God would want me/us to knowingly empower support and promotion of” was a sincere question without judgement, and I did not mean to knee jerk or condemn (which you were not saying I was). I didn’t even know what the “church” or “spiritual adoption” on the site really meant. I certainly don’t have problem with Mr. Dean wanting to donate money to wherever he wants. I was raising the question if I was to channel our money that way through him, since his website communicated financial support and promotion of Nemenhah, be it directly from the profit of NAN that he owns, or from his personal money that is probably from the profit of the same company. Maybe he doesn’t own it all. Maybe in the past that was a helpful marketing tool. Again, I am not trying to criticize what he does with his business or money, but working through what I / we should do with my / our resources. Adrienne, you have clearly communicated on the blog that the decision is everyone’s to make. You are just doing us a big service in researching and facilitating discussions. I am grateful. I still don’t think I have enough understanding of Nemenhah.org/church.
Adrienne, I agree with you that many essential oil companies assert New Agey type of effects. Would you include NAN as one of them?
Thanks so much, Adrienne, for how much you have put into this, and continues to! I hope you remember to take care of yourself as well.
I
Hi there and sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Your comment got lost under a pile of work.
I think a lot of your concerns have been dealt with. Mr. Dean wasn’t on the Nemenhah site for a long time and he has taken the links down since I told him what my readers were finding. He said he hasn’t given corporate money to them in something like 2 years and I believe he said he isn’t donating personal money now either.
He said things were different when he was promoting Nemenhah at the beginning and he associated with them for health freedom issues only and I believe him.
If you have more concerns, please let me know and I am sure Mr. Dean would be happy to talk w/ you if you like. Thanks!
It’s one thing to support a business OWNED by somebody of another faith. It’s another to support a company who advertises that their proceeds train spiritual leaders.
Hello Mel,
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I was obviously inundated with a flurry of comments and had to think carefully about how to respond.
I hear your concerns, but I have addressed all of my readers’ concerns with the owner of NAN (Mr. Dean) and he purports to be a believer in Christ. That is not how I determine what business I am going to support, but I think I should mention that due to your concerns.
Mr. Dean said that he rarely goes on the internet (and from how his site needs more organization I am completely not surprised to hear that.) and he even didn’t see my posts on his company. I had to send them to him. So he didn’t know the changes that had happened on the Nemenhah site and he has taken down a lot of the links from NAN.
That being said, many people have no idea what is going on behind the scenes (and often not behind the scenes) of many companies that they support. I suspect that you would be hard pressed to shop anywhere if you really looked into what is going on. The Bible does not tell us to not buy from those with whom we disagree but it does tell us to watch our own lives. We can, of course, have the freedom to shop where we want, but I think it is quite problematic to judge another Christian based on where they shop. This is similar to how the Bible says not to judge others for how they spend the Sabbath.
I hope that clarifies some of your concerns.
Thanks for all the work you did on this! For what it’s worth I believe, for me, that you are correct in your interpretation of that scripture. We are in the mid-west and I know many who are boycotting certain stores b/c of whatever. However, we have a rather large population of people practicing the Amish {and off-shoots of} faith{s} – very focused & lived faiths. They are not boycotting these same stores. {not to generalize that ALL people of these faiths are not boycotting… I have not done *that* research lol}… And if Jesus had boycotted certain areas of life – well the Bible would be much different I think.
On another note: The SERENITY or other calming blend – how is that used? I use Melatonin to get to sleep nightly but would like to switch that up and not have to use it every.night. Is the Serenity applied topically or inhaled, or ?
Thanks again!
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Thanks for chiming in on the Scripture thing. I don’t put myself out there as any kind of Bible expert, but honestly, my husband kind of is. He has a PhD in lit that is Bible based and he is really talented w/ this kind of stuff. I turn to him a lot when I have questions that are tough like this.
Regarding Serenity, I have used it on my wrists, feet, and in a diffuser. I think Mr. Dean told me to rub it on the chest but you would likely want to mix it w/ a carrier oil in that case. I try not to use melatonin every night but it is hard.
Could you also comment on your concerns with Heritage Essential Oils (unless I missed that somewhere!)? Also, does their version of “Thieves” seem to work well? (I remember your saying that Thieves had more of a “punch” than OnGuard.) Thank you!
Stephanie, a reader brought up some concerns about Heritage Oils. I removed them when the owner asked me to. Various companies have issues that I have heard about and that some people might take issue with regarding whether or not to do business with them. There are so many things I have heard about different companies and I need to be careful what I share as some of it is merely heresay and I don’t wish to get others, nor myself, in a difficult situation.
However, I spent a lot of time looking at a lot of companies with the help of Mr. Dean. He willingly assented that some companies (only 2 others that we looked at, I believe) seemed to have high quality oils. However, he pointed out that many companies appear to get their oils either all or mainly from “experts” (I have shared my concerns about that), or they didn’t have organic or wild crafted available. So that is basically my answer about almost every company that is being asked about in the comments. After going over about 20-30 companies, there were only 2-3 that I would likely have considered going with and one of them had other products with tons of chemicals in them so I wasn’t comfortable with that. The other company was really difficult to get any information about and it looked like I needed to pay to get a catalog. So I hope that helps.
I hope to have a Thieves-like recommendation for you soon, but I do like NAN’s Spice Traders very much. A friend of mine has used it to clear up sinus issues and just ordered more.
Would love to know what the 2 companies that you and Mr. Dean looked at and think have quality oils. I don’t like MLM, but aside from that and other considerations (e.g. customer service), what do you think of the quality of the oils of YL? It seems there is no perfect company, so if someone is able handle MLM (not over buy, etc.), would you recommend the YL oils?
I shared that I thought there was a chemical smell to them. That concerned me and also I wasn’t fond of the assertions of New Agey-type effects of the oils. Most oils companies go in that direction a bit but I felt YL’s bent was stronger than others. I really think the quality w/ NAN is better. If there are other questions you have, though, feel free to ask. One thing is also that YL’s oils, for the most part, aren’t indigenous, or organically grown, at least as far as I know.
Hi Adrienne, thanks for all the hard work you have done, I looked over this briefly which is on their site: http://www.nativeamericannutritionals.com/content/the-native-healer.html
and opened the document Zvenia Brochure: http://www.nativeamericannutritionals.com/Zvenia_Brochure.pdf, sorry if I have it wrong, but looks like there is a law called Codex, which will affect MLMs and people that sell oils, anyone that isn’t a licensed natropathic physician, medical doctor with side degree in naturopathy etc, you will not be able to suggest oils to anyone… but because native american healers have their own spiritual law if you join their way/religion you will not come under the law of codex. below is a quote from that article:
For Individuals
The Band offers Spiritual Adoption to all Natural Healers that fit a certain criteria. If you will undertake
to study the Sacred Shahaptian Healing Way and become a Medicine Man or Woman, and if you can
declare to all the world with good intention that Natural Healing is part of your Spiritual Orientation,
the Band will take you into its community as a Minister. If you desire to go further than this, the Band
will train you as a Native American Practitioner also.
MLMers and others please read the whole article for more information.
I just bought some (okay, a lot really). I’m looking forward to testing them out.
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I hope you’ll stop back and let me know what you think!
PJ, Thank you for posting your concern. I don’t know if you read in the blog that MRH that you are looking into is merging with NAN.
It is RMO that is merging w/ NAN. Mountain Rose Herb is a decent company but from the info I received from them the source oils from many places and it looks like some are from the “experts”. I also haven’t been able to get a verified answer about using their oils internally. I did evaluate a few of their oils and feel the quality at NAN is better at this time.
I have enjoyed your blog very much. Thank you for sharing such great info. I am so sorry for all the personal attacks you have endured. There truly is no need for that nonsense. I have been looking at essential oils for a couple of years. Not only for myself but for my 4 shih tzus. I raise them naturally and they get no chemicals of any kind. This is something that I am incredibly passionate about. I am also looking for a way to earn a bit of an income. They say to do what you love. So do you have a recommendation as to a way to go about earning an income with essential oils without joining an MLM?
You are welcome! Just get in touch with me – perhaps I can help
.
Thanks Adrienne! Just sent you an email!
Thank you so much for sharing your research! I really like the NAN oils that I have, but I stick pretty close to Aura Cacia because in my home business, the low overhead and decent markup make good $ sense. Maybe I can begin a relationship with NAN. Mr. Dean and I have a mutual friend who harvests an ingredient for Defense. They highly reccomend Defense!
You’re welcome! Interesting about the Defense!
Thank you Adrienne for correcting my mistake in which company is merging with NAN.
My mistake shows why I would not be a good candidate to do the amazing research that you did ! My head spins with all the essential oil companies out there.
Oh please
. This has been super confusing for a lot of us!!
Do you have any recommendations yet for diffusers? I noticed a couple on the NAN site, but there wasn’t much information about them. Thanks!
I personally, at this point, hope to buy one of those. I talked with Mr. Dean about it and I think it seems like a great option.
Who would you consider to be honorable mentions? Thanks for all your hard work…I would still like to believe there should be several choices for oils…not just end up with another situation that would be like do terra or young living.
Hi Sherry. I am not sure what you are concerned about when you say “another situation that would be like doTERRA or Young Living.” Can you explain please? I assure you, and I told Mr. Dean, that should there be an issue with his company that would make me not able to recommend his company, that I will be recommending someone else.
Many of the mlm’s give the impression that they have the only pure oils. I’m considering your choice, but would like to know some of the other reputable sources you would trust…or did you come to the conclusion that only NAN has pure oils.
No, I do not think that NAN is the only company with pure oils. I think that there are fewer companies with pure oils than most people think, but I also think that one person’s definition of pure is different than someone else’s. Some people are OK with oils being heated or vacuumed or redistilled. For now, I am not. Does that help?
My family is new to oils, and I was really excited about your adventure. For those of us who are hesitant to go with NAN for various reasons (not quality), do you have any suggestions.
Sherry, I hope to address the spiritual concerns about NAN as soon as I can sit down and spend time on that. I talked with Mr. Dean at length again today about it and I am completely fine with this. Please share what your concerns are and I will do my best to address them. Of course, you might reach a different conclusion but I can share how I think and feel about this so you know where I am coming from. Thanks!
I am also interested in what your second and third choices are when it comes to EO companies. I think that is what Sherry was asking in her last couple posts.
I’m swamped but trying to figure this out as I can – thanks. The other “front runner” were not an option for me for various reasons and I am going to have to revisit this issue when I have time.
Thanks for your hard work! I just placed a $200 order with DoTerra not long ago, but I will be checking this company out.
Hope you like them!
First of all thanks for all your hard work! But reading through all the comments, there are a couple that would like to know of “runner ups.” And in your responses you have not listed. Is it because you have entered into an agreement with NAN? I am not opposed to buying from this company because of who or what they donate to. I believe God made this earth and all within it, and we can heal our bodies with natural resources. It just struck me as odd why you would not list secondary choices. And by no means is this a “hate” comment. Just an observation.
You did put a lot of info out there that has helped people, and that is awesome.
Hi Monica. I didn’t list a “runner up” because I didn’t find one. And like I have said, if I do, I will try to make an arrangement with them as well. If my having a financial arrangement with a company that I represent is off-putting, then I really don’t know what to say. This is commonplace for bloggers and I am operating in a more fully-disclosed way than some bloggers whom I have observed.
In fact, I just got off the phone with Mr. Dean and he said that the 10% giving hasn’t happened for awhile now and he had meant to take that off the website. I will have to address this in the other comments – or maybe a new post.
I didn’t see a real reason to list another company because I was looking for where I wanted to buy my oils from. All along I called this the “Best” Essential Oils Company series because I was hoping to find a “one stop shop” for me. I mentioned in the comments above why I wasn’t happy with the other seemingly good companies that I looked at (there were only 2 that seemed to be good). Very late in the game I got another short list that I thought I might look into but I didn’t get to it b/c I already had made my decision and didn’t feel the need to do anymore work.
Honestly, at the beginning of all of this, I was looking at Rocky Mountain Oils as a possibility as well, but then later, when I heard about NAN merging w/ Rocky Mountain, you can see that I didn’t feel a need to recommend them. I guess if someone wants a company but doesn’t want to go w/ NAN, they could go with Rocky Mountain – but then they won’t get the coupon savings during this coming week
. Does that help? I really can’t emphasize enough that almost all of the companies out there are selling oils that are from “the experts”. I think that the small oil company getting oils straight from the farmer is the model that I like.
I didn’t mean to come off as accusing you of anything bad. I completely understand the financial arrangement part. I, too, was just curious to know if there was any other brands closely behind. I am fairly new to EO’s and like to have a few places to turn to. (Not just for oils) I don’t do get all my groceries, supplements, health food in one place.
I am not bothered by his donation. I guess I touched on it because of what others had commented.
Anyways, thanks for your articles and information. I am now on my way to see what NAN has to offer!
I think serenity sounds like a good one to try.
Thanks for clarifying! I think that’s a hard question. Rocky Mountain is a great choice but I think you will find almost identical (if not identical) products to NAN. I still am not clear on Mountain Rose Herbs so I don’t know what to say about their oils. Aside from that, there are others I could look into but only about 3-5 off my list. I hope you can understand that I am just swamped here and once I found something I really was happy w/ I didn’t feel a need to go and find a bunch of other options. I found an owner willing to spend tons of time to walk through all the details of his company, to share tons of information with my readers, and whose products I am totally thrilled about endorsing.
That, in addition to NAN offering such a broad range of other natural care products – it is basically everything I could have asked for and more. It was only after I decided on NAN that a few more companies came out of the woodwork and at that point I was dealing with a bunch of personal issues, the personal attacks over this series on my blog, etc. I just can’t jeopardize my family, etc. in order to investigate every oils company that comes across my desk. I hope that further explains my decision making process.
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I really appreciate your work in researching the oils and these companies. I have always felt so pressured by certain companies to buy their “therapeutic grade” products and my intuition always steered me away from them even though I did like a couple of the blends. There were inconsistencies in terms, and verbage each distributor used in describing the company and the use of the oils. Some even said to use unlimited amount of oil in a treatment. I am relieved and thankful for the information. We are blessed. Many returns to you and to your family.
Thanks! I hope you like the NAN oils. I know I, and a number of my friends who have tried them, are very pleased.
Regarding “Therapeutic Grade”… I just want to share that this term IS on the NAN oils that I have seen and the people who introduced me to NAN tout this as an exclusive claim to “the best oils.” I am not arguing the quality, but saying it may behoove Mr. Dean to be more transparent about this label.
Hello Elexa. The wording on NAN’s bottle is “Therapeutic Quality” and it is not trademarked like the “Therapeutic terminology” on YL and doTERRA’s bottles are. It does not mean that Mr. Dean claims his oils to be “the best”. In fact, he has told me that there are oils that are higher quality than his on the market, but they would be out of reach for almost anyone to buy. He is providing very good quality oils that are pure and are to be used for therapeutic, as opposed to for perfume only, work. I hope that helps explain things. I think he is quite transparent, actually. I have talked with him for hours and hours about the oils industry and his company in specific and he has never contradicted himself. I have also validated things that he has said with my own experience and research. If that changes in the future and I feel there is an integrity issue of any kind I will cease to recommend his business. Thanks for asking, though….good eye and good question!
Just curious (if you have time to reply anyway) if you had any specific misgivings about Ananda Apothecary — they do say you can ingest most of their oils if you have such a protocol, unadulterated/therapeutic grade, they test with GC/MS and are making the reports available, they include botanical name – cultivation type – country of origin, and they work with distillers from around the world. Sounds similar to some of your priorities and I know you could not deal with every single provider, so wondered if you had specific concerns about them? Thanks for all your helpful info, and your time, investment, etc.
I was put off by them offering free shipping in exchange for a positive review. Also, working w/ distillers from around the world does not mean that they work directly w/ farmers. There are oils “experts” who work w/ distillers from around the world. If I remember correctly, they are selling absolutes when there is a low cost alternative. I think they are using solvents w/ a number of their oils. NAN only uses it for 2 when it is totally cost-prohibitive to do otherwise. I hope that helps and I think I am getting all of the info straight. Offering something in exchange for a positive review is a real “no no” in my book. This came up in a bloggers’ group I am a part of and it is an unethical practice in my opinion.
Just to clarify in case anyone else reads my comment…from what I could get from the site, looking over all their products, there are 3 absolutes that are not available another way –tuberose, jasmine, and rose. The other few absolutes are also available in other distillation methods. I got free shipping just for placing my first order, so that’s odd about the “in exchange for review” thing — I can understand that this would be off-putting. About the farmers vs distillers: Can you clarify why the farmer would be good but the distillers not? I would imagine that not all farmers of good products process them themselves (or process them well). (I’m not trying to argue, just wanting to understand — and I have no interest in the company other than I liked what I read and the prices were good, so I want to know if there’s a reason I should not use them.) Thanks!
Hi Vicki. I am not able to get into all of the details right now, but I am just telling you what a reader told me. If you look up Ananda reviews there are a TON of them on the internet and that doesn’t happen for any other oils company and I found out why.
As far as the oils go, if the price is “too good to be true” it likely is. I can’t say for sure since I don’t test their oils but that seems strange to me.
When you work w/ an “expert” you don’t have a direct relationship w/ the farmer. You are buying from a middleman. The oils sales person who works direct w/ a farmer can find out how the plants are being harvested and can ask things to be done the way he wants them done. Otherwise you are just buying what everyone else is buying and it is widely known that many oils on the market are adulterated for sure. You can see that info on the internet easily. There are many articles I read about how common it is to adulterate oils.
As expressed by nearly all your readers; thank you for all your hard work. Look how many lives are benefitting from your research. Also, your detailed responses are well thought out and researched too! Do you know if NAN will send samples (along with a purchase perhaps)?
I don’t believe they send samples but you could ask.
. I have never received one. Their 5ml bottles are pretty affordable, I think.
Thanks so much for this series. I’m so happy to have read the whole thing and am going to purchase some oils now!
I was wondering what your findings on Forever Green-Tru Essence was and I also heard about a company in Idaho called Butterfly Express.
Would you consider in the future doing a quick summary on all the companies you looked into? The comments are so confusing to read!
Thanks again!
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Hi there. The summary is basically that almost all companies buy from “experts” and I would prefer not to do that. I like working w/ a company that has a relationship directly with the farmer so I can really know where the oils are coming from. Also, the experts tend to do things like heat the oils to get rid of smells that are herby, etc. It is this close relationship w/ the farmers that is how Mr. Dean came to know about the distillation of peppermint that I talked about so much.
I’ve seen the almost all companies buy from “experts” in a bunch of your posts. Can you explain an expert is and which companies do and dont buy from them?
SandyW
Hmmm…I think I touched on it. They are basically suppliers or middlemen of oils. They buy and sell them to oils companies so a lot of companies have the same oils as a lot of other companies. I don’t know about all companies but am learning how to tell. The companies I recommend will not buy from them
. I want to get them straight from the farm. Hope that helps. I am working on other companies to recommend but I can only do so much. 
Esp now that I have a minor concussion. Blah.
Super fast response! Thank you so much! I am assuming this will be part 8 then
Get better fast!
Thanks Again!
SandyW
Not sure but likely there will be one more recommendation. Thanks!
Also, I’ve been trying to find a good book on essential oils that is not company biased…any good suggestions?
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I like this book on aromatherapy, but I am looking into others that I hope to share with you soon.
Great! I can’t wait to hear your other suggestions.
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Sorry I keep thinking of things…can you also talk about Carrier oils sometimes. I hear that fractionated coconut oil is best. Can I just use regular cold pressed organic coconut oil or is there a benefit to the fractionated kind?
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And is there a good place to buy? Lower price but same quality?
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Do you mean another place other than NAN?
Yes, I did a quick search and I can get the fractionated coconut oil for less than $18, but I know nothing on quality.
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I don’t know the answer to that – I will get back to you. I know that I personally have used other oils – whatever I had on hand
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Hi Lacey. Here is the response from the owner of NAN:
Hope that helps!
That’s great to know! Thank you.
That is great to know. Thanks so much.
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I wish I could change my name so you couldn’t see what a scatter brained person I am. I didn’t see anything about 1st distill regarding NAN’s oils. Can you tell me what you found about that?
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NAN’s peppermint is 1st distilled. They list their Ylang ylang as what it is. Mr. Dean is the first place where I got the information about 1st distillation so you can rest assured he works with farmers who give him high quality. Most of the other oils, as I mentioned, are only distilled once. The peppermint is an unusual oil since it gives up a lot of oil.
Have you done any research on Aromaland oils? If so, what is your opinion?
No, I haven’t – sorry.
Adrienne, I’m one of the folks who emailed you earlier to ask what the company was so I could place an order.
I did speak to the owner and he was very kind and took a lot of time with me to explain that if one is to take the oils internally it is highly recommended that one takes them hours apart from probiotics as the oils are very effective at killing off all bacteria – including the good. He also said that they work just as effectively applied topically.
I have been greatly helped by the Vitality. When I ran out of it I was kicking myself for not having bought a larger bottle. I plan to buy a very large bottle of this. I put it on my decolletage (if you know what I mean) and it has greatly helped with discomfort I was feeling there – makes me feel so fresh and vibrant and has definitely helped with blockages in the area.
Also Breathe EZ helped me greatly with a heel spur that has been plaguing me for years.
My son LOVES it when I apply the Citrivescents to his neck.
So thankful for all the work you put into this search, Adrienne. I (like others) had no peace about using other companies. Their marketing techniques had a driving spirit to them, which is not right for me.
Great to hear it! I am really intrigued about the bone spur! Is it gone? We were looking at another bone issue in our family so I am very curious – thanks!
I think it’s still there (probably diminishing), but it is no longer painful or uncomfortable like it used to be.
One more thing – to those who want to know where to start with EOs, I would suggest calling them. I spoke to the owner a few times about my specific health issues, and he recommended a few products to me, which have been very effective.
Do you mean that you spoke to Mr. Dean or are you referring to a different company? Thanks!
Spoke to the owner – he answered the phone.
Oops – Mr. Dean…
Did Mr. Dean explain to you the issue with peppermint being vacuumed or what the vomit smell in it means? I have seen some other companies explain that their peppermint has been vacuumed but its not redistilled. They claim it is the first distilled or they say there is no such thing as 1st distilled ect… Also, could you give me some pointers that Dr. Dean shared with you on what to look for when searching for an eo company? Something I would like to understand is how some companies compare their oils to other companies but aren’t bought from the same distiller? Rocky Mountain Oils compares the oil YL. They make it seem as if they are the same but just cheaper. It just seems there are two totally different worlds colliding here….
Holly, what Mr. Dean said is that he thinks vacuuming the oils is adulterating and taking some of the beneficial materials out of the oils. There is no “vomit smell” in the oil. I use it and I love it. What Robert Pappas is saying is that there are isovaleraldehydes in the peppermint oil that are also found in vomit. I found no evidence of this on the internet. In fact, if you do a search on isovaleraldehydes and vomit you find a lot of info that says that isovaleraldehydes can cause nausea and vomiting, but not that they are in vomit, so I don’t know what to think about that.
I also made the point that it seems to me that Mr. Pappas is saying that the isovaleraldehydes are bad because (if) they are in vomit. I am saying that of all the things that I know are in vomit (food, water, HCl, etc.), they are all beneficial things.
I think I have laid out pretty well the things that Mr. Dean is looking for. Purity, pricing that makes sense, direct from farmer, indigenous. If there is something else you are looking for, please let me know.
I am not sure what you mean by “how some companies compare their oils to other companies but aren’t bought from the same distiller” – can you explain please? Thanks! I think we’re going to have to have a conference call for all of this
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Adrienne,
Thanks for all your hard work! In regards to this new oil company, are these oils also able to be diffused as YL and Doterra oils were? Can they be taken internally as well? If I was taking DDR from Doterra…does this company have something that is similar to it? Would be nice if you could get Paul to come here and do a seminar.
Yes, you can diffuse them – I am not aware of an oil that can’t be diffused. NAN oils are no different re: taking internally. Some can’t be, but all others can. What is DDR please? I am hoping to do a seminar on my site.
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Wow, what an interesting series! My first exposure to essential oils was doTERRA two years ago and since I have had GREAT success with them I intend to stick with them. But it is nice to get a well-rounded perspective of what is out there!
Hi there,
Just tried now to place an order and it is going to cost 30.75 to ship one 15 ml vial to Canada.
Yikes!
This is more expensive than YL shipping , and although I was quite curious to try NAN brand, I think I won’t be able to now.
Really? Maybe try calling on Monday. I am thinking they should be able to ship for less. I will drop them an email for you
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Hi Cathy. I just got a response from the owner of NAN. Here it is:
Hope that helps!
Thanks, yes maybe I will give them a call tomorrow .
Have read your blog with interest.i appreciate all your research you have done.
Have been using YL oils for past year but would like to give NAN oils a try.
Please let me know what happens!
Got my order in today,..ordered 4 -15 ml.bottles of oils and postage was only 7.00 to Canada, which is reasonable.
Apparently a few glitches on website still, as was having some other problems putting items into “shopping basket.”
But all sorted out on phone. Thanks again.
Cathy
Thank you for all of the time, energy and effort put forth towards the research! What a blessing!
You are so welcome!
Adrienne, thanks for answering some of my questions and for the work you’ve put into this. I realize that visiting the top companies on your list would be an ambitious undertaking. However, I was hoping that you had visited NAN’s facilities as part of your research. If you or I wish to visit NAN, is that possible? As a researcher, I am a big advocate of knowing my source.
YL provides the location of their labs, farms and distilleries and I can visit them. Mr. Young and several distributors are working at winter harvest and they are posting photos of it on Facebook. There is a saying when you want it done right, you do it yourself.
I have never seen an equivalency list at YL. Many essential oil companies compare themselves to YL, which speaks highly of the company and its products.
I took a tour of NAN website and found that Mr. Dean’s work history includes having worked for an essential oil company, which he says was not up to his standards. What company was this? If he has better ideas than this company, why did he work for them? I’ve been taught that casting a negative light on your previous employer is non-professional.
If NAN essential oils do not have a supplement box on the label, this indicates that the oils have not been approved by FDA for ingestion. If they are not approved for ingestion, why not? This is not some FDA mumbo jumbo, it is vital information that a consumer needs to evaluate quality. Without it, I would not apply their oils topically because the oils are absorbed into the blood stream and cross the blood brain barrier.
One reason companies are able to sell cheaper oils is that they are diluted or they have taken short cuts along the way. When it comes to essential oils, price is a good indicator of quality. We have the choice to purchase a fine wine or a cheap wine but not a fine wine at a cheap wine price. Companies who do that cannot stay in business.
NAN has essential oil kits that indicate the oils are indicated for treatment of medical conditions. Has FDA approved the labeling of these kits?
Do you think we need only one “best company” or is there room for several “best companies”?
Faye,
I understand what you would like but really, as a blogger this kind of thing just isn’t feasible.
I did have a reader visit NAN’s office and she was very pleased and left w/ a slew of oils. Mr. Dean is going to be touring the farms this year and doing filming. I doubt any or many YL reps have toured all the YL farms. And just b/c you visit one doesn’t mean you have seen them all, correct? A company (not insinuating YL is doing this–just making a point) could easily have a “picture perfect farm” ready for tourists and then have different practices going on at different farms.
Have you visited the YL farms yourself? And if so, how many? I know some reps have seen the Utah ones.
It is possible that the YL equivalency list is evidence of their being high quality, but I think more likely it reflects on the fact that YL was instrumental in bringing essential oil usage into the mainstream of our natural healing culture. For that, I am grateful.
I responded to your comment about Mr. Dean’s previous employment elsewhere by mistake. I will repeat it here.
Here is his reply to the FDA question:
I agree with you about pricing. I don’t think NAN’s oils are cheap. I see some that are priced so low that I am suspicious of their quality.
Regarding the oils kits, here is Mr. Dean’s response:
I think there are other good oils companies out there, but once I found one I was really happy with, I stopped–mainly because all I needed was one company, given NAN’s wide range of oils. In the future, if I have time, I might check out a few others. But believe me, this has taken a ton of time and I really need to draw the line somewhere
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Faye, just to play devil’s advocate… the FDA approves all sorts of drugs – some of which have death listed as a side effect, they are partially funded by pharmaceutical companies, and several of the people who work for the FDA are also employed by pharmaceutical companies. Additionally, several things they “approve” each year cause so many health issues (death even) they have to be pulled from the market.
Sure, they “approve” Oxycontin but that doesn’t make me want to put it in (or on) my body, nor does it give me a “standard” of the purity or quality of the drug.
I am excited to read your final recommendation! I typically have purchased Wyndmere, Aura Cacia, or NOW EOs, simply because they are the ones carried in my health food store, but I have held off purchasing any as I have followed this series so I could purchase additional ones from whichever company you recommended – I know you have done waaaaaay more research than I ever will, and I trust your judgment. As a blogger myself, I know that the reader’s trust is important and valuable – you have mine!
Love your blog. Thank you for your hard work!
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Thanks! I hope you like their products!
I’m curious what you thought about Sunrose Aromatics essential oils. They sound almost exactly like the company you chose. Thank you.
I didn’t look at them. Perhaps they are one of the good companies. I did notice that their prices on the oils I checked are quite a bit more than NAN’s.
Thank you so much for doing this research! I appreciate the depth that you researched this topic & am excited to hear that you will be continuing on with the therapeutic use of essential oils. I am a newbie at this & am wanting to learn as much as I can & so I will invest wisely when I purchase essential oils.
Do you know how long the oils are good for? I couldn’t find it on their site but am considering buying a bottle of defense but still have most of a bottle of the rocky mountain brand to use and wouldn’t want them to go bad. help please?
Oils, if pure, do not go rancid but they can oxidize a bit making them a little less therapeutic. The defense is a supplement. I don’t believe NAN carries an oil called Defense. Maybe you meant a different blend?
thank you for the (super quick
)reply. I’m not sure where I was looking then oO. Ok found it again, under their best sellers page. now I’m confused again lol, would that or the spice traders be the one to get? I’m looking for one like Thieves.
Spice Traders is their blend that is like Thieves. Their Defense is the supplement that they have had great success with. Thanks!
ack ignore me, defense is a capsule form for oral intake. sorry for bothering you about it!
No worries
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This was a very helpful series. Thank you for the time and effort you devoted to it. It would be great to see a summary, perhaps a table that displayed the criteria you used to evaluate each company and how each one fared?
Also, did I miss your review of Mountain Rose Herbs? I also was a little disappointed you didn’t review Aura Cacia. Your image for the series included two of their bottles…I assumed you would be reviewing the companies that were in the photo.
Thanks, Ginny. I am really sorry, but I think those kinds of details would take me a ton of time and I am already getting told by my hubby that this is taking way too long.
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I think, if we can pull together some time with Mr. Dean on the site, that you will all have opportunity to hear from him about other oil companies perhaps. I’ve responded about AC and other companies numerous times – basically, most of the companies do business by buying oils from “experts” — something I didn’t know before. I would really like to do business with a company that works directly with farmers and distillers. From what I can tell, from talking to Mr. Dean and reading other articles, those companies are few and far between. Does that help? Also, AC doesn’t say you can use any of their oils internally and I would like to use some oils that way on occasion.
Thank you, Adrienne. I am new to your blog and the essential oil series are the only posts of yours I’ve read–so far. I’ll be following your blog in the future.
Aura Cacia and Mountain Rose are the two companies I’ve bought essential oils from in the past, so naturally I was curious what you learn about them.
But I’m also open to trying other companies and have already gone onto the NAN site to look for my favorite oils.
Again, I appreciate all the time you put into your series.
Hi Ginny and welcome! I looked into them already and like I said, I am not comfortable w/ AC b/c they recommend not using their oils internally. As for MRH, I have commented a few times about them. I really like their company but the info about where they are getting the oils wasn’t something I could get enough information about and the internal usage issue was also something I was getting different answers about. That doesn’t mean they aren’t good oils, but I really wanted to have all the information that I knew I wanted and that all of you would want when making a recommendation.
I hope that helps. If I have time I might go and look at MRH again, but what happened is that the first rep I spoke with there told me that their oils weren’t made in a food grade facility and so shouldn’t be taken internally. So I passed them by. Later, after I had made my decision, I heard from readers that that might not be the case. I called MRH and emailed them and my reply still hasn’t gotten a response so I really didn’t know what else to do. Thanks again for reading!
Hello!
I was also concerned about the internal usage of MRH. I sent them an e-mail and here is the response:
“Hello Laurie,
Thank you for contacting us! Mountain Rose Herbs essential oils are wholly suitable for aromatherapy, cosmetics, and for the production of body care products. Due to regulatory concerns, we are unable to recommend them for internal use; encouraging internal use is actually considered irresponsible in the international essential oil industry due to the fact that they are extremely concentrated and potentially dangerous substances. However many of them can be taken internally in very small amounts by someone who has done extensive research into their use or has been instructed to do so by an herbalist, naturopathic physician, or other licensed professional. Please let us know if we can be of further assistance in this or any other matters. Have a fantastic day! ” I hope this helps someone!
Interesting – thanks!
Thank you for this series Adrienne. I am currently working towards my Registered Aromatherapists designation and have learned a lot – however this last post raised a huge red flag for me.
Your offer of – “Wintergreen at 30% off I have used Wintergreen on my son’s growing pains regularly.”
Has me deeply concerned for your son and people who may use Wintergreen without proper care. Wintergreen does absolutely work because of the high levels of Methyl salicylate. There are some huge risks though and most trained aromatherapists will not use it.
Here is a bit of info below from Martin Watt …but there is lots of research out there. I really encourage you to take a look. Also Wintergreen is considered by some to be a persistent environmental toxin. Also shouldn’t be used by anyone allergic to Aspirin and can increase the effect of blood thinners.
For growing pains and leg cramps and such I have found that a 50/50 blend of Ravensara aromatica in Calophyllum Inophyllum (tamanu) oil works wonders.
“Wintergreen is not a genuine essential oil. Methyl salicylate is not present in the living tissues of the plants from which it is
extracted, but instead is the result of enzymatic hydrolysis occurring during the processing of the plant materials. Therefore, it should be considered as being ‘naturally derived’ in the same manner as are the chemicals extracted from coal or crude oil. Any suppliers who claim their oil is “natural” are stretching the meaning of the term way beyond what most people accept.
Methyl salicylate is believed to be readily absorbed through human
skin and can result in dangerously high blood levels of salicylic
acid. There is some indication that this can result in fetal
abnormalities, reduced survival rates and reduced growth rates. Due
to this it should never be used on women of child-bearing age, and
therapist’s need to be most cautious about not absorbing too much
themselves.”
Thank yuo for this series and your blog, i truly appreciate all the information and your willingness to search and ask questions
Thanks for commenting. I am curious if you would like a response from me or more info – thanks!
Hi Adrienne,
You have a huge amount of comments to respond to. I just wanted to share the information I have with you and to present another alternative for your son – growing pains are no fun.
I know how easy it is to get buried by info overload when it comes to EO’s and there are so many contradicting opinions to what is safe and what isn’t. I just hope all your readers do their own specific research for the oils they are considering using. They are wonderful and powerful and we need to respect that.
Thanks! I have talked w/ Mr. Dean about wintergreen and I plan to do more of that. He had made some comments about it in the past.
Hello,
Thank you for your research. I have read with interest…
I would be very interested in knowing which companies yourself and Mr. Dean said has better oils then NAN. Thank you!
He didn’t go into specifics about that but if you would like to spend a nice fortune on oils perhaps he will share that info with you
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Adrienne, I came accross your blog late in your research to find the very best essential oils company. Not being affiliated with any company, I was anxious to read your verdict. I have been looking at NAN’s website and comparing them with literature from Young Living and doTerra. I do have a question….and I haven’t taken the time to read through all the comments, so I appologize if it’s already been addressed. NAN indicates that they have two different types of Blends – one that is NEAT and can be used full strength and sells at a higher cost, and their regular blends – for example “Acceptance” – which is made with a base of fractionated coconut oil and sells for a lesser price. No where in my reading material can I find that the “Blends” in doTerra and Young Living are made with a base oil – like fractionated coconut oil. Does this mean that across the board the YL and doTerra blends are stronger that the ‘regular’ NAN blends? Do you have any information on this topic? Also, I would be interested in the charts you mentioned that compare NAN product names (especially blends) with YL and doTerra product names.
And, yes, I agree that NAN’s website is not up to par. No reviews were posted on ANY of their poducts! Kind of makes you wonder? However, I liked their ‘vision’ and the background infomation that was given and would seriously like to give them a try, but would like to have some info on the “Blends”.
Thanks!
I am not familiar w/ all of the blends at DT and YL, but some are made with carrier oils. Valor of YL is and a good number at both companies come in roll ons that are blended with carrier oils.
So you really need to just determine if you want to use an oil blend neat or w/ a carrier already blended in. Mr. Dean said that about 90% of his customers like using the blended oils b/c they stretch the oils out w/o needing to do the messiness of blending yourself. However, of course it is more economically beneficial to buy the straight and mix it yourself.
There aren’t reviews posted on most oils websites – none on YL or DT for sure. Have you been shopping somewhere that has reviews? I didn’t come across many at all.
You can get any of the blends either neat or w/ a carrier.
You can get the charts from NAN – but if you can’t get a hold of it I can try to get it to you. I don’t know if I could copy it here but I can email it to you
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Thanks, Adrienne, I would like to get the charts if at all possible. And my point about the blends, with or without a carrier, is that YL and DT literature never mentions using a carrier – whereas NAN is very specific and they can be ordered either way. And about the reviews, I guess it just seemed odd that there were no comments made on any of their products. I would have been interested in some comments about the diffuser as well as seeing a picture.
Thanks for all your research and help.
Like I said, I haven’t seen many, if any, companies with reviews about each of their products. If you know of one, please let me know. I’ll see if I can dig up the oils list for you
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I also thought it was odd that there were no reviews. I think we expected reviews because next to each oil on the NAN website there is a star rating system, and it actually says “customer reviews”. Also it looks like anyone can add a review of any oil when they are looking at it on the website. I think that is why its surprising that they don’t actually have any reviews (vs Doterra, YL, and other companies that don’t advertise for reviews on the website).
I think it might just be a new aspect of their site. Maybe that’s why there aren’t any reviews yet.
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Thanks Adrienne for all your time and effort.
I do have one thing to say- If the customers benefit is you and Mr Deans first concern, then, as well as provide info and cost efficient products with quality ( which I understand you think you are doing at NAN, but if you and Mr Dean agree that there other superior oils to NAN then likewise please provide the info of which oils those are. Some of us out here are able and willing to pay high price for the best. You’ve been able to get info from Mr Dean about all the other issues discussed here in the thread. Please provide the info on which oils you and Mr Dean feel are better then NAN. Thanks!!
I did not ask him for specific companies that were better since he said they were out of reach. I am just swamped. I don’t know if he knows of those companies or was just making a statement that there are higher quality oils on the market. He made the analogy of most folks being able to afford a Honda and very few being able to afford a Mercedes.
hmmm…out of reach??? I’m sorry this is my first red flag….unless the information can be provided clearly. I hope you will be willing to clear this up. Remember the the interest an needs of the customer should be first. Sounds like your connection with Mr Dean would answer this…unless you don’t want to put that info out…
I don’t see why this is a red flag. NAN oils cost enough in my estimation. If I remember correctly he said that other oils would cost multiple times that of what he offers. The interest of the customer can be first, and I am sure Mr. Dean would be happy to talk with you if you would like to talk with him. Thanks.
Most of my readers think that NAN’s oils are already a little pricey and that YL and DT are even moreso. He was saying that these other “higher quality” would be way above that. I don’t see how that is a red flag. And I am not saying he or I have this info and are trying to hide it. He was just saying that you could buy more pricey oils on the market if you want to spend a heap of money.
So in other words you actually saying NAN oils are “Honda” oils, while there are “Mercedes” oils on the market…?? WOW is all I can say!!!
What he was saying is that there are low quality oils, below average, average, above average and then those that would be super expensive. Thanks for reading. I am not sure what you mean by “WOW”.
lets not get away from what’s come out in the thread here… you stated in above comments that Mr Dean told you that there are superior oils to NANs oils. That is what you should be willing to offer to us- which oils are those.
I’d like the info on which oils those are…Thank you.
My “WOW” comment is very clear. So in other words you are actually saying NAN oils are “Honda” oils, while there are “Mercedes” oils on the market…?? WOW is all I can say!!! That is INCREDIBLE, WOW, or what ever word you want to use. You have picked NAN and in the same thread admitted to it that Mr Dean said there are better oils…My request is simple.
I have responded to you honestly a number of times. There has never been a conversation about another company’s oils being superior. Only that there are much more expensive (especially in proportion to the quality) oils on the market that would be considered to be of higher quality. I hope you can understand that. I was looking for the best oils for the money. It wouldn’t make sense for me to recommend an oils company on a frugal blog that likely no one would be able to purchase.
I really hope this makes sense. Thanks.
I’ve been doing price comparing between NAN and another company and NAN is not a whole lot cheaper. Actually one of NAN’s oils was literally 100′s of dollars more then the other company….
If you would like to share what company and which, I am pretty sure I know what oil you are talking about. And then I can likely get information as to why that is. Thanks.
I am concerned that you are trying to explain away your readers’ spiritual concerns. Galatians 6:8 says “For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” Supporting NAN is a fleshy decision – one in which you are receiving financial benefit. Whether or not their oils are “superior” by your standards does not change the fact that you are encouraging and supporting the training of Shaman and therefore causing Judah to sin. (Jeremiah 32:35)
I am not trying to “explain away” my readers’ concerns. To the contrary, I consulted the Scripture and talked a lot with my husband and w/ Mr. Dean about this. My husband is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Trinity Divinity School and he is a great Bible scholar for where he is in life. I am very proud of him and I will proudly say that he has a real gift for studying and interpreting the Bible. I think I outlined my responses very clearly and I feel very comfortable with my recommendation.
If you think that my recommending NAN is a “fleshly decision” b/c I get a financial benefit the I encourage you to look at the many Christian blogs out there. One in particular offers a course on how to make a lot of money blogging and I would say that you would likely agree with her standpoints on the Bible and theology from what I can gather.
It seems you are saying that I can’t recommend something and benefit financially from it.
This blog is a labor of love and I so hope to help people with it. That being said, of course I am going to make money where I can. I simply can’t afford not to. I am sure you are familiar w/ 1 Timothy 5:18 – ““The laborer deserves his wages.” (ESV). I am working and I am entitled to being reimbursed where appropriate but I will not recommend things I think are problematic.
I am not encouraging and supporting the training of Shaman and causing Judah to sin. I addressed all of this in previous comments and have discussed things w/ Mr. Dean. He hasn’t given corporate (and I think personal as well) money to Nemenhah in years and he said that it appears that their ways have changed and it is troubling to him. I think we need to give him grace to work this out. He has made significant changes to his website and hasn’t wavered from that commitment.
I would like to ask you and others who feel so strongly about this—do you shop at Amazon? Do you support blog who promote them? Do you shop at Target? How about Pampered Chef, Fruit of the Loom, Sara Lee…. I could go on and on. These and other corporations do things that I would think you would be appalled at and yet you are singling this one out for some reason. Please tell me why you find this so appalling and these other things are not an issue. Of course, I am assuming that you think they are not an issue, but I might be wrong so I welcome your reply to my question.
Thank you again and sorry for the delay. I was overwhelmed with these accusatory comments and after awhile they got buried under other ones. I am finally coming back to clean up my “pending comments” board. I hope you understand where I am coming from and hope you will respond if I you have more concerns.
Adrienne,
So impressed with all the work you put into this. Now, go take a break and rest yourself from all of this!!!
I am totally onboard for ordering from NAN but my only hold out is YL Progessense Plus formula which NAN doesn’t have a similar product to. This is the only progest product that has made my menstrual cramps go away for good and that is huge considering I have tried so many natural formulas but nothing has made them disappear such as pro plus. What are your thoughts on this- would you feel safe taking a progesterone product put out my YL? So wanting to be able to keep taking it but don’t want to risk my health if it’s iffy.
Hi Maria! Thanks! Yes, there are a ton more comments flooding in and I just don’t have time for all of them.
. I’ll send you an email. I’m glad you found something that works!
here’s the link to the YL product I mentioned-
http://www.youngliving.com/anti-aging-creams/Progessence-Plus
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Great series, Adrienne! Thank you for being so thorough– I know you’ve been working on this for a *really* long time! I really appreciate all of the oils you have brought to light, and am so glad to hear about other oils out there– besides YL– you know my bias.
I’m actually really excited to hear about comparable, or near comparable oil companies out there that have different price points. All of the things you said about NAN I know are also true of YL (organic, or organic equivalent, wildcrafting, sourcing plants from their indigenous regions, etc.)
In one of the earlier posts in this series, I seem to remember you stating that YL get’s their oils from farms in the US, but I know they are pretty clear about having farms on four different continents, and that many many of the oils they sell are harvested from farms or wildcrafted all around the world– not just here. For instance, Ledum is harvested in Canada, and Frankincense comes from Yemen (for the boswellia carterii.) YL is the ONLY western company with access to Omani frankincense; boswellia sacra or Sacred Frankincense. I don’t know if that comes through in the previous post’s presentation.
That’s my only (very very minor) criticism of an otherwise excellent series!
No one should be afraid of competition. Like you said in response to an earlier comment, (to paraphrase) not everyone can afford a Jaguar. What REALLY matters is that pure, safe, effective, and potent oils get into EVERY home, so that folks can experience true healing and health! I’m just thrilled to know that there are reputable companies out there who are doing it right.
Hi Dawn!
I just answered another reader today about YL’s sourcing. I said that “most” of their oils are from plants in the U.S. That’s correct, isn’t it? My understanding is that they have about 4 locations where they source oils from around the world and that the bulk is the U.S., or at least N.A. Maybe I am wrong about that.
I did hear that the Omani frankincense is special.
Interestingly enough, I just found out about 4 days ago that the company that I recommended is in the process of getting the Omani Frankincense as well and it should be available very soon.
You are completely right about competition. It is a good thing. I am not opposed to sharing other oils companies but I just don’t have the info to share and I am sure you can see that this has been taking a lot of time.
I am interested in what you are saying about YL. I had heard about their seed to seal info, etc. but I didn’t know about the other claims that you are mentioning. If that is true then that is a good thing for sure.
Thanks so much for chiming in. Glad to hear from you!
Adrienne, thank you so much for all the work you’ve done coming up with your number one choice for EO’s. I’ve been waaaaaaiting to make a purchase until I had your answer. Now I’m very disappointed, because I wanted to make a purchase tonight, and this company will not do. I am astonished that you as a strong Christian women don’t have the same concerns that several of your readers have mentioned.
I have read through the entire thread looking for the answer as to why I feel a strong check in my spirit about buying from this company. Several people commented because they have similar concerns, and you did not get to the heart of them and you did not give us a second choice. I wanted to see if I was wrong, so without telling my husband what I was looking for, I asked him to check that website and he said the same thing–we should stay clear. Just as I would not eat meat that has been sacrificed to idols (Acts 15:20) I am concerned about the possible repercussions of using products that are produced by people with New Age-style beliefs. I don’t want to open myself or my family up to possible demonic possession, to be blunt–and I’m trying very hard not to be offensive. I know that we buy things from many sources knowing not what their beliefs and practices are, so we are already potentially compromised–but these bits of information are listed on the NAN website, which means it’s important to them. There is a reason why they want people to know about the chakra, shaman, etc. Anyway, I just wish you’d let us know what the runner-up company was–’cause there are lots of us who highly value your opinion but cannot accept this choice.
Connie, I am taking my readers concerns seriously, but I didn’t have a “runner up”. I hope you can understand that this whole process has taken a really long time and in the meantime I had a bunch of other stuff come up that needs to be attended to. If I have time I will do some more digging into a few more oils companies and see what I can come up with. However, I will say that there were 2 other companies I was interested in and one of them has more obvious “red flags” than NAN. I have done a little looking into about 5 others and haven’t gotten very far.
One problem is that people who are interested in alternative healing (like essential oils), tend to be more open to alternative spiritual options, so this is very commonplace in the oils industry. I think the same is to be said about chiropractors, acupuncturists and the like. I was looking for a company that seemed to have high quality oils for an affordable price. I wasn’t trying to find a “Christian” company and believe me–many of the companies had strange spiritual qualities about their site. I hope you notice that Mr. Dean took down his 2 tabs linking to the Native American group off of his site and he took down the statement that his company gives 10% of profits to the group since he said it isn’t the case anymore.
I told him my readers were concerned about what they were reading and about the spiritual tone of some parts of the Nemenhah site and he said he had joined up with them for health freedom reasons only and felt that the Native Americans were not a group that pushes a doctrine but rather one that allows folks to believe what they want. At this point, I can only tell you what he said to me and let you know that I am trying to figure this out as time allows. I just can’t derail my family in order to spend tons of hours on it at this point and I do not want to recommend any other company right now b/c that would be disingenuous as well. I hope you can understand that. Thanks for reading and for commenting. I have a bunch of comments in my comment moderation screen that require more of a thoughtful response and I have been away from home and really tied up the past few days so I haven’t been able to get to them. Sorry for the wait and thanks for your patience.
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Hi Connie. I am sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I have been just swamped and am trying not to spend my life on the computer. Anyway, I don’t know if you followed the other replies to commenters, but I have been on the phone w/ Mr. Dean a lot about this and he said that he joined w/ this group just for health freedom and that the Native Americans just don’t have a set doctrine – pretty much you just do what you believe and they are OK with that. He said a lot of NA’s are Christian now.
Anyway, a few readers forwarded things from the Nemenhah site that they weren’t happy about and I forwarded them to him. He was concerned that it appears the group has gotten more spiritual in some ways and he said he really hadn’t been on their site more than about 30 min in the past 2 years. I believe him b/c the other day he said he hadn’t even read my post about his company
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He removed links to the Nemenhah site and is trying to figure out what to do now. He still believes in the health freedom aspect of the group but isn’t and hasn’t given money to them for a long time.
I hope that helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do and I appreciate your concern.
That all being said, I assure you that there are companies whom many Christian bloggers promote that I have more of an issue with. I just contacted a prominent Christian company (whom a LOT of Christian bloggers promote) recently that was promoting blatant lies on their site and they wouldn’t acknowledge it. They skirted the issue and gave me a complete non answer and still haven’t gotten back to me. I personally have a bigger problem with that than with a group of what I would consider to be folks who are misguided spiritually.
Adrienne,
Thank you so much for your time and energy spent on this subject…LOTS of information here… I have read most of your posts through the subject. I have used a couple of EO companies..NOW brand for one…and I plan to NEVER use it again..it was definitely ‘cut’ with some kind of chemical.
I have been using YL essential oils and products for over 3 years now. You have done some research, but none of it has caused me to change my mind. I’m a YL oiler for life…unless something else happens to make me change my mind…and it hasn’t in 3 years. The first WEEK I began using the oils my husband’s ‘bum’ knee that he had been ‘nursing’ off and on for over a year, had collected fluid on it and almost made it impossible for him to walk. I used Valor, PanAway, Idaho Balsam Fir, and Peppermint on it. The fluid LEFT, the pain did, too, and he has not been bothered with it since…3 years this month.
I found out about a year later that if I will put 1 drop of Frankincense on the tip of my son’s big toe when he begins to have a seizure that it will STOP…NEVER had that happen before…I know you are searching for quality oils for lower prices, but stopping a seizure in my son is PRICELESS to me…I keep an extra bottle of Frankincense on hand…just for that reason.
I wonder, too, if you researched about Gary Young. I’m sure you were not able to speak with him as you were Mr. Dean. He is not that available.
Here’s something I read about Gary in the Essential Oils Desk Reference Manual. “When D. Gary Young brought back 13 essential oils from Europe in 1985, virtually no written information was available about their usage and application. He has spent decades conducting clinical research on the ability of essential oils to combat disease and improve health. He has also developed new methods of application from which thousands of people have benefitted. His work began a resurgence of healing modalities from out of the dust of history. He was ridiculed and laughed at for his ideas about therapeutic usage, even though the medical world was beginning to awaken in Europe. He has spent decades conducting clinical research on the ability of essential oils to combat disease and improve health.
Gary grew up learning to love and work the land as a farmer and rancher in Idaho, which made it easy for him to see the vision of developing his own farms. The vision soon became reality as he purchased his first farm in 1992. His passion for extracting God’s healing oils from Mother Nature’s bounty made him one of the world’s leading growers of aromatic herbs and plants for the distillation of essential oils.
Just this week I saw on FB a YL distributor who told about going to convention a few years ago and hearing Gary Young make a statement about ‘dusting off your Bible, and reading it and allowing God to guide your life’…she gave her life to God because of that statement. I’m sure if you had been allowed to speak with Gary, as you had Mr. Dean, that you would think differently about some things.
I see a LOT of different beliefs in the YL world, just as you are seeing different beliefs in your recommended oil company. I am just after the oils my family needs, not any religious beliefs.
I am so thankful that YL is a MLM company. I can make a living from my home…as you are trying to do…by telling and teaching folks about something I am very passionate about. I have found in my life time that MOST folks will find the money to get what they need. I am a distributor and am so thankful to be one. I am not forced to purchase anything, but if I want to receive a paycheck.. I DO have to purchase a minimum of 50 PV, which is $50…I use that much in oils easily. I wish I had the overstock you have… Our family has really been blessed to be able to conquer the ‘crud’ this past week by using those oils I was ‘forced’ to order.
I have more than one friend who has avoided hysterectomy by using oils that they purchased from YL. They were glad to pay the $35 for the price of that oil instead of the thousands of $$$$ they would have paid for the hysterectomy…one had no insurance at all.
I have a friend who has traveled to the Ecuador farm and spent time there. YL does allow their distributors to come and spend time on the farms to see what happens in their ‘seed to seal’ process. Gary Young is there and they also use his horses to work the farms when harvesting the plants and trees. I plan to go on one of those trips in the future myself.’
I was also blessed to attend a training to learn the Raindrop Technique, which is a great healing modality that Gary invented himself. Knowing this technique of applying the oils has helped out family and friends’ health on more than one occasion.
One more thing that I appreciate about YL is the fact that the kit I purchased gave me 11 different oils, a $40 coupon off a diffuser, 2 product samples of their nutritional drink Ningxia Red, and a lifetime wholesale membership that only required that I purchase the equivalent of $50 per YEAR. I also, if I chose to, could show my friend, who had a health issue, how ‘amazing’ these oils were. When she decided she needed those oils, and ordered them, YL would PAY me for telling her about them. I LOVE THAT…just like you are getting paid for doing your research and telling your folks about your chosen oil company. That is just how it works…and there is NOTHING wrong with that…when you do something…whatever you choose that you want to do…you SHOULD get paid for it… whether it’s blogging or ‘oiling’…so glad it is that way.
Sorry, I have rambled. I just took notes as I read posts…then just kinda posted from my notes. I do appreciate all the work you have put into this…and hope you do well with it. I have appreciate other posts and have used some of your recipes…thanks for everything….BUT I THINK I WILL STAY WITH YOUNG LIVING……
Sorry I missed this comment earlier and thanks for the reminder today. I think it’s great you are getting and have seen healing. Perhaps I would feel differently about YL if I talked with Mr. Young, but I can’t say. I can’t change what I wrote about YL and my concerns are still there but I am open to being shown differently. The hysterectomy story is compelling and I would love to know what oil/oils that was. I will say that I have heard similar things from doTERRA and Mr. Dean as well. I just ordered a blend to work on my far-sightedness. We’ll see…. Thanks for sharing. I am having a very rough time keeping up w/ everything here. Including rambunctious kiddos.
Thank you for all your hard work. I have been wanting to get away from MLMs, but didn’t know who else to order from.
Can you give me GC traces on their oils?
Please explain
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gas chromatography
Here is a quick definition of it.
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/essentialoilqualitypurity06.asp
Before you respond I have a link to a wonderful article Robert Tisserand wrote about this. If you do not know who this is he wrote The Art of Aromatherapy and Co wrote Essential Oil Safety. Winner of the aromatherapy lifetime achievement awards from the Association of International Aromatherapists along with Shirley Price author of Aromatherapy for Health Professionals and many Aromatherapy Textbooks. Happy reading:)
I meant that I knew what it was but I didn’t know what you meant by getting the traces.
Oops here is the article:
http://roberttisserand.com/2010/04/therapeutic-grade-oils-read-all-about-it/
Hi, Adrienne-
Thank you for your investigative work! I am new to this whole world. I will just ask if you did any research on the organic Veriditas Botanicals…I came across them at the health food store.
Thank you!
No – sorry!
Thanks Adrienne for linking up to GEt Your Craft On each week, however I don’t allow products for sale or promotion. I’ll have to remove this weeks link. So sorry
Sorry about that. I assumed since it was an affiliate link it was OK do you not allow those? It isn’t me selling them. Thanks!
Get Your Craft On is for any thing creative. No promotions. This post looks like it’s geared to sell.
kim- Today’s Creative Blog recently posted..Get Your Craft On – Super Bowl Ideas
It really wasn’t. It’s a long standing series on my search for the best value essential oils and the owner happened to allow me to promote his Black Friday sale to my readers. I would have written the post regardless of that. Thanks!
I appreciate the time and effort you put into your research about essential oils. Like you I did extensive research before choosing the brand of oils I was going to use with my family. My primary source of income is from research and as fate would have it due to a medical issue I was out for six months and I used that time to research the different oil companies myself. I chose dôTERRA and I did research the company you chose as well as all the others you did (and some others not mentioned).
I would like to point out or clarify a couple of things. First I have no objection to you receiving a benefit from endorsing your company of choice. Any of the companies you reviewed would have done the same had they been the one you selected.
DôTERRA does not advocate, endorse of suggest that any of their Independent Product Consultants (IPC) ever make negative or disparaging remarks about other oil companies. In fact those that have that have come to their attention have been met with disapproval. I have been to presentations where owners of dôTERRA have in fact thanked one of the owners of another leading oil company for his work in bringing essential oils to the United States and making them available. They have attributed his efforts to making medicinal quality oils possible here. For those IPCs that might get caught up in the drama, please be assured it is not in line with doTERRA’s philosophy.
I reviewed the pricing of NAN compared to dôTERRA and while there are some oils that are cheaper there are also those that are more expensive. When I reviewed the oils I most commonly use they were all within one or two dollars of each other. There are some differences on some oils but I believe for the most part they balance out.
I feel compelled to speak about the MLM aspect. DôTERRA felt that for people to receive the most benefit from using essential oils they needed hands on experiences and support. After all if you don’t have someone to help you learn how to use them properly you just have a bunch of very expensive oils that just sit there unused. Instead of spending money on advertising and marketing as most companies do, they chose to pay those funds in the form of commissions. In fact doTERRA’s commission structure is the best I’ve seen and I’ve reviewed many MLMs for many products. You can buy from dôTERRA several different ways: Retail which is fairly self-explanatory. As a Preferred Member where you pay $10 for a life time membership and can purchase the oils at 20% off. This program eliminates the ‘MLM’ need to sign people aspect that many find distasteful. Under this program they may use the program to accrue points for free product if they chose. Or as the most commonly chosen method enrolling as an IPC. There is no requirement or expectation that an IPC sign anyone up or order any minimum amount. There are programs in place that you can and receive commissions if you chose and there are programs in place where you can earn free product without doing so. As with most companies, the more you spend the more free product you earn. If anyone is curious about a breakeven point, for a new enrolling IPC it is $144. If enrolling with a kit then it is $0. (Breakeven refers to the cost of membership).
With respect to Dr. Pappas (Dr. P), I think there have been some misconceptions about him and his role with respect to affiliation with dôTERRA. Dr. P is not an employee of dôTERRA. Dr. P is an expert in the field of Essential Oil Chemistry. He teaches classes in the subject and does testing on essential oils. He does or has done testing for almost every single company on the market. He openly admits it is not uncommon for companies to come to him to ask him to analyze other company’s blends for the components, including those blends made by dôTERRA and he does so. Yes, dôTERRA paid him to do a presentation which contained analysis of their oils for the purpose of educating their IPCs. It isn’t Dr. P or doTERRA’s fault that someone shared those results and used them to make another company feel threatened because of the complexity and purity of doTERRA’s oils. I do not know Dr. P personally, nor have I spoken to him but I have sat in on some of his lectures and read some of his research. He is a respected expert and in my opinion is a victim because he stood behind research he did that upset some people.
Organic is another topic I feel compelled to address. DoTERRA’s standards are beyond organic. They do not label their products as such because the United States is the only country that is focused on organic. I personally have issues with organic labeling here in the US. Go through Safeway and look at the ingredients on some of the organic products and you’ll quickly see why. DôTERRA tests all its oils and rejects those with any impurities. I won’t begin to speculate where the rejected oils go.
In closing, I would say, chose the company of the brand of essential oils you wish to use with your family wisely. While my personal choice is dôTERRA, that does not mean they are the only good essential oil company. You have to use what feels right for you. Try a couple of samples from different companies and chose. In fact, my recommendation is to look locally first. See if there are people in your area using any of the different brands and meet with them. Go to some classes and try some samples and chose for yourself. It is my belief that I would rather you use a brand where you get help and support from one on one than without that support. The internet is a great learning tool but there is so much information to decipher that it makes it difficult if not paralyzing for those who don’t have one on one support. I believe it is better to have someone you can call when your family has a crisis. Sometimes if that isn’t available you can find someone who is available online that you can form a relationship to fulfill that with as well. But most importantly, aside from all the opinions on which essential oil company is best, chose essential oils. They are the key to living longer happier lives. My belief is that synthetic products that treat symptoms and fill our bodies with chemicals and toxins is shortening our lifespan and taking those we love from us. Become the healer in your home.
Hi there.
I appreciate your encouragement – thanks!
To address your comments, I never insinuated that companies encourage disparaging comments about other companies. I think that I, and a number of others, were surprised at the comments that were flying in my direction. Anyway, I never said that doTERRA, or any other company encouraged this and I would be shocked if they did.
I don’t think I have any misperceptions about Mr. Pappas’ role at doTERRA. I know he used to own The Perfumery and ended that relationship, I supposed when he came on to work for doTERRA. I know he tests their oils and he has done some talks for them. He used to supply companies with oils from places around the world, at least that is my understanding. Now he is teaching classes on oils.
I agree that the organic term can be misused. Even Mr. Dean thinks this can be a problem and that is why he states that his oils are either organic or organically grown or wild-crafted so the user can see exactly what they are getting when they shop. I have purchased non organic things in the past and felt they were better than organic. But I do prefer plants grown in areas with no pesticides to those grown in areas where pesticides and large farm vehicles are used. It isn’t a deal breaker for me, but it’s a great boon. I have heard several times now that doTERRA goes “beyond organic” — could you perhaps clarify what that means? Is it that the growing standards are higher or just that their testing is supposed to take care of that? I used to eat “certified chemical free” whole wheat so I am aware of testing being important, but, and I am not trying to simply defend NAN, but to clarify things…NAN tests all of their oils just like doTERRA does and does all the same tests. So I am just trying to make sure we are comparing apples to apples.
I would be interested in hearing what oils you felt were more expensive at NAN. I went through the whole list of single oils myself and found only Cassia, Eucalyptus Radiata (a commonly adulterated oil), and melissa (a very expensive oil and typically adulterated) to be more money. I found the differences in price to range pretty wide at some point. I think it’s more accurate to speak of percentages than dollar amounts. Here is what I found NAN’s price differences to be. NAN’s oils are lower than doTERRAs by:
20% for basil
27% for bergamot
17% for cinnamon
4% for clary sage
11% for clove
8% for coriander
14% for frankincense
31% for ginger
36% for melaleuca
32% for patchouli
17% for peppermint
30% for sandalwood
19% for orange
Of the ones I found that were more, one does need to keep in mind that often NAN’ are certified organic so that does make a difference.
I know what you mean about wondering where the rejected oils go. Another supplement company told me that they have found out where their rejected supplements go — I wish I knew that
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Thanks for commenting!!!
Thanks Adrienne, for all the research you put into this. I’ve previously used oils from 4 of the companies you mentioned and one other, which I wouldn’t recommend. I landed here from a search looking for exactly this information for an order today, so I’ll check out your suggestion. Thanks again.
Thanks and I’d love to hear what you think?
Thank you so much for the info!! I’d love it if you continued sharing about ways to use some of the oils if you have time to. I just placed an order from them…I couldn’t resist some of the oils and what they said they were good for. Can’t wait to get them so I can try them!!!
)
I plan to do that….Honestly, I planned to do that in my post, but I forgot. I’ll give an update…maybe do a giveaway or something like that.
Thank you for your hard work and your time! I came across your blog while trying to compare oil companies to doterra…I was very put off by the negative vibes about ‘other’ oil companies by doterra reps, but was very impressed with the good things oils can do for us naturally…I just placed my first order with NAN and have already been recommending them to my co workers based on your research!
Can’t wait to get my NAN order and start using it! Again, thanks for the time and dedication you put into this whole thing! 
I started looking at NAN’s website yesterday, came back to it today and haven’t been able to get it to pull up all day. I’m on an iPad, which I suppose could be the issue, but it’s what I used yesterday with no problems. Anybody else having the same problem? I would call them but I can’t get the website to pull up to get the number! Help!
1-877-Heal-4-Good (1-877-432-5446). Did you try another browser?
I pretty much use my iPad and iPhone for Internet, which are both Safari, and both had the same problem today after both working fine yesterday. My laptop is sooo slow that I avoid turning it on if at all possible
Thanks for the number, I’ll probably call tomorrow.
I would really like to clarify something that I didn’t see addressed in the comments, and that is that your decision was based on this statement from your post:
“The best essential oils for the money…I get to share the company that I think can help you on your natural healing journey without breaking the bank.”
“…for the money…without breaking the bank” I am assuming means that are not too overpriced? That is a very valid reason, I believe to find a quality oil. I commend you for all of the research you have put into this, and for all the responses you have spent so much time answering and clarifying for your readers! (Compensation is necessary for that alone, I believe!
I do want to jump in here, however, and attempt to shake off the MLM bad rap. It is disappointing that some have had negative experiences with MLMs. It is also saddening to me when I hear that others have had negative experiences with reps. I am a doTERRA IPC – I have used several different brands of essential oils, including several of the ones mentioned here – including that in your decision. One of the reasons I have chosen to purchase from doTERRA is infact because of the compensation platform. I find no problem meeting the monthly requirement, and appreciate the flexibility the company gives in ordering whenever we want during the month. I have replaced our entire medicine cabinet with oils – believe me – I fill that order easily! I also love essential oils, as I see you do – and in a similar way as you – where you have a blog and want to share natural healing with others. By utilizing the doTERRA compensation plan, I am able to share with others, work from home, learn from amazing and knowledgeable people and bring health and wellness information to those who are out there seeking it. It is a beautiful operation. (I don’t know that anyone should judge an entire company on the behavior of a rep, or reps. For someone truly seeking natural healing answers – that seems silly to give that much power to a misinformed or grumpy rep).
So back to your main point…without breaking the bank…well, for me by purchasing from doTERRA and utilizing their comp plan, bonuses and rewards program – all of my essential oils are covered in cost. Meaning – my oils are free! Actually I was able to cover my monthly cost with the first month of my becoming an IPC. And because oils are mostly what we use – my family’s health care is free! That is a beautiful thing. And after using doTERRA oils for over 3 years – comparing them to other oils I have used – I have never had a negative experience with them. Ever. They are the purest that I have found. (My only little desire with doTERRA is that they had MORE oils available! and because they don’t, I do buy what they don’t have from another oil company – off a shelf – that I feel is pure – as needed).
Buying an oil off a shelf can work for many people. But I have found the operation of the MLM in an essential oil company to have a wonderful benefit in obtaining information, education, support, and in keeping the cost way down – or eliminate it completely.
Just my experience
Thanks for sharing. I feel the same way, I think, except that we had way too many oils. I guess I wasn’t using as many as most reps?? Anyhow, I would like to know what you think about the peppermint issue. And the “different smell” that the DT oils seem to have. That really gave me pause and makes me think that they were altered in some way after being distilled. I would love to know if any other reps have concerns about that. I have heard from one other rep who thought the peppermint issue was odd. And I thought it interesting that even Mr. Pappas said that he thought it was redistilled (if I remember correctly). Thanks!
Hee – Can you ever have too many oils? I don’t feel that you can, especially with such a long shelf life that essential oils provide. Think: Emergency Kit? How easy they are to carry with you. I have bottles in almost every room of my home – kitchen, nursery, bathroom, bedroom, and in my car. And they all get used – one can never have too many, in my opinion, as an avid oil user
But I will speak to the peppermint question. And again – this is my experience and I am no chemist. I have been allergic to what I thought was peppermint my entire life. Toothpaste, candy canes, gum – anything with peppermint in it would make me vomit. You can be sure that when I first started using essential oils – and was buying off a shelf in the health food store I steered clear of the peppermint oils! Then – my son had RSV and pneumonia as a baby – which then resulted in asthma for him. After 7 years he still could not sleep through the night without coughing fits. I began to read about natural forms of healing for this and peppermint kept coming up as something to clear the airways. I got a bottle off a shelf and had to plug my nose when I put it on him. It didn’t do anything for him and so I stopped using it. Until a friend brought me some DT peppermint. I was extremely hesitant but tried it. I opened that bottle and the aroma filled the air and my senses and I was not repulsed by it. Infact it smelled so amazing I wanted to drink it! (I did not, of course). I had never had an experience like that with peppermint. I put it on my son and for the first time in SEVEN years he did not have a coughing fit through the night.
I think you and I must be similar in determination because I marched over to a high-up-in-the-company advisor for DT who happened to live close to me and knocked on his door demanding to know what is in these oils to allow that type of experience. I was explained of the distillation process, growing, etc – all that you have heard and everyone has heard. It was not scientific but satisfied me that perhaps the reason I was not feeling sick around this peppermint as that all other types of peppermint I have been around in the past were – in fact – not pure. That was enough for me. In 1 week my son’s asthma was completely cleared up using DT peppermint – and it has NOT returned (it has been 2 years). I have used DT peppermint for nausea (aromatically) when I was pregnant and it helped immensely. I personally love the sweet aroma and find that is what assists in the aromatic therapeutic benefits to the body.
I will be honest – I have spoken to many a person on the other end of the phone lines at doTERRA when I have questions about their oils or products. I have also emailed them. I find that sometimes, I am left scratching my head and going “Huh?” because their responses don’t make sense or are vague. It bothers me a bit. Even Dr. Pappas has been confusing me lately and much of his stuff is valid, I feel, but perhaps a little over what my brain can comprehend.
The bottom line for me is that I have my own experiences – I cannot deny them. When it all comes down to it, I am not sure that I truly understand completely about first distillation, adulterated oils – I have seen amazing results in healing using the doTERRA oils, have never had a negative side effect from it, and use them as universally directed one should use essential oils. I have not had these consistent results with other brands, I have tried many. The DT peppermint oil, in particular has changed my family’s life.
And…they are paid for – so free. That is the best price of all! Did I mention that part? Thanks for letting me share
I’m glad you found a peppermint that works for you but it doesn’t seem like the issue of what separates DT’s peppermint is purity. Pappas even said he thinks it is redistilled and at least has had some parts of the peppermint vacuumed off. From what I have ascertained on the internet and from talking to different companies, it might be a 2nd distillation. Maybe you are one of the few for whom “pure” peppermint doesn’t work.
I think the MLM concept can work for some but for many it is not a direction in which they wish to go. Like I said, I am not “anti MLM” but folks need to realize that it takes a lot of time in some of these companies to make money and that often you could do better just getting a part time job and working 5 hours per month to pay for whatever oils or products you really need rather than signing up with a company. I know I, for one, spent a lot of time on other MLMs and really didn’t get my time’s worth and ended up with a lot of products that I just didn’t need.
I am glad it has worked for you, however.
So – see what I was saying about the peppermint, is that UNpure peppermint has made me sick my entire life – that is a long time of using lots of different kinds of peppermint. DoTERRA peppermint was the first essential oil that I had a positive experience with in not making me sick and actually promoting healing. I am not saying I have tried every company’s oil that claims it has pure peppermint, but when you find something that works for you – you use it, right? That goes for my son, my family and hundreds of other people I know who use DoTERRA peppermint with great results. But – okay – we ALL could be one of the “few” for whom “pure” peppermint doesn’t work. (Um what?)
Which other peppermints did you try, if I might ask. Thanks. I’m not saying it doesn’t work for you, but to claim that the others are unpure, without knowing what they are doing to their peppermint, is possibly a stretch at best. Thanks! What I mean is, if doTERRA is vacuuming something or burning something off of their peppermint, it could be that you are someone who has an issue w/ that part of the plant. I think saying that doTERRA’s peppermint works great for many people is different than what we are talking about with you having some kind of a reaction to other peppermints. They are two different issues. I never said doTERRA’s peppermint doesn’t work. There are OTC medicines that work. I am trying to combine efficacy w/ purity and the other quality measures I mentioned throughout my series. Thanks and I would love to hear what other companies you tried, no matter how many you remember.
I’m wondering if the reason that DoTerra’s peppermint oil works so well for you, is that it is a complete distillation and that it is higher in menthol. Maybe it is the menthol that helps? I think the concept of complete distillation makes more sense that separating the oil into 1st, 2nd, and so on. Maybe the 1st distillation has higher concentrates of certain chemicals, but wouldn’t the complete be a more accurate representation of the plant? Or am I mistaking complete for whole (term wise).
I have had 3 different peppermints work for me so far. I think that that appears to be what some people at doTERRA are saying, but Mr. Pappas said that it seems to him that the peppermint is a redistill. So I think we are all trying to figure out what the doTERRA peppermint really is. That is, at least, what I was trying to do and I still feel like I am not sure. Thanks. Maybe we can find out more as time goes on.
Yes I can vouch that they were having problems with their website yesterday and today.
(i am also on an iPad.)
I had problems with password, and getting onto website, and putting items in my “shopping basket”.
But I called in the order and was able to use Adriennes code to get the discount, with no problem.
Very pleasant customer service I might add.
What happened to my post?
Sorry, Connie. I responded to your comment, if that’s what you were referring to. I have been swamped with all the comments w/ detailed concerns, etc., and was out for a long time today at the dentist…and have a bulk almond order and shipping of the oils folks are ordering from my store page…not to mention making dinner and homeschooling. And trying to sleep
. I’ve just been a little busy. Let me know what you think about my response. And thanks for reading. I understand what you mean about concerns, but I also feel that I was trying to buy a good oil and not a spiritual counselor. I purchase one of my probiotics from someone with a site that is quite New Agey (you can see the site if you search for probiotics in my search box) but I love the product and feel better when I use it. Let me know what you think.
(I replied by e-mail but I don’t know if it went through, so I’m duplicating it here.)
Thanks, Adrienne. I do appreciate that you’ve been really under the gun and cannot devote “all” your time to serving us. I really do. My life is similar in a different way.
I just didn’t know what to think when my post disappeared. I thought I had made you mad and certainly didn’t want to do that, for all the world! You don’t need more stress.
And I do understand where you are coming from–your answers make perfect sense. God is there in all kinds of ways Christians don’t usually “get.” All truth IS His truth. So, personally, if someone uses the word “shaman” (for example) but they really and truly ARE obedient to the one true God then I would have no problem with them, because I am mature and experienced enough as a believer to see past that. (Though I would wonder why they would want to use such a red-flag term.)
In this case, though, my heart sank when I looked at Mr. Dean’s site. I wanted to say “never mind, let’s get this purchase made!” but couldn’t. Yet when I prayed last night about where I should buy oils it was like “wait, don’t jump this ship yet.” So, okay. Now what?
I’m glad to hear Mr. Dean took those tabs off his site. I’ll take another look… (of course, that doesn’t change much ’cause it WAS there for a reason). Perhaps he needs to add a strong testimony of his own Christian faith and how it relates to the oils he markets? Perhaps THIS is the reason why some of us needed to confront this issue–and it will go to Mr. Dean’s and your benefit. If he is a true believer then I want him (and you) to be blessed in your endeavour. And yes, I do agree you should be compensated for your efforts; I’m disturbed by all those people who got angry with you for trying to earn a little money by promoting products you believe in. Come on–everyone else can make money but not Christians?? Give me a break!
Thanks so much for all you do, Adrienne. You are very appreciated and loved by all of us.
Blessings!
Hi Connie,
No worries about your comment. I just put some off ’til later and sometimes that later is–well–too late
. I tend to approve everything but I want to keep tabs a bit and give myself “the right” to delete things if need be. Not to be a control freak, but to keep a lid on some problems, more like.
I asked Mr. Dean a lot of questions about his company and Nemenhah after thinking his company was quite good and I felt satisfied, but a few readers have brought up more issues. I have talked with him about many of them and he has made changed to his site and he seemed troubled by what I shared. I plan to talk with him again.
I think this is a complex issue. I hope to offer other oils companies I am comfortable with but if things can be resolved w/ Mr. Dean to the comfort of most of my readers, then of course it won’t be my top priority. You’ll see tomorrow (if I can get it done) that there are other things I am trying to do for all of you — hint hint
.
I have been reading comments for over an hour and not only am I more confused than ever, my brain is fried! It’s midnight and I need to sleep but I’ll be back to read more
Hi! Just seen your article, I remember having a phone conversation with you as I was also overwhelmed with all the different essential oil companies out there. Thanks for your reccomendation. I think I did look at the NAN website before, along with quite a few others. I almost placed an order with Rocky Mountain and held off and researched some more myself. It is hard to know what is going to work without purchasing oils (which takes lots of $$) from many different companies and smelling the differences, and trying them on your skin. Especially when your just starting to learn about these amazing oils like I am. I have personally purchased a “key ring sample kit from doterra”, have several oils from Veriditas (purchased at Coborns), and just purchased some from YL. And this morning I came across your article, wish I would have seen it sooner. My fault! Just from those 3 brands, and I am NO EXPERT, I was doing a smell test between lavender, peppermint, and lemon. My hubby and I thought the Veriditas had a stronger smell to them than YL and doTERRA. And the doTERRA came in being the weakest one. But we also liked the Lavendar smell from YL a little better. This is just my personal findings for anybody that is interested and why I am sharing this info. I would love to check out some of NAN oils too as I dont care for the MLM’s. I am not trying to promote one brand over the other as I am still learning myself. But “Kudos” to Adrienne for taking her time to research, and sharing her info with us! You did GREAT! I will be checking out the website.
As someone who has used essential oils off and on for various things since the late 90′s and had just run out of several oils, I was watching your series with interest–since you are one of my favorite and most trusted bloggers.
When you came out with your recommendation, I immediately went to their site that very afternoon to place an order. Admittedly, the Shaman thing did cause me to pause for a minute, but I quickly read the links and came to the conclusion that it was mainly an organization to protect religious and natural healing freedoms–something I CAN get behind. I didn’t see any reference to specific spiritual beliefs; and as you have so eloquently expressed, I don’t only do business with people who have the same political/religious beliefs as me anyway. Quality products and honest business practices are the most important criteria I use for whom I do business with. True, as an LDS church member, I probably wouldn’t walk into a store that was specifically selling witchcraft paraphernalia or a liquor store for that matter. On the other hand, I don’t question business people who are providing me with products or services that fit my lifestyle about their personal religious or political beliefs. That seems discriminatory to me.
I did experience, as you and others have stated, that the website was a bit “klunky” by today’s larger on-line retailer’s standards. I had a problem with my cart timing out and emptying itself twice before I was done. Being on a tight budget, I have to take time with orders like this–taking things in and out of my cart as I decide what I really need. I am used to carts that let me save the contents for several days before I actually order, so that part was a bit annoying. I also couldn’t get their Paypal link to work. Finally, using a credit card, I got my order to go through.
Now for the good news! I received my order today already. That was 3 business days! (I’m in WA State.) The oils were very well packaged and arrived in perfect condition. All the oils I bought are types that I am already well familiar with, and so far I could not be more pleased!
Most of the oils I have been using previously are from Nature’s Gift. I love her website, as she gives very detailed info about each oil and is very passionate about them. She, however, sources her oils from all different suppliers–so quality is decent, but I don’t think she has much control over the sources. I used to use the Thieves cleaner from Young Living and loved it, but the cost and hassle of getting it became prohibitive. I have also used Now oils, but they don’t smell very concentrated to me–even their neat oils. I have also used Aura Cacia oils, but they often have unpleasant “after smells.”
These oils I just received from NAN smell potent, but true and clean. I use ylang ylang extra all the time in hair products, and to sweeten blends. I have to say the ylang I just received is the best I have ever smelled. I have a love/hate thing with geranium and rose geranium. I find my body seems to crave them, as just their smell relaxes and calms me; but then there is a chemical “after smell” that always turns me off a bit. The rose geranium oil I just received is the best I have ever smelled–I could smell it all day. Also, I got the rose/carrier oil blend, because of the prohibitive cost of rose oil. I was so excited that it wasn’t overly diluted. I bought such a blend from Now recently, but it was so diluted that I had to use too much of it at a time.
I appreciate your conscientious hard work. It seems like hiding behind a keyboard brings out rudeness, arrogance, and spite in some people. But keep your chin up–many more appreciate what you do, whether they agree with you on every single issue or not. I wonder if you had titled you series something like “Deciding Which Essential Oil Company I Want to do Business With” or “Shopping for my Favorite Essential Oil Company,” rather than “Which Essential Oil Company is Best,” if you would have ruffled less feathers. In the end, though, you can’t please all of the people all of the time.
Wow – what a great review. Thanks for taking the time to sit down and write all of this. I will say that I have continued to pour over the “concerned reader” emails and am toying with diving back in to get perhaps a few more companies to recommend, but I am really wiped out from all of this.
I hear what you are saying about the title. But really, when I set out to do this I was looking for something I could really get behind and be enthusiastic about.
I need to place an order myself and look forward to it. I have used a number of NAN’s oils but not nearly enough yet. Thanks again!
Oh, I should also mention that I did clarify over and over in my posts that I was not saying “this is the best oil you can buy” and even got quite a few emails bugging me for the “best ones” that Mr. Dean said were prohibitively priced. What I clearly meant is the best for my money–kind of like Consumer Reports does it. They rank a #1 out of what they test and then give a “Best Buy”. I didn’t check into every different company but I chose the one I thought was best out of what I did check. Thanks again!
What a timely post!
I’ve been following this series as I use Young Living but really have had an issue with the prices. Many oils can only be purchased in 15ml bottles unless it is part of a kit.
I had started looking at Taos Herb yesterday and will purchase from them and NAN in addition to the products that I like from YL.
The sale is certainly a great way to get familiar with his oils, so I am glad you’re able to offer it!
Yes, I totally got that you were doing a “Consumer Report Best Buy” type thing for your family’s needs and sharing your findings with us. I was just trying to think of ways to help make everyone understand that, since many people are not thorough readers.
In the end, though, that may just not be possible. Apparently, the comparison of essential oil companies has become a very sensitive subject. I thought I should add, too, that I ordered just over the $150.00 from NAN and got the free Neroli oil. I was very pleased that it was a high quality, potent, full 5ml sized oil–it was definitely not a sub-standard freebie! Neroli is one of the higher cost oils and one of the ones that I have only ever bought in a tiny 2 ml size, same as rose and jasmine, because of the cost. I am confident that they sent me the same one that sells for $65.00 on their website–that’s a nice free gift! 
One suggestion I would like to make to NAN, besides upgrading their website, is to offer Jasmine and Rose in a smaller size. I totally get the idea of keeping things simple, business wise, by offering the two standard sizes. And for most oils the 5 ml size is an adequate “smallest size;” but at this point in my life, there is no way that I will be able to buy the neat versions of jasmine or rose from them. These are very potent oils, and you tend to use less of them than other oils–so for many a small 2 ml or so size would make sense. Thanks for letting me take your time!
I think that’s a great idea! I bought 2 ml of rose before I found NAN b/c the company was getting rid of their rose EO. Shoot them an email and recommend it
.
I stumbled upon your blog for Essential Oils and your top choice. It was fascinating reading and has piqued my interest in EOs and the importance of doing due diligence when selecting a supplier. Thank you for all the thoughtful research you did, and your confident and respectful responses to some of the more critical posts.
I am wondering if you did any research into Starwest Botanicals? I picked up their essential oils at a Mennonite Herb store, but before I replenish my supply with them, wondered if you have any details or opinions on Starwest?
Thank you!
Sorry, but I didn’t look into them. I just poked around a little. I would have to do a little more checking. Thanks.
I appreciate all the hard work that you did (for me
)and in all my readings of you and what you have shared, I have no problems believing you would steer us wrong over money. I’m eager to give NAN a try – in fact I think I ordered all the oils that you had on sale (except for Cucumber Seed b/c I wanted to try their lavender oil.
I use YL for some specific oils that I am loyal to – Progessence Plus for instance, but I’m certainly willing to try something on your suggestion. You have heartily earned my trust! Thanks for keeping on with your research despite the flak that you have gotten. There are SO many more of us who appreciate you than there are naysayers.
Personally, re: the spirituality of the company – they are in business to sell product (and hopefully the highest possible quality product). I know what I believe and where my faith lies. I’m not using EOs mystically – I believe God has provided the oils to use for the healing of the bodies he’s created. I appreciate know who provides the highest quality product for the best use of my hard-earned dollar. THANKS AGAIN!
Hi Susan,
I am for sure not perfect and if for some reason I need to leave NAN I will do that. I am not averse to recommending another company but I just can’t get to that point right now. Maybve later.
Thanks! And take a look at NAN’s progesterone cream and tell me what you think. I have another friend who was using the YL PP and is going to try it
.
BTW, I did write to the NAN customer service people and asked them to please add a search button so we can search by specific name instead of scrolling through all the oils. Hopefully they will be able to take our suggestions and make something more user-friendly.
It used to function better but they made changes and it doesn’t. They are working on it. Thanks!
I am very excited and thankful that you have found a company you trust. I wanted to stay away from MLM but didn’t even know where to start with buying EO so I bought a few here and there from various places.
My question about NAN isn’t terribly important but is something that matters to me when ordering EO now because a few weeks ago, before I read your article, I bought a bunch of bottles of oils from a different company and when they arrived, none of them had the reducers in it so it was terribly inconvenient to have to go out and buy additional reducers and reducer caps at a local EO supply store.
Here’s a link with a picture (scroll down a bit) and explanation about what an orifice reducer is. An orifice reducer is a small, usually clear insert inside the bottle opening that acts as a dropper.
http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/storing.asp
They have them
. Which company did you buy them from? I have never had that happen.
Hi! I would love to hear what oils you use most and for what uses. Thanks for this post and your time!
Are you looking to buy right now? I think they will extend the sale for you if so. Sorry -I have had trouble keeping up w/ these comments.
Dear Adrienne,
I have been visiting your blog regularly since I found this series last summer while researching EO companies. I have read many of your other posts during the wait and tried several of the products you recommend. I was sad to see all the negativity you were receiving and respect the way you handled the situation.
I can say that similar to your experience, I found that a lot of negativity comes from the MLM community. I have friends who swear by YL and get quite defensive when asked questions. Just by scanning several rep sites and blog comments I can see that this is common. Also, there seems to be a lot of misinformation from these reps – (I saw several YL reps referring to Gary Young as a doctor!? And very few times did I see anyone correct them – the perpetuation of misinformation in these companies is disappointing).
I was really looking forward to the end of this series to find out which EO company you settled on. However, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed with the final post for this series after hanging in there with you for several months. I felt that I was not provided with a clear path to your final recommendation and left the post feeling a bit confused and mislead – mainly because the title of your series was for the best EO Company, so reading that you stopped looking when you found NAN didn’t seem fair to me as a reader (though I will admit that I may have missed you saying exactly how you were coming to your recommendation).
With that said, I do appreciate your work as I am finding this search to be quite overwhelming. From what I have read – visiting various company sites and blogs, reading comments, recommendations, reviews, articles, books – there is very little unbiased information out there and so I do appreciate all of your research.
However, I began looking into your recommendation and did find a few things that concerned me. There are a few articles out there that mention how Nemenhah band members use the NARFA as a means to avoid regulations (and specifically mention NAN). Naturally, this seemed rather disingenuous but I did not necessarily believe that every band member would do this and couldn’t really question Mr. Dean’s motives as I do not know him personally. Then when I read that it was taken down by your request and the concerns of your readers – that oddly felt worse. Especially when you mentioned that Mr. Dean said he only did it for health freedoms. I somehow do not feel good about this. Do you not question this?
I feel like if I give any credibility to what I read on quackwatch about Gary Young, I would have to give the same here. I don’t want to seem ungrateful because I really do appreciate all the time you put into this, I was just hoping for an EO company that was easy to say “yes” to without all the drama – maybe this does not exist. Did you do any research on snow lotus essential oils?
Also, I saw some mention about the “beyond organic” claim with Doterra & YL in an earlier comment: This term is not uncommon in the farming world. It came about because some farmers felt that the USDA organic label was not strict enough or did not accurately describe their farming methods (for example, the USDA organic guidelines still allow certain pesticides to be used). However, and I can say from personal experience, this is usually seen with small farms where the financial requirements of maintaining USDA organic certification can be challenging and therefore investing in a label that inaccurately describes their farming methods cannot be justified. These farmers generally have a more personal relationship with their customers and are able to explain their decision in person. I don’t see this making much sense with a large, successful company such as YL or Doterra because to me it seems that for the average person out there (that might turn to or be looking into EOs) – the USDA organic label would appeal to them (and if these companies are operating by the standards (or beyond) anyway, the fee would seem trivial). The only other requirement for USDA organic that I think might deter them would be that their farm/facilities can be inspected by the USDA to ensure compliance – maybe that is not something they want? (here is a good site for deciphering labels http://www.gracelinks.org/944/these-labels-are-so-confusing)
Hi there. Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. I was really rushing w/ that final post b/c I had promised it and had had a crazy crazy week so if I didn’t spell things out enough, forgive me. I felt that all of the details would be murky and a bore to many readers. Really, what happened was I contacted a bunch of companies and quickly “ditched” a bunch. Then I even “ditched” NAN, which you can see by my first post, but then after talking w/ Mr. Dean I felt he really had a lot that I could learn from. I was intrigued but not convinced. I kept talking with him and asking him about different companies and trying out doTERRA and looking into things about YL and doTERRA and trying the different oils. Gradually things came more “into focus” for me, but I still wanted to make sure so I kept asking away.
Really, it finally narrowed down to doTERRA and NAN for me, since so many companies, it was clear,….were just buying from the same people. I wanted what I found in NAN and only found about 3 companies that looked viable.
After I narrowed it down to DT and NAN I started running into the issue more about the peppermint and I just couldn’t get away from it. It really bothered me. And the issue of expensive shipping and feeling pressured to buy every month.
I hope that helps a little.
Regarding Mr. Dean taking the links to Nemenhah down, he said he did that because he had become less involved with them but that his site didn’t reflect that. He hadn’t donated to the organization in a long time and would not be anymore as a company. I replied to another reader that the issue here is that he is making his site reflect reality and he just isn’t that tech savvy. In fact, he told me just the other day that he hadn’t even read my post recommending his company yet
.
He said he’s been doing all sorts of things but not keeping up w/ Nemenhah or their site (or his) and so he did it now.
As far as “beyond organic” I think NAN does that. Mr. Dean said his company does all the same testing as DT and even moreso since they have such close relationships w/ their farmers.
Of course, w/ all of this, one needs to trust at some point. I trust him and if I have a reason not to at some point then I won’t recommend him anymore. Plain and simple. And I have told him so.
Thanks for commenting!
I just placed my 1st order with NAN!! Very excited to use the oils. I got a few blends (sandalwood) and Confidence which is composed of the exact ingredients in Valor (YL) but much cheaper
Also bought 3 of the sale specials too…
Thanks for all the research it really furthered my understanding of these companies and their products and to find great (hopefully) quality oils at an affordable price!! Will update on products when they arrive ( I have some YL to compare to).
I look forward to hearing what you think – thanks!
Hi. I was wondering about the bias against essential oil “experts” are they all corrupt, and not to be trusted? I have heard over and over that the distillation is a very specific art, that it takes the experience of an expert to get the right distillation. Do you feel that Mr. Dean has that experience?
I have quite a bit in my NAN cart right now, trying to decide what I need.
Hi Danielle. I think I’ve mentioned in a few places in my posts and in the comments that I have read and heard that some / all of the experts do things to the oils to change them. It can be mixing them with other things, mixing them with other oils so they smell consistent, heating them to burn off smells, or vacuuming them. I prefer to get my oils unadulterated. I wrote what Mr. Dean’s experience is and you can check out videos of him on the internet talking about oils. I also hope to have him available on my site for Q&A’s and other things, so I guess you can judge for yourself. I have heard from a number of readers saying that they are very pleased with the quality of the NAN oils and one reader viewed a number of videos of him on the internet and she said that he really does seem to have a good deal of knowledge. I concur. As always, I could be wrong, but I think he has a good mix of someone who really knows the industry well and also someone who cares deeply about supporting those in third world countries, and about the therapeutic use of the oils.
I hope that helps
.
I wondered if you looked at Plant Therapy, Taos Herbs or Butterfly Express? I understand you want to choose the “best” company by your standards and what was most important to you. I believe “quality” is the probably the top concern to most people, but there are many variables in rating the quality. Therefore, I think a ranking of sorts would be beneficial when making this choice. I realize you have already put so much time and effort into this and it is greatly appreciated. However, in making your decision, I am sure there are certain criteria and questions you asked to make this determination which you may be able to use. Seems like many people are asking for this same thing.
My concern about this company is his willingness to quickly make changes to his website that seemed to offend or “put off” many of your readers. Our principals and beliefs should not be so easily changed or altered to please others. Just my opinion. . .
I did look at PT and BE, but not the other one. I think it is ranking of sorts, but mine, and Mr. Dean’s concerns, are that most all oils companies are getting their oils from the same 5 or so “experts” in the field – so it is just relabeling and selling oils that often are “adulterated” depending on how you view that term.
I did share the criteria, at least some of it….and maybe I can go into that further.
Regarding NAN, I have spoken with Mr. Dean at great length about oils, and Nemenhah and more. He changed his site not b/c his principles or beliefs were changed. They have not. Believe it or not, he said he hadn’t been on the Nemenhah site more than about 1/2 an hour in the past 2 years so he doesn’t make it a point to keep tabs on their site and other things. He has always said to me that the Native Americans don’t have a specific doctrinal statement but they think one should worship as he sees fit and he was concerned about what readers were seeing and he felt that he should make it more clear to potential customers that his involvement with Nemenhah has been greatly reduced and that was not the impression one would get by looking at his site the way it was.
So basically, it isn’t that he changed, but that his website hadn’t changed to reflect how he was doing things differently. I completely believe him since he told me the other day that he hadn’t even read my post in which I recommended his company. I think he is one of those few businessmen who just isn’t that internet savvy and so his site was just the way it was for a long time.
However, if his site continues to bother you, I hope to have another recommendation, or more, in the near future. I am happy with his oils but hope to give other options. Thanks!
I tried to buy from NAN for 2 days and their website was so slow that I could not get all the way through the process. So after several times of trying I finally left and got my oils elsewhere.
You could always call and order over the phone. Sorry for the trouble.
I’ve heard a lot about YL Thieves oil, I assume that NAN’s Spice Traders does the same job. Did you find that to be true? Thanks so much for the research you put into this. I have a 5 week old (who seems to be a little sick) and want to protect her from all the nasty viruses out there. Also, I really trust your judgement after reading this series
Any other EO’s you really love to have on hand with kids?
Spice Traders is supposed to have the same function and I like it. A friend of mine uses it for sinus issues and she really likes it. I like having that on hand. I am hoping to write a post on oils I like. If you are trying to take advantage of the sale, I have use peppermint for headaches and tummy aches, lavender for sleep, NAN’s Serenity for sleep, lavender or tea tree for cuts, oregano for nasty bugs. Hmmm…what else? I have used aches and pains types of oils and blends for growing pains. If you need a name let me know. NAN’s owner says their grounding is good for calming. My kids like lavender when they go to bed. My son used a mix of peppermint, lemon and eucalyptus for a cough and it helped him. I’ve read about sandalwood for sore throats and sleeping but I haven’t tried that yet. Hope that helps!
I just placed an order with NAN and received the discount! The website worked just fine for me. Thanks so much for recommendation! I’m excited to try the oils and sincerely appreciate all the time you put into this.
Great! I hope you like them!
Hello! I stumbled upon this series while researching YL. I eagerly waited for this final post, and am glad to see that it was not YL or DT that ended up being your final recommendation. I have just ordered my first oils from NAN, and am excited for them to get here! I do have one question, though – you mentioned a list of blends that are equivalent to YL blends, and said to contact NAN for it. Do you have an email address for them, or should I just call the phone number on the website? I don’t see an email listed on their site. Thank you, and thank you for your hard work!
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You can call them or email me for the list – thanks! wholenewmom at gmail dot com
Thank you so much for all your research. A friend of mine recently introduced me to Doterra oils and while I like them I thought there had to be other companys that still had quality oils at a more affordable price. This company seems to fit that description. Just placed an order so I can try them and compare for myself. Thanks again!
Hope you like them! Please come back to share!
Thank you so much for all your research. I am new to using EOs and have been exposed to YL but haven’t really wanted to get involved with the MLM part of it. I used your link for the discount on NAN and I’m excited to try out the oils. Btw, I stumbled across a company called Ananda Apothecary. Have you heard of or tried them at all? I’d be interested to hear your opinion of them.
Thanks again for this!
Many blessings,
Chartoon
Yes, I looked at them. There are comments in the comments sections.
Adrienne, I’m so-o excited! I just placed my order with Native American Nutritionals! I bought so many, I got the Neroli oil 15 mls and what I thought was a pretty good discount to boot which I didn’t even see coming, so it was a very pleasant surprise (because I was buying them anyway!) LOL, I actually had to stop myself from buying one of each! I stopped myself a little by by convincing myself, I am sure there will be other sales in the future and that I didn’t have to sample every single oil they had right now! Can’t wait to get them and start using them! Thanks so much for all the long hours and work you put into this topic and determining the best essential oil!
I think we will have sales in the future. We were just talking about it
. I hope to hear what you think of them!
Is there a book that you recommend that tells you what the benefits are of the all the essential oils. I am new to the oils and that would be helpful
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I’ve been just swamped. The book in this post is one I have and like. I have a few more in my shopping cart at Amazon that I plan to purchase. I hope to share those with all of you. Hope that helps!
In the middle of my ordering the website went down, right before the expirationation of the specials! Wow
They will honor the sale Mon and Tues if you can just call them
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its 11:00 sun night cst and coupon will not go through. oh well. thank you anyway.
They will honor it Mon and Tues on the phone
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I can’t find a phone number for them! Can you post it?
1-877-Heal-4-Good (1-877-432-5446). I will add it to the post.
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I hope the oils are as good as you think because the site sure is a let down. I was on it last night but was not able to place my order. I tried again today and cannot even get the site to come up so I guess the coupon you have provided is not going to be any good by the time I ever get back on, if I do… Thanks for the research though. I will probably try them with or without the coupon if I can get the site to work.
The coupon code is good if you call. I wrote that in my post – sorry if you missed it. The phone # is on my post as well.
. They will honor it today and Tuesday 
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Here is a copy of the email that I just sent today to Native American Nutritionals. I wanted to share our results with the Whole New Mom readers. We love everything we ordered from NAN and especially love the Defense!
TO: Native American Nutritionals
We received our supplements and essential oils last Friday and we just couldn’t be more thrilled! My husband has suffered from allergies his entire life. He even took allergy shots through childhood. Then as an adult he developed asthma and in recent years has needed an inhaler and daily Albuterol breathing treatments. We both knew these medicines were not good for him and have been researching some different natural treatments for allergy and asthma.
We found out about your company from Whole New Mom website and we ordered some supplements and oils right away. We received the order on Friday and my husband starting taking Defense right away along with Breath EZ essential oil blend and digestive enzymes (we just switched to your brand we have taken digestive enzymes for a while but a different brand). My husband has not needed his inhaler or his Albuterol breathing treatment since starting the Defense and Breath EZ. As of today (Monday) he really hasn’t even needed the Breath EZ! This is a miracle considering he hasn’t ever gone over 24 hours without treating his Asthma! Thank you so much for this product we are amazed! We are telling everyone about your products now! They are really good and we are very impressed!
What a blessing! I am so pleased to hear that! Thanks for sharing!
Just want to thank you for your hard work, Adrienne. Also, having been a DoTerra rep. myself, I just wanted to respond to Courtney with regard to being compensated and receiving free oils. Discounted and free oils is a marketing myth: Nothing is free! DoTerra is an excellent product but like all MLM companies, the masses are paying the few at the top very handsome earnings on over-priced oils. Who do you think paid for those reward cruises? All of us down on the bottom rung of the business plugging in those $125 orders each month so that we can qualify for our “Free” products.
Thanks, Barbara. I am OK with getting savings but I really hear you on this.
“Hi Adrienne! I feel compelled to share this with you based on the fact that I gave Native American Naturals a try based on your research and review…I haven’t been involved with essential oils for very long, but their impact has already made a huge impression on me, as I have experienced the health and wellness benefits of them on myself and my family. I have no allegiance or loyalty to a specific company, but began using YL oils. I was happy to explore and then give NAN a try, but I have to say, I am quite disappointed
I ordered Vetiver for my son (autism spectrum), lemon we use for daily detox and I decided to try “Progestrone Cream” (as pictured). And as you can see, I received a container full of disgusting mild with a nauseating stench 
The lemon oil seems sub-par compared to YL as well…It definitely has an odd aftertaste – not bright & clean like YL’s, and diffuses differently as well. While customer service was pleasant, I’m honestly bothered to have opened a product is such a state and then be told I have to wait for a label, send it back, wait for processing and then reimbursement for this item…I even offered to send them a picture! Ultimately…They have lost a customer, gave confirmation to YL’s testaments and secured my faith in their product and brand. Looking fwd to hearing your thoughts…”
I am sorry you were not happy. I can only say that I have YL’s and NAN’s lemon and I think NAN’s smells great. I think lemon peels can differ based on the crop and I don’t know about YL but I like that NAN doesn’t “standardize” their scents by adulterating the oils. Thanks and I am glad you experienced their good customer service. I have been very pleased w/ it as well.
Thank you for responding, and that was an interesting spin…pleasant BUT completely unaccomodating doesn’t conclude as pleasing in my estimation, and you made no comment as to the moldy condition of another product, only mentioning the lemon. I posted a picture to your FB page…It was beyond disgusting, there was no explanation offered and it’s unacceptable that I have to keep a product in this state until I receive a return label…and then wait how long for my refund…?? I would never order from them again and honestly, YL would never leave a customer dissatisfied in this case…I checked. I don’t question your research, but now I’m definitely left wondering what led you to your choice, based just by how you responded to me and offered no “assistance” when I experienced this only after following you recommendation. I realize I’m responsible for my own choices, but I’m still disappointed by your response and NAN’s as well.
Cathleen, I didn’t and still don’t see the photo – I don’t know what facebook page you are referring to- where did you post it? I didn’t see the word “moldy”. Did you write that?
As for them asking you to keep it, I think that is SOP for a business. I have 5 moldy squashed on my porch b/c the company wants me to bring them in to show them and they won’t even give me a refund. I think a company should want proof of a damaged product.
I had good service w/ YL as well, but can you explain how NAN is leaving you dissatisfied if they are offering you free shipping tag to take it back and a refund? I don’t see that as anything but a guarantee and they are paying for everything.
I think I spelled out very clearly what led me to go w/ this company, so I am confused about your question. Also could you tell me what you are upset about regarding my response to you and “offering no assistance”? If NAN is taking care of you is there something else you would like me to do?
Thanks and sorry for the confusion.
Adrienne,
This is a little off topic (and you need not clear it or whatever you have to do), but I felt compelled to share something. In regard to the following comment you made:
“Regarding Nemenhah, I think there are a few things to think about. First, Young Living and doTERRA are both owned by Mormons. I promote Green Polka Dot Box and they are Mormon owned as well. I don’t have any issue with that, though I am not Mormon.”
This may be a hasty assumption, but after reading this comment I was led to believe you may not think Mormons are Christians. As a Mormon, I want to share with you that we are definitely Christian. The name “mormon” is a nickname for those who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am humbled to be able to have the knowledge of my Savior, Jesus Christ, as so many in the world have not had this opportunity. For this reason, I would be ashamed of myself if I didn’t clear up this misunderstanding with you. I have so much appreciated your research and your Christian background. I appreciate the way you have handled the comments about the Native American beliefs (although I do not know much about that topic myself). As I said before, this is a hasty assumption, so I apologize if my assumption is incorrect. I figure that either way, my comment will not hurt. Once again, I do not care whether this is posted or not, I just wanted to make sure you understand. If you have any questions about my comments, please feel free to contact me. Thanks!
Hi Jill,
I responded to you in an email but never heard back so I will address this briefly here.
I will first say that I have deep respect for Mormons and their strong convictions and desire to have strong moral stands. I have some friends who are Mormons and though I wouldn’t consider them to be close friends, I admire them for the depth of their convictions. I even think some of the LDS publications are more uplifting to me than many “orthodox Christian” ones.
That being said, there are some distinctions between orthodox Christianity and Mormonism that many do not know about. Perhaps you don’t either. I did quite a bit of research into Mormonism back just after my college days and though I don’t consider myself to be an expert I think I know more than most church-going “Christians”. I would be happy to talk with you anytime and so appreciate your reading my blog and reaching out. But email would be better than here
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I firmly admire you Adrienne for taking on this task. In my personal opinion, I think this is entirely a personal preference issue which should be respected. I am glad to hear you say there are other good companies with pure quality oils. We each have a choice in everything we do and if someone is uncomfortable with the business practices of a company then they should go with their gut feeling. But remember all of these companies are in business to earn a living, and this subject like I said is a personal choice not to be taken personally…if that makes sense
We are all on a personal journey to find health and wellness. I cant address every issue brought up in this thread I know after reading it that I am still very happy and confident with Doterra, I believe they have an outstanding product. In my experience with them for 14 months I feel they really care about the consumer as well as the consultant. They offer me, a mother of 5 with a blind and disabled husband a way to earn some oils for free AND now earn an income for my family without sacrifice. The only minimums are the ones for business builders, Not customers. The $100 a month requirement to earn bonuses and sales commissions is pretty low when you think of the overhead it would cost to run a small business….and I get 30% back in free product on that monthly purchase. So in reality $100 order makes me eligible for 30% back in rewards..then a $50= in bonus/sales commissions, If your a business builder do the math, your getting oils for free just by sharing a great product. I was paying substantially more in over the counter meds and doctors copays/scripts etc…*doTERRA does support small local farms and have established relationships with farmers who have been crafting fine organics for generations in 3rd world countries. They have a scientific advisory board which yes they are considered “experts” and those scientist worked hard on that education to be labeled as such, there is no shame in that. I don’t know where my life would be without doTERRA and I thank God every day that he brought me to it. If someone uses another oil, I am ecstatic for them, I will not get into the why my oil is better than your oil, But I will share why doTERRA is the best choice for us. It is more important that each individual person does what is best for them and makes and informed decision. Blessings to all oils users!
Hi and thanks for commenting. I do share your enthusiasm for oils in general and on one level I think choosing a company is a personal choice, but I still have my concerns about the “hidden fees” in the bonuses that the MLM’s offer (taking points out for using your points, charging for cutting a check, etc.), and for their overpriced shipping.
I also am still frustrated with doTERRA’s apparent lack of consistency in addressing the way that their peppermint oil is being processed and I personally would prefer my oils to not be reheated or vacuumed.
That is perhaps a “personal preference” but depending on the chemical constituency, it might be a real therapeutic difference. I was pleased with how doTERRA’s peppermint worked on my leg, but I have been using NAN’s peppermint on my son’s sprained ankle with super results as well. So I am not going to say that doTERRA’s worked and the “unadulterated” peppermint does not.
I do know what you mean about “starting a business” with very little money, and I myself work with 2 other MLMs now (one that I haven’t publicized much at all), but I still stand by the frustrating points about YL and DT. I hope they address some of these things. I think you can concur with me that some of these aspects are less than optimal.
Thank for reading and I am so glad you are off of your OTC meds
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Hey!
I just wanted to ask about bulkapothecary.com to see if you ever looked into their oils. It’s a company my pastor’s wife ordered from a few months ago and now my mom has ordered from. I’ve used several different oils but have yet to come to a final conclusion….i like doTerra but they’re so high that I can’t justify spending so much or recommending friends but with bulkapothecary I’m curious as to how they’re so cheap. What are you thoughts?
And thanks for all the research you’ve done! It’s a huge blessing and help
Emily
I did look at them. It appears they are buying from the oils experts as well. I am looking to see if there are some other things from them that I would like to recommend to my readers, however. You’re welcome!
Ok! I’d love to know when you find out more info and do a post on them. I’m definitely going to be heading to NAN for my blends now since it’ll be easier.
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Hello Adrienne! I just wanted to let you know that I just got back from NAN. I met Paul and his staff and he gave us a tour of the store. That place is amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and I left with the Basic set one, Defense and an extra 15ml Lavender for my dogs. I am drinking some of the lemon oil in water and it is fabulous! I can’t wait to try the rest of the oils in the set. I told Paul that I took the long way around but in the end was thrilled to have found your blog and then finding him. And the fact that he is right in my own backyard was even more amazing. Thanks so much!
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So glad to hear this. Thanks for taking the time to share!
I am not by any means trying to change your mind, I think you have found the absolute best company for you. But I also don’t want potential doterra consumers being unintentionally mislead into thinking doTERRA is like all the other mlm’s…your response was “but I still have my concerns about the “hidden fees” in the bonuses that the MLM’s offer (taking points out for using your points, charging for cutting a check, etc.), and for their overpriced shipping.” I have been with 7 different mlm’s in the past 20 years and doTERRA by far has the most outstanding compensation plan. I have never been rewarded with free product just for buying from the company I work for. As for taking points out for using points..I don’t know what that means, obviously if you use your Free points for FREE product you will have less FREE points.
*Charging check fees, IPC’s have the option to get checks or have their earnings put into an AR account. Its only fair if you choose the first option to pay for your own checks $1.95
…that is a common business practice.
*and over priced shipping, gas prices are high and shipping rates have increase all over the world, $9.99 for standard shipping is not unreasonable when many mLm’s charge 10% of your purchase…. Again Adrienne you’ve done a great job and you have chosen the best company both financially and physically for YOUR family. I just want to make sure doTERRA is properly defended.
Blessings
Shannon, I don’t mind really, if you are trying to change my mind
. That’s what conversations are often about when they are around information. I am sorry, by the way, for taking awhile to get back to you. I have had tons of things going on and like emails, sometimes the more “weighty” comments get under a pile and then I don’t get to them. So in that sense, thanks for the reminder.
I will address your comments:
1. Every time I used my points w/ DT or YL there was a charge for doing so. Right now I don’t remember the specifics, but I was surprised. I never got a check from DT but I was surprised that it would cost $1.95 to get a check. I don’t understand why there would be a charge like that. There was one w/ YL as well and I thought that strange. If I remember correctly, there was a fee either w/ both companies or just one, for turning my free points into products. I don’t recall how much that was at this point. If need be, I could maybe call and find out.
2. As for shipping, I am painfully aware of how much shipping costs have increased. However, the price for shipping of oils from both YL and DT is quite a bit more than what I pay to ship the same amount of items from my home. When I initially started w/ DT I think it was $9.95 to get oils on the monthly order program. That is exorbitant and if I remember correctly, that is the charge even if you only get 1 oil. I can ship one oil for about $2 from my home. It used to be $1.98 but might be $2.10 right now.
When I asked DT reps about it, on 2 separate occasions, I was told that they were working on it and that businesses were charged more than residential customers. So I called UPS and FedEx and they both said that that is not true. It didn’t make sense to me.
I had DT reps tell me (I think I have copies of the emails) that they felt the DT shipping was too much as well, so I am not the only person who feels this way and recently another rep from either YL or DT complained to me about the overcharge for shipping.
If you think I have misrepresented something, please share but I really don’t think that I have. Thanks for the encouraging words.
Adrienne,
We have been using NAN’s Relief oil for years. While I use a bunch of different brands, I am continually impressed with just how good Relief is. I’m excited to hear your results as well.
I am not affiliated with NAN in any way, just a long time user, but I get all my friends Relief as a baby-shower gift. I’m absolutely convinced using it prevented the onset of thrush and mastitis in early breastfeeding (as both set in the day after I ran out of oil).
NAN is a great, great company and I’m glad to hear they came out on top!
How interesting! What a great gift! Have all of your friends used it?
I just read through all 7 post in this series and I am wondering if you checked into NOW foods essential oils or Eden’s Garden brands. I’ve purchased some doTerra essential oils and NOW foods oils in the past. I’ve really wanted to buy more oils, but I’ve been really overwhelmed with information floating around the web about purity and other things you thankfully addressed in your writings.
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Yes, I did. I looked at so many companies and of course, can’t do everything, but I am very happy w/ the company I chose. As I have time I hope to have a few more recommendations.
Hello!!! Wow. Thank you thank you for all of your endless hours of research as well as taking the time to share your findings. I’ve used EO on and off for the last 10 years. In recent months, I began diving into them more whole heartedly.
However, at my husband’s prompting, I began to do some research to find out which company was truly using the right methods, ingredients, etc. And holy cow, you just saved me a TON of time and energy. I also started with YL, have been exploring doTerra, was investigating Eden and Rocky Mountain tonight when I found your blog! I’m sooo very glad I did. Thank you thank you thank you.
You are soooo welcome! Stick around. More to come from NAN and RM
. Did you catch the discount?
Adrienne,
I’m sooo glad to finally read your results, I have been following it for awhile, unfortunately I’m to late for the discount, but I placed an order anyway… Couple of questions, and forgive my ignorance if you had already stated this.. How did you come across NAN in the first place,(there are soooo many oil companies out there). And I have read some places that oils are only good for 1 to 2 years, but someone just told me the other day that they never go bad, I know some get better with age, (at least that is what I’ve heard) what have you heard from the oil companies you’ve talked with? Thank you for all of your time and effort you have put into this blog….
Hi there. A reader recommended them so I checked them out. Simple as that. From what I have read and heard, oils do not go rancid, but some will become less potent with age. There are some heavy wax-content oils that might go bad, but they are few.
As far as getting better w/ aging, I haven’t heard that but NAN ages their peppermint to take away some of the herby smell without adulterating.
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I came across your blog while researching essential oils. I checked out the NAN oils on their site. They carry blends “NEAT”. When I searched through each “NEAT” blend, the first three were “NEAT”. All of the rest had the carrier oil fractionated coconut oil. So I emailed them to enquire about the “NEAT” with carrier oils,(which doesn’t make them neat). They responded that it is a mistake. However, they haven’t changed it on their website, meaning removed the carrier oil from each of the “NEAT” oils ingredient lists. I’m hoping it’s just a mistake. I want to buy their blends and hesitate until I see on the site that the “NEAT” blends show no carrier oil.
Young Living claims no carrier oils yet in their blends there are 12 blends that have a carrier oil, one of which the carrier oil is the first ingredient. Blends are more expensive than single oils so I want my blends without carrier oils. I’ve bought doTerra oils and am becoming less interested. The past few lemon bottles lose their smell before I’m half way through the bottle and the oil becomes thickened. And I must admit the info you shared about the peppermint dilution is bothersome. As far as the NAN oils, I would like to order some. I just want the “NEAT” issue resolved. Thanks for your research.
I just talked w/ the owner and he said for sure if you buy the neat oils they are for sure neat w/ no carrier oils. Please shoot me an email at wholenewmom at gmail telling me which ones you are concerned about and I can get the info to them. They’ve got a lot going on so they aren’t trying to hide anything…just slow on site changes
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I will say that NAN’s peppermint smells GREAT and it wasn’t messed with…simply aged for one year.
I just re-read my post. I need to clarify my peppermint comment. “And I must admit the info you shared about the peppermint dilution is bothersome.” It sounded like I may have referred to NAN’s peppermint. I was referring to doTerra’s. Must have been having a conversation with only one side of my brain. What I needed to write is what you shared about your research about doTerra’s peppermint is disturbing, that it is the “complete” distillation and not the 1st. I am not bothered by NAN’s peppermint aging. I would like to check theirs out.
It would be great if doTerra would be open about the distilling rating. I will send an e-mail about the blends. For now all except for the first three “NEAT” blends show fractionated coconut oil in one form or another. I checked every single “NEAT” blend because Young living distributors are so adamant about there being no carrier oils in their oils. I looked at every single YL blend, 75, and 11 or 12 have carrier oils and one of those the first ingredient is a carrier oil. With NAN, if they are redoing their site, it may very well be that it’s an unfinished cut and paste issue from their regular blends(71) to the “NEAT” blends(37).
Oh I understood your comment. I hope you understood mine
. I will email NAN about the issue as well – thanks!
I was wondering what oils you recommend for Crohns disease and arthritis?
I just heard this from the owner of Native American Nutritionals:
I am very sad and disheartened that you have not posted any more of my comments defending the false information your insinuating about doterra in your thread. Experienced essential oilers in my circle are all agreeing that you have not truly given a non biased review/observation since you are now being compensated…I am very disappointed that I read this in its entirety to come to this conclusion.
Hi again, Shannon. Again, sorry for the delay for the reply to your first message.
So I explained why I hadn’t posted your comment. I am, myself, disheartened that you and others have thought that I wasn’t publishing comments b/c I wanted to hide something. That is completely not the case. And I was not sharing false information. I appreciate your passion for your company, but to come out and say that I am sharing false info is a little bit abrasive. I really take my word seriously and though I may (ahem..do) make mistakes, I will not spread false info on purpose. That’s a promise.
I am also disheartened that you and “experienced essential oilers” think that I haven’t given a non biased review b/c I am being compensated. Again, I was a YL rep and tried very hard to recruit for both YL and DT and thought I was doing the best thing then. I can share emails of the ladies whom I contacted trying to get them to sign up. Just because I have an affiliate relationship w/ NAN doesn’t mean I am being biased. You can have copies of my emails to NAN if you would like to see some to see the length to which I have gone to examine their business practices, and you could see copies of my phone log to see how long I have talked to make sure I was comfortable with them.
You and the “oilers in your circle” are being compensated by doTERRA, so I am not sure why your situation in any different than mine. In fact, I know that one of the doTERRA reps who is in the limelight, is now making over $8,000/month going around the country talking about DT. Now that is some serious money. I assure you that I am not making that much. If I wanted to make a killing, maybe I should have chosen doTERRA. I saw that income information and have repeatedly heard how much doTERRA reps can make and yet I walked away from it because I thought it was the right thing to do.
If anything, I think that speaks loudly about the fact that I try very hard to have integrity regarding what and whom I recommend.
I plan to do a series on heavy metal toxicity and adrenal health soon and much of the series will be with a practitioner w/ whom I have no financial affiliate relationship. I just think she’s great.
I am not sure what you mean by your last sentence. Maybe you can clarify and I will try to respond more quickly this time
. Thanks again for reading.
I ordered from NAN bumping up to the $250 mark to get the free Neroli 15 ml. Basically in the same way I have over ordered with YL! BUT, the Neroli is awesome, I would have never tried it otherwise. As far as the other oils I ordered, I am not wowed at the sniff – so I am a little bummed. I remember when I got my YL starter kit that I was swaying with delight as a sniffed away over and over. This is not the case with any of the NAN, except for the Neroli that I could sniff all day long. The Geranium is good, but the Rose blend I’m not fond of. I am going to bring the NAN oils to a friend who has been into EOs a long time, a variety of companies & has a “good nose” for the oils. At this point, I don’t think I would replace like for like & make the switch out of YL to NAN. The oils I ordered are mostly new ones to my collection, so I can’t compare. Should have gotten Lemon & Lavender – those I use often & the comparison would have been valuable. Anyone else try NAN & compare to YL?
in my post or can i edit after it posts? please change YL starter kit to YL essential oil kit thanks
Hi Mary. Which oils did you order? I personally don’t think being “wowed” at the smell is necessarily a test of how good the oils are. In fact, there are many companies adulterating their oils in order to make them more pleasing scent-wise. If you ever see a company saying that their oils don’t vary in smell from batch to batch, they are adulterating–even if it just means they are blending diff oils together to get the same, consistent smell. The most typical oil in this case, would be lavender 40/42 which I just learned is for soap making, etc. only — it is mostly made up or synthetic lavender.
I am glad to hear that you like the neroli. I haven’t ever used it and it was a very nice offer. I mentioned in my post that when I compared YL to the other companies in my collection that we felt there was a chemical overtone to the YL. I don’t know how else to describe it.
I really appreciate you reading and feel free to share more. If you have concerns, please take them to NAN – I know they would like to answer any questions you may have.
Hi Mary, I did that comparison and described it in my post today. Sorry I didn’t see your comment before now, there are so many responses here!
Thanks Adriene, appreciate your response. I really don’t like perfumery smells, and am very sensitive to chemicals – I can get a headache, stiff neck etc. just walking PAST a Body Shop!! So I should be able to detect chemical alterations of oils. Hard to describe one’s take on EO’s. For me, the oils resonate in a certain way, as if the body knows that they can heal. Not very scientific, but that’s part of my analysis. For oils I ordered from NAN Helichrysum & Foraha, Breathe EZ, Blue Tansy, Bergamot FCF, Spice Traders, Clary Sage, Geranium, Tummy Rub, Cedarwood Himalaya, oops, I did get a Lemon (so I can compare). Then the Neroli gifted. Haven’t had time to give it more thought than the first reaction, so when I do, I’ll be back. I see my massage therapist friend on Monday & will bring them. I am keeping an open mind & appreciate all your time into this, since I have no such time!! Thanks!
Hi Mary. Well, I will say that I love their Spice Traders and a friend has killed her sinus infections with it. I loved Thieves but for reasons I disclosed I decided to go w/ NAN. I think I shared another reader’s experience w/ the Breathe EZ that was simply amazing. Check just above you on the comments to see that. I think their helichrysm is likely very good. I haven’t used the others but I loved how Mr. Dean explained the Bergamot to me. I get the same way about Body Shops. ick!!! I didn’t have that reaction to YL and in fact, is was my husband who picked out the chemically smell. It was very faint but there. I sensed something. I will not say that I would have sensed it without comparing, except I never liked YL’s Purification, lavender, or Joy. Valor either. I had those bad reactions to those. Like the Body Shop thing.
Keep in touch.
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Hi Adrienne!
Do you know anything about this site?
http://www.ingredientstodiefor.com/
THANKS!!
Never heard of it. Is there something in particular you are interested in? They have some icky chemicals it looks like so I don’t know if I am interested
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Well, I found a recipe for Lip Balm there and along with the bees wax, shea butter, etc., they also sell oils and so I was wondering if if would be worthwhile getting them all there at once. And since you have been doing your research, you might now what to look for.
Personally I wouldn’t purchase essential oils there since it appears they are selling chemicals that aren’t good for you. It seems counter intuitive to me. I am looking at another supplier of things like the butters. For now, I would really recommend Mountain Rose Herbs over a place that sells that kind of stuff. Might be a little more money, but you are getting decent quality and supporting a company that cares about quality. I hope to offer another company or 2 to you all soon.
Do you know anything about this one: Original Swiss Aromatics?
I have heard of them but haven’t reviewed them yet.
(Last one, I promise)…
Any suggestions on Ananda Apothecary?
I talked about them a lot in the comments. They offered free shipping to a reader for a positive review, which I consider to be unethical and if I recall, they are using solvents in some of their oils where they don’t need to and I don’t think that is a good practice either. I for sure think that there are other good oils companies out there besides just NAN, but is there a reason you aren’t happy w/ the company I am recommending, if I might ask?
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
Hi, I was trying to find information about essential oils and came across your website. Thank you so much for the wonderful information. I’ve checked out doTERRA and Mountain Rose. I am on a limited income and mountain rose looked really good, but if you can’t ingest it, than I really don’t want to rub it onto my skin.
I have a question. What would you recommend to heal teeth and gum problems? I also suffer from a bad back and very cold feet in the winter. Is there an essential oil that will help me with these problems.
Thank you for all your wonderful information. I’ve bookmarked this site so I can read all the past comments on this fascinating subject.
Like I said, I can’t figure out MRH’s situation w/ the oils. I think we are going to have another discount available soon, so unless you need the oils immediately, you could wait for that
. I have personally used clove and oregano on my teeth issues and have swished those w/ coconut oil and have been really pleased. I can look for info for the others for you. Thank you!
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
Thank you Adrienne. I have rubbed melaleuca on my gums and that has helped. For back pain, I’ve got a small bottle of deep blue, but is it so expensive that I only it when my back is really hurting. These are products from doTERRA, but I would like to find a different place that is a little cheaper. Native American Nutritionals has many different oils, most cheaper than doTERRA and it is hard to choose what to get.
Please email me and I can get you a list of comparable NAN blends if you need it. I think the owner just told me they are coming out w/ a Deep Blue lookalike very soon.
Here is the response from the owner at NAN. I hope this helps:
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
Thank You Adrienne for the information. It helps me so much. I do occasionally take supplements, but I really don’t know what to take anymore. Sometimes the vitamins make me sick and it does not matter whether I eat first or not.
Good to hear. Let me know if you need anything else.
Hi Adrienne,
Per e-mail. I placed an order with NAN the other day and received it today. I ordered the US peppermint, the India peppermint, wintergreen, and Serenity. The peppermint and wintergreen ….Lovely! The wintergreen, very interesting and pomegranate pink in color, who knew! Apparently wintergreen EO is pink or yellow in color. I smelled the peppermint and wintergreen of NAN and doTerra, and mind you I like the dT peppermint and especially the wintergreen. After smelling the NAN oils, I can hardly stand the smell of dT peppermint and wintergreen now. In fact I was “olfactory” smelling them again today thinking “Is that what I really smelled?” and was on the verge of nausea with the doTerra. I do want to purchase YL peppermint and wintergreen for my own comparison testing.
I like a little bit of herbal or woodsy smell in oils. They come from plants, makes sense. If 1st distillation and less processing of an EO means it may have a woodsy smell, I’ll take the earthy woodsy.
I love the NAN Serenity Copal blend, just want to keep smelling it. I’m going to repeat that, I want to keep smelling it. (Perhaps I need it). Make it a beautiful day!
Hi Joan – what a great testimony! I have to say that I use the Serenity every night in my diffuser and I find it very soothing. I have YL wintergreen and peppermint if you’d like to get them at cost from me
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I think the NAN herby smell is really minimal since they age it for a year to get the excess herby smell off. I think it’s just “perfect.” So glad to hear this. It really warms my heart!
Hi Adrienne, just sharing this info.
I have been checking out doTerra for the past two years. Because of the controversy and court case between doTerra and Young Living I have been compelled to question and research EO company’s and gather grading information and what makes an oil adulterated. My first experience with EO’s was with friends using YL EO’s for emotional healing some 15 years ago. If memory serves me, that’s about the main reason YL developed them in the first place. Haven’t had that experience with doTerra. It’s not that dT oils are “bad”. I just wonder that they process them more than what they say to make them “safer” and ingestible.
I came across a site some time ago with a list of EO grading standards. I thought I saved it and apparently didn’t. So this is it from memory.
EOBBD – use Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. Standard developed in France that Dana Young(BeYoung EO)uses. No longer exists in France.
Gas Chromatography can be manipulated by what a person requests one site reads.
British something or other- only has to have 2% of an essential oil to be considered pure.
Germanic – strictly olfactory
French therapeutic (something or other)- medical, healing physical, emotional and mental by topical and aroma
AFNOR – Perfume industry (established by France)
Enfleurage or Absolute depending on the method and substance.Used to extract essential oils that can’t be extracted by distillation
Remember the above is from memory. Still looking for the site.
With that being said, FDA standards are so “loose” with some things and over the top with others. For example, a loaf of bread that has 100% whole wheat on the package only has to have 51% whole wheat to be considered whole wheat by FDA standards. The rest can be white “wheat” flour. Can you imagine what will happen once the FDA gets its hands on the essential oil industry? Yikes!
Your memory is pretty good. I have heard some similar things. If you find more info please share
. I think some regulation is good….I think…but I am not keen on the gov’t getting involved all over the place. Enough.
I posted the other day about my order placed with NAN. Update – I put a drop of Neroli in my pendant necklace (meant for EOs), it has a small felt piece that go into the locket – it was very potent! The potency stayed – in fact, now, 8 hrs later it’s still strong. Isn’t that unusual? All EOs I’ve used seem to fade off minutes later on the skin, and in my necklace the scent becomes very faint in a relatively small period of time (I will need to do a trial run today with another potent oil so I can note the timing accurately).
A couple hours into wearing it, I got a nagging headache. I’m not sure what to think? I am disappointed & concerned. I’ll call Paul Dean from NAN today. I have to be very careful – my 4 yr old granddaughter has Leukemia (diagnosed 12/2012) – I wear the necklace with oils when I visit daily. I actually got into EOs more seriously because of her challenge.
I think it’s important to share this with you, the whole experience. Interested in your input too. I will keep you informed. Thanks Adrienne.
Thanks, Mary. I did talk w/ Mr. Dean…not about the headache but about the Neroli. He said it is a very expensive oil from the flowers of the orange tree (if I remember correctly) and it is very “perfumey” which is why many ladies like it. I would give him a call if you need anything. I have no personal experience w/ Neroli.
i understand why it took you so long to write these posts, and i really appreciate the time you took to do such an investigative reporter-type of blog series on essential oils! i’m just starting to get into them and this has been SO HELPFUL! i’m glad i didn’t start reading almost a year ago when you started because it would’ve been hard for me to be patient with your decision. however, i’m totally bummed i missed out on their deal!
boo!!!
thanks again, i really do appreciate it.
t
Hi there. Hang in there….more coming and maybe a sale too
. Thanks for the encouragement. I know. It was awful. I was really agonizing over what to do and wasn’t sure where I was going. And finally got it to where I felt good enough to post. 
PS. would you please email me that comparison of NAN’s blends with doTERRA’s? that would be helpful for me.
mamaT recently posted..do NOT trust your heart…
Done
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I was just looking for the comparison list too – I’d love one as well. Thank you!
Did you email me? Sorry – I’ve been swampolahed here.
I did – thanks for responding already
. Appreciate it!
I cannot believe I just read every single comment. wow. Im sleepy now. I just checked back today to see if you had made you final reccomendation, I think I came across your blog around part 5, someone had posted a link in a group I am in and I am very interested is essential oils. I have used them for a while and recently signed on with Doterra, however some of the things you have mention, high shipping, etc, have put me off a little. Mainly because when I only need and want to buy one product i have to pay 50% more for shipping and I have been wanting to see if there was something out there of comparable quality. I missed the sale you coupon you posted, by a couple weeks. However I just ordered some 5 ml bottles of the oils I use most regularly, to try them out and compare personally with the oils I have. I am so excited to get them! I have been looking forward to this post for some time. Thank you for all the work you put in! I really have enjoyed reading all of this information and input from you on the different companies. I use essential oils for so many things. To help with mood, to treat common ailments, in body products,and to make house hold cleaners. I wouldnt mind having one or two places where I can buy oils I trust. So now (hopefully after I try them) you have helped me add another place to find high quality essential oils from a company with ethical practices and high standards. Although I concur the website could use a little work. My husband is a web developer and I am kind of picky about things like that. I do love that they offer different sizes though, and even specific countries of origin.
I am curious why they dont have french or bulgarian lavender though, since I thought those were two places where lavender is indigenous. Maybe Im wrong, do you know anything about that?
Thank you again!
They are working on their site and there is more info, etc. to come. France is apparently where a ton of adulterating of lavender is going on. I have heard from several folks that France is selling more lavender than they grow there. True? I am not sure.
Bulgaria I don’t know about. I will ask.
I am soooo thankful that I came across your site searching for Young Living Thieves because of a small mold problem on the ceiling in our bathroom right over the shower. My problem at the moment is that I have read to use a diffuser for the mold problem, and I found the Young Living Thera pro diffuser on Ebay for less than half of the price that Young living is selling it for. It has a cosmetic defect, but I’m ok with that. I like the idea of just attaching the bottle and letting the diffuser do it’s thing. However I am not opposed to trying the breeze diffuser from NAN since it is about $20 cheaper. I definaltely plan on trying the spice traders from NAN per your recommendation. Just wondering if you had any thoughts on the diffuser and the spice traders for mold? Also not sure if the bottles from NAN would fit another diffuser? I feel kind of bad adding another Question/comment to your thousands of comments, but after reading your articles and comments I would value you opinion.
I can’t make a determination about if it would work for you but it seems like it’s worth a shot from successes I have read that others have had. I would think the ST should be very similar. The bottles should be the same but the YL Thera Pro I decided against. It really sucks the oil and uses a ton from what I heard from YL folks. I would try the NAN one personally.
Does that help? I am eager to try the NAN once myself.
Thks for all the legwork. I was just about to give YL my business when I found your info. I am sorry I read this several weeks too late. I found YL on my Amazon Prime as well, but I am seriously interested in this NAN now and will contact them.
Oh, no worries. Hang around – there is going to be a lot more to learn – thanks!! You can use my code 90166 or tell them I sent you when you do call. I would so appreciate it!
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
I sent off an order to NAN for melalueca and tea tree oil. I sent them an email asking what the difference is between these two oils, but didn’t receive a response. I thought they were the same. They are cheaper than doTERRA. I know I was shocked on doTERRA when I saw my final bill, after they added taxes and S&H. I really wanted to add spice traders to my cart, but I didn’t have enough money. Maybe they will soon have a sale and then I can afford it.
My other question to NAN was about their I-See-U in the corpal blends section. My son’s and my eyesight is not the best and I wondered if this would help improve our eyesight? Do you have any information on this blend?
Hmmm…I thought tea tree and melaleuca were the same as well – are they listed separately on their site? I agree w/ the shipping at DT.
I just bought the I See U. Mr. Dean said that some have had cataracts reversed and I believe he said some people’s eye sight improved. I am hoping to see changes in my farsightedness.
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
They are both listed separately. The melalueca was $3.00 cheaper than the Tea tree oil.
I would so much rather be farsighted than nearsighted. Please let me know if you notice any improvements.
Prayers going out for you to feel better.
I just saw that they have 2 different latin names so I look forward to learning the answer with you!
Here’s the initial response I got from Mr. Dean: Tea Tree is a more harsh, stronger oil and Melaluca is a more mild, every day use oil.
Interesting, eh? Learning something new every day.
Here is more on the melaleuca and tea tree, from the owner at NAN:
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
Thank you for getting that information. They never did respond to my emails, and I even asked them the question on their website right below the product name where is said, “Question about this product.”
I ordered both oils. I’ve been using the melaleuca, but then I started wondering if my body would become used to it and it would no longer work. Of course,I only used one bottle so far. Do you know how long you can use an oil twice daily before you should change it to a different oil?
I have never heard of oils not working b/c of getting used to them. Where did you hear that?
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
It was on one of my Facebook friends page for a doterra group. They never got a response to it from anyone in the group and I was wondering if essential oils were like medicine and aspirin. That your body gets used to it after a while and it stops working.
How are you doing by the way? I hope you are feeling better and less hurting from your injuries.
Never heard of it but I’ll ask.
Thanks for asking. Woke up w/ a bad headache and finally went to the chiropractor. Guess I’ll shell out more $$ and get better hopefully!
Here’s the response from the owner of NAN.
And thanks. Feeling a little better. Back to the chiropractor tomorrow.
Twitter: Amelia2325
says:
Thank you, that is good information to know. I’m glad your feeling a little better. I do hope by now you are feeling lots better.
Thank you. Still having issues w/ my arms and some headaches today but quite a bit better. Thanks.
Do you know anything about White Lotus Aromatics? They have a Ruh Khus Vetiver from India. I did research on Vetiver and from my understanding of it the Ruh Khus from Northern India, which is green in color, is supposed to be the best. White Lotus Aromatics has this oil. I am so new to Essentials and have very little knowledge. Waiting on books I’ve ordered to hopefully shed some light on them. This Was the Company I was considering ordering from. So any information would be helpful. Thank You. Sincerely, Pamela Brown
Hi Pamela. I heard back from the owner of Native American on this. Here is his response:
Generally I found Ruh Khus Vetiver to be nice but expensive. I did not think it worth the money. As for the “best” it may or may not be a marketing hype. There are so many different grades of vetiver. I have seen some very bad Ruh Khus quality and some great stuff. I personally found some really nice vetiver from Haiti for less money and I would put it as the same as the Ruh Khus.
If you end up buying from NAN I would still appreciate your mentioning me as your referrer. Thanks in advance!
Thank you so much for doing this research. it has been very helpful. I’ve been using EO for years. My first intro was through YL but as a poor college student I couldn’t justify the price. I have since then started to regularly use Mountain Rose which I do love but haven’t felt comfortable using many of their oils directly on my skin like I did with YL. But i have happily diluted them or diffused them and used them in my own homemade lotions and personal care products.
I have a friend who recently became a DT rep and their marketing strategies are SOOOOO good that I feel i NEED to have their oils. But for about a month I’ve been happily using their oils and thinking it would be nice to make a few bucks. But I really dislike MLM. I think it’s unfair they jack up their prices so several people can mak money off each sale. And I question their origins. And most of their reps have no background in EO, their first introduction was through DT so they don’t really know about oils. They know what DT has told them.
I’m looking into NAN and I LOVE how you can buy 5ml sizes! Drives me nuts you can only get smaller sizes from DT in a package.
To those of you worried about Shamans and “witchcraft,” I have one thing to say: no one is forcing you to buy these oils! Feel free to shop elsewhere! This is Adrienne’s blog and she’s free to do as she pleases! Sheesh!
Thanks, Dee. I am OK w/ MLMs but the other issues became too burdensome for me. I think the extra price is “fair” but it just wasn’t working for me on several levels. I don’t know that the info coming from DT is accurate and that concerns me.
Regarding the 5ml sizes, I love that as well.
And the Shaman issue I think has been completely put to rest in the comments. Mr. Dean joined w/ Nemenhah for health protection, not for spiritual reasons and he said that his contact has been very little over the past few years. He is taking steps to remove his connections from his site. I think that explains it sufficiently. Thanks for your encouragement!
Oh I forgot to ask- what were your final thoughts on some of the other companies? I couldn’t find anything as in-depth as what you posted about NAN. I saw you didn’t find conclusive things about MRH, but what about the other ones? Thanks again for doing all this research!!
Not sure which ones you are referring to. I in no way can touch on all of the companies out there. It is just too much work. As I can I will touch on others but this has been thoroughly exhausting and I am injured now and trying to heal.
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Oh I wasn’t specific was I? I was referring to the other ones you researched. But I can see you’re exhausted. No worries
Hi Dee. I looked into so many that it’s pretty extensive now. I promise that I will look into more as I have time, but really I am very pleased with my choice. I am using their peppermint and lemongrass on my injuries. I am also trying “I See U” for farsightedness. Should be interesting
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Very cool! Again, I really appreciate this!
Hi Adrienne, I can’t find the Question I asked a few days ago so, please accept my apology in advance for asking again. I have researched Vetiver because I have a child with Autism and I heard positive things about it. My Understanding was the one from North India and Green in Color is the best. I found a company that offers this Vetiver. It is White Lotus Aromatics. I was wondering if you knew anything about that company or the Information on the Green Ruh Khus / Vetiver? Any Information would be appreciated. Thank You in advance.
Trying to find out – I have a concussion and some injuries – thanks for you patience.
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Bless Your Heart. I hope You get Better soon. Take Your Time to heal. That is your priority. Sincerely Take Care.
Thank you!!!
Wow, Adrieene! What a TON of research you have done! I actually can’t believe how quickly you did it… it would have taken me 10 years.
I did notice that their blends were already mixed with carrier oils. That is really the only thing that bums me, as I like to choose my own carrier oil, and I really feel that cold pressed coconut oil has so many more benefits than the fractionated coconut oil. What are your thoughts on this? I apologize if this has been addressed at some point. I have tried to read the myriad of comments on your posts, but I may have missed one.
I am fairly new to essential oils, so this series of posts have been extremely helpful to me, as I have really poured over them the last week or so. I am excited to try NAN. I have spent quite a load over the past six months on various oils/ several companies, so I will have to wait until NAN has another sale. SOO bummed that I missed it.
Anyway, just wanted to say “Thank you” for all of your research. I am a new reader and have turned over many new “leaves” over the past two years as far as whole/clean/ healthy lifestyle is concerned. Essential Oils is the latest addition to our family’s arsenal of healthy choices. Looking forward to catching up on your blog… reading old post and anticipating new ones.
Peace, Blessings, and Wellness!
HI – you are likely the first person to say that I did this “quickly.” Big hug from me!
As for the sale, hang tight….
They have neat and blended. If that isn’t fixed on their site, let me know and I can tell them or you can call and ask them to change it.
I am OK w/ either oil just b/c the liquid is easier to work with. No other thoughts at present.
Thanks for the good wishes.
Adrienne,
Needless to say, your blog has helped me decide. I have friends who use both DO and YL and I was about to make a purchase from one of them before the end of the month. I still may but will definitely be looking at NAN as a serious consideration…especially since they buy from farms in third world countries. (Do they have any in Guatemala or Honduras? I’ve lived in both and LOVE the people…my husband’s from Guatemala! lol)
So much wonderful research and so much time! I want to thank you for doing all of this research for me. All I had to do was read! I haven’t read through all of the comments yet, but want to so that I can learn from the questions that people asked in their comments on this post. I’ve used EOs here and there but really want to start using them and building up my medicine cabinet. I have two LOs and under and when they get sick, I would much rather use something for healing that comes from God rather than in a drug lab.
So another reason I’m just about sold on NAN is what the owner Mr. Dean said when you asked him about taking tea tree oil internally because of a question in one of the comments. The fact that he said that, “The quickest way for an oil to get into your blood stream is through the lungs. Just smelling the oils will rapidly get them into the blood” shocked me. He makes no money off of people just smelling his oils. That’s integrity. Wow. It may take me a while to read through the rest of the comments but I hope to do so as I see you’ve posted other comments/advice from him. Thank you so much for doing this.
When I do make my purchases, I want to make sure I get the most out of the oils I buy. I’m pretty green when it comes to this so I need some guidance. You probably already have my next question posted on your blog somewhere so you can just direct me there if you want. What are the most common and most used oils, ones that are “must haves”? And is there any kind of reliable “quick guide” book that I can purchase so I’ll know how to use them? I know you mentioned that you wanted to do a EOs 101 so I’ll be looking forward to that. I hope I haven’t missed it! Anyway, thank you again for all of your work! I’m pretty excited about getting started!
Thanks, Nancy. You are so right – he makes nothing off of folks smelling them. Of course, if you diffuse them…
I haven’t done the EO 101 yet. I got a concussion this past week and haven’t been moving too fast and now I am going to the chiropractor which takes time…
For books, I have a few in my Amazon cart that I should buy, but check out this one on this post about Thieves. I have it and enjoy it.
Adrienne,
Hi from your newest fan! I wanted to thank you for your investigations into these oil companies. I recently started up with one of the MLMs and was perhaps a little brainwashed by their marketing into thinking they were the be-all and end-all. Fortunately I found your blog when I was googling oil recipes, and decided to give NAN a go, based on your recommendations.
After the oils finally arrived – I was getting a bit worried because I’m in Australia and hadn’t received any despatch/tracking info – I noticed that they smelled different to the MLM ones I already had (lemon, lavender and peppermint specifically). The NAN lemon smells like real lemon peel, the peppermint isn’t as mentholly(?), and the lavender is much more subtle. I started using the NAN lemon oil in my water because it tasted so much better. So now that my eyes have been opened (thanks to you!), I’ll be purchasing the NAN oils predominantly in future, even though it means giving up a potential passive income stream. Like your good self, I just can’t bring myself to recommend something that I don’t believe is the real deal.
Thank you again for your hard work, and I look forward to reading more of your recommendations!
Wow – thank you so much! And you’re in Australia! I have relatives there. Would love to visit…..Anyway, I love the peppermint from NAN, don’t you? Mr. Dean told me it’s aged 1 year to have a less herby smell w/o adulterating. I used the lemon in my citrus body wash and I love how it smells. I am not saying the other companies aren’t real, but it seems there were so many things that weren’t adding up. Anyway, more to come! Stay tuned!
This is so timely! I am just getting serious about EOs and really enjoyed your series! Thank you! From a response he gave you I realized he is within 2 hours of me, so I can still feel like I am ‘buying local’. Can you give more information about the partnership between NAN and RMO? I was confused by what their partnership meant, same product or what?
Thanks You!
Same products and now working together – I am not sure as far as what point they are in their merger but they are going to be joined as a company as far as I know. I haven’t checked to see if they will both have all the same supplements but the oils should be the same – I will check. Good question!
I don’t have a URL, I don’t think. I’m impressed by your research and I too have found people from other companies are quiet critical of the company I am with. All I had to do was ask them a few questions to find out that they were not learning what they needed to from their company about the oils. They have learned that YL is evil but they really can’t tell you why.
I’m amazed at the badgering you have received that absolutely makes no sense when you look at all the facts. Just sour grapes.
Excited to look into NAN. I am open to new information.
Take care.
~M~
What MLM are you working with, if I may ask. Thanks for the encouragement! Planning more on oils and maybe another sale – but if you happen to order from them please mention me. It helps me keep this blog going – thanks!
Oh I wanted to ask you if you had any information on Forever Green Oils?
~M~
Never really looked at them, but at first glance I don’t see sourcing info about organic and wild crafted or not. Maybe I am missing it?
Hi. I just started reading through your EO findings only a few days ago. I can’t believe how rude and malicious some of those comments were towards you. It is so not the pathway of thinking healthy and well balanced. I also completely agree about buying from smaller companies. It has always been the experience that the best quality comes from the little guys. France is going through a horrible drought. Because of that a lot of oil companies are having to wait for their drums. If Doterra or any other company can keep it rolling in and smelling the same with every bottle then something’s not right. Every plant is slightly different and even smells different. If every bottle of peppermint smells the same (or any other oil for that matter) then something’s up. I know that my source is getting her stuff from what the earth is providing right now. Also, there are more essential oil companies than there are distillers, so companies are using the same distillers. That means that doterra’s, young living’s and many others’ oils (note: not all oils, but maybe frankincense and lemon for example) are coming out of the same distiller! That one shocked me. Why pay big bucks for a name when you can buy the same product for less.
Thanks for all your hard work!! You got attacked, but light always stirs up darkness, don’t forget that!
Thanks for the info. You are so right about them using the same distillers. You think YL and DT are using the same? Their oils smell quite different so I am not sure unless one of them is doing something to the oils. Besides, YL distills their own from my understanding.
Thanks for the encouragement!
Wow, what a great series. Thanks for the exhaustive research and for looking at the big MLM companies in an unbiased way. I’m curious if you’re familiar with Aromatics International. They are another small supplier and have principles similar to NAN. I’ve been pretty happy with them. On a purely superficial note, their packaging is really nice with color coding and labels on the lids.
Thank you! I wasn’t aware of them but I notice they don’t state country of origin or note organic and/or wild-crafted so I think you would be getting a much better value w/ NAN…plus we might have another sale coming up
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I believe they do list this information on Aromatics International. Maybe you didn’t see it because it’s lower down on the page for each oil. If you go to any oil’s page, just scroll down and you’ll see a table labeled “Specifics”. In this table you’ll see the Country of Origin as well as “Cultivations” which shows organic, unsprayed or wild crafted. I’m sure NAN is great too, I just wanted to point out a company I love to work with.
I remembered you mentioned NAN may be creating an equivalent blend to DT’s Deep Blue…any word on that? Which would be better in the mean time – PainEZ or Sports Pro? I was getting ready to buy the Basic One Kit this week but if there may be a sale coming up I might just have to wait a bit longer…hopefully it won’t be too long though! Thanks so much for all the helpful info you provide and for replying to each person. Your connection to your readers has really amazed me!
I am checking for you. Sorry, but I don’t know about the sale. I got a concussion and now have the flu so I am swamped. Hang in there and thanks for the kind words!
Here is the response from the owner of NAN:
“It is one of our new oils that we are going to be selling soon. We are calling it “True Blue” because we use real red wintergreen ….not synthetic stuff……
It is a nice smelling oil and people will love it. The cost is $25.00 if someone wants it now. (I think doTerra sells theirs for $40.00 or so.) We will be having a special on it as soon as the labels arrive. We are going to have a special on all the new blends and the Sacred Frankincense.”
Yayyy . . . . I can hardly wait for this sale! I love all the NAN oils and this company! I have acquired over $500.00 in their oils since you announced that they were your choice. I am happy with all of them (except cumin smells REALLY bad LOL-but it isn’t because of NAN I don’t think, it’s just that cumin smells!)!
Stuff’s happening. It’s just that my life does too and I need to not wear myself out. Hang in there. Haven’t tried the cumin. But I love it….did you see my Chat Masala spice? Maybe you wouldn’t like it
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Oh–and if you decide to order now, I would so appreciate your using my referral code (90166). That costs you nothing more, but I get some help in keeping my blog going
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Hi Adrienne! I just wanted to thank you for sharing your research with us. I will often spends HOURS looking into “the best” of what ever it is I’m researching so I know how time consuming it can be. I have to say that what bothers me the most is essential oils being sold in MLM’s. Even if the oils are a good, solid product, it would be hard to find unbiased advice on selecting a brand because someone has a vested interest. I had a hard time finding reviews on different therapeutic grade oils. I noticed a lot of natural health blogs pushing YL (now I know why) and almost purchased some of their oils until I came across your blog. Thanks again!
You are so welcome. Well, I can’t say for sure that YL is bad, but there are so many reasons why I would rather work with NAN. Much better fit and IMO, better oils. Thanks and hope to see you around again! If you end up purchasing I would so appreciate your using my referral code. 90166. Helps keep me blogging and doesn’t cost you any more. Stay tuned for more on the oils
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Adrienne,
After posting my comment I decided to read through the other comments and check out NAN’s site. Unfortunately I do not think I will be purchasing from NAN. While they seem to be everything I want in an EO company, as a Christian I feel conflicted and cannot peacefully make a purchase. I am not looking for a debate nor am I asking for anything to be rectified but I am (patiently!) waiting for a few other recommendations! I am still so thankful for your time as I have learned a lot!
BTW – Mountain Rose Herbs appears to be a good quality distributor so I called them yesterday with a few questions. I was informed that they do NOT produce their oils in food grade facilities. Back to the drawing board!
HI Jeannie.
Thanks for commenting. Can you tell me what is bothering you? I hope to have more options but I think I’ve addressed a number of concerns with a lot of info but if there is something else I can help with please let me know.
I sent you an email…
Hi Adrienne,
Oh my…..sorry for your flu…i got it too…but not very badly…i think the thieves, oregano oil, grapefruit seed extract and raw garlic pills did the trick….i hope you feel better soon…
i finally see how to comment on your blog.
i have been researching oils for hours and of course do not come to your level at all. But my one question is about the Native Nutritionals Oils. i went to their page and of course i loved it. i know for a fact that i was a Native American in a previous incarnation so it really felt good. But with all that it is, is it therapeutic grade?….or am i wrong that the oils should be therapeutic grade?
i am so confused at this point even with your posts.
Seems there needs to be a very certain combination of elements, in the growing, in the distillation and in the grading??
i will not buy from YL……i know of them from years ago and i just don’t like the company…but they do say therapeutic on the label as well as organic…though i know now organic does not mean much to me…
anyway if to you therapeutic has no value i can honor that.
i am so confused i cannot even formulate a question but maybe when you feel better some thoughts about what i am saying here will come to you.
Blessings
Thank-you.
Hi there.
I for sure don’t purport to be an expert at all, but I am learning.
Re: therapeutic grade, that, as far as I know, is sort of a coined term and should mean pure oils w/o additives. So in that sense, yes, NAN’s oils are that. It would be oils that should be used for therapy and not for smell only.
I think that the most important thing, to me anyways, is looking at what I laid out about NAN. They add nothing and take nothing away (unless they need to– and, in that case, they disclose it). They are clear and up front about what they are doing.
If I find out differently at any time I will not recommend them any longer.
That for all the work. I can’t even imagine how long it all took and even to process it all and put it together. I have been using EO for about 6 months. I have been using AC and been fairly happy with them but really nothing to compare them to. So I can’t really comment on them. I have two different friends selling YL and DT, so was confused about those (and not a real big MLM fan). I will definitely look into this company.
I have a question about lemongrass oil. I have used it twice now. It makes my whole body itch and feel on fire. I put it on my feet. However, it makes my foot feel better. Not sure it is worth the tradeoff though
Do think it is a possibility of the brand? or probably just an allergic reaction in general? Has anyone else experienced this?
Here is the reply from the owner of Native American Nutritionals:
Thanks for you reply. I use peppermint fairly regularly and have never had a reaction to it. Though I have never put peppermint oil on my feet that I remember. But I do have some Epsom salts with peppermint oil in it and have never had a problem. Think I will not use it again.
My husband is very badly allergic to sage. I have had foot soaks with it (not sure it was the oil) and he would walk in the room and not be able to breathe. He would break out in a rash when the sage would get mowed near his house in San Diego. So I haven’t had any sage oils in the house either. Not sure it would cause a reaction or not??
I am not sure. I have heard that it is impossible to have an allergic reaction to the oils, but I don’t personally believe that. I think it’s less likely, but not impossible.