Essential oils have been around for centuries. The only difference now is they are manufactured on a larger scale. Touted for their broad abilities and DIY home remedies. From aiding a stomachache, removing toe fungus, and curing cancer. However, the science isn't matching up to the claims, and worse the idea to capitalize on essential oils has led to some pretty risky business moves and corruption. If you haven't heard of wellness multi-level marketing companies episode 7 dives into the false promise of alternative medicine and unethical business practices. A company called Young Living, started by Gary Young started in the 90s took off convincing people that essential oils were the cure to all their worries. Sadly, something more tragic lies behind the success of Young Living. Lies, unethical medical practice, false claims, and even death. 

Resources 

Stacey's story 

(Un)Well episode 1: Essential Oils . www.netflix.com. 2020. 

https://www.insider.com/woman-hospitalized-after-eating-essential-oils-had-swelling-rashes-2020-8

Young's Background 

 https://web.archive.org/web/20200729175749/https://www.businessinsider.com/young-living-gary-young-founder-essential-oils-2020-7

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D._Gary_Young

Young Living 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Living

MLM Research

Marguerite DeLiema, et al. Study of Multilevel Marketing: Profiling Participants and their Experiences in Direct Sales. AARP. 2018.

Scientific Literature on Essential Oils 

Valdivieso-Ugarte M, Gomez-Llorente C, Plaza-Díaz J, Gil Á. Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Essential Oils: A Systematic Review. Nutrients. 2019;11(11):2786. Published 2019 Nov 15. doi:10.3390/nu11112786

PDQ Integrative, Alternative, and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. Aromatherapy With Essential Oils (PDQ®): Patient Version. In: PDQ Cancer Information Summaries. Bethesda (MD): National Cancer Institute (US); August 16, 2022.

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/do-essential-oils-work-heres-what-science-says/