Integrity in the Essential Oils Industry

This blog post isn’t short.  It needed to have the information shared here to explain about the differences in essential oils, in companies & brands, in the integrity behind this market.

I want to share this, but I NEED to quote it word for word from a book I bought on Amazon.

“Natural Home Health Care using Essential Oils” by Dr Daniel Penoel, MD and Rose-Marie Penoel (wife).

“A PLEA FOR GENUINE CIVILITY (quoted, pg 11…)

“A lay person, or one new to the science and art of aromatherapy might not be directly concerned about-or even aware of- the fierce competition that exists between individuals, firms, teaching institutes and training schools involved in the industry.  The fact that it does exist has always been appalling to me.  It seems like such crude behavior for people involved with some of nature’s most refined and complex substances.  It is a disease, and no  essential oil has the power to “cure” it.  The cure must come from deep inside the heart.

I would like to share some personal observations and feelings on this subject, but what I am about to say applies in all areas of life, be they personal or professional.  After all, we cannot really expect our professional conduct to be materially different than our personal conduct.  

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The best way I can describe my feelings about struggles for power and control (financially, politically or intellectually) is by comparing them with the surface of the sea, agitated by wind and waves.  When we dive deeply below the surface, we find a world of ultimate quietness, tranquility and peace.  The interconnectedness beneath the surface of human relations is an incontrovertible reality, whether we accept it or not. 

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There are three basic ways we abuse someone else’s work.

1.       A person simply uses information provided by someone else and is naïve and insensitive to the importance of giving proper credit to the original source.  It is an error of omission, but there is no malevolent intent.  

2.       A person obtains insight or information from another and, seeking to claim it as his own, refuses to acknowledge the real source of information.  It is a deliberate act.  It is a serious offense, demonstrating a complete lack of respect and civility.  It is a form of stealing and those who engage in it suffer all their lives from subconscious guilt that, like a thorn in a shoe, hurts at every step of life.

3.       Person A obtains insight or information from Person B, but in this case, although A would like to claim it as his own, it is well-known that this knowledge originated with B.  The only curse left to A is a destructive one-trying to discredit or slander the work/information/skills that B developed, so B may no longer derive benefit therefrom.  This is an even more serious offense.  And guess what?  The Book of Books – both the Old and New Testaments – fully describes and analyzes these same behaviors.

This attitude of “killing the father” (the word “father” here being interpreted in a broad sense, i.e. author, teacher, healer, etc) is described in French expression as “le pain de la honte” (the bread of shame).  A person or group receives “bread”, meaning anything good, and they feel within, consciously or subconsciously, that they are not worthy of this very special good gift, they find it easier to turn against the author or provider of the gift and try to destroy him in one way or another.  I have seen many situations like this in the world of medicine in general, and –even more unfortunately, in the world of natural medicine.

Dear reader, let me make one very important observation: all those I  have known who have engaged in this type of criminal conduct, have ended their careers – sometimes even their lives – in a miserable condition.  This is the well-known “boomerang effect.”  Part of my purpose is to establish more respect, greater harmony and fair, real, recognized civility.

Envy, jealousy, anger and pride are behind contention.  They form a disease that can be cured.  (Those who become addicted to it and cultivate it, will reap the harvest they deserve.)”  end quote.   (I invite you at this point, to purchase this book and read it.)

We are all well aware of the “Big” essential oil companies & brands.  We have an appreciation for the effort that Gary Young made in marketing essential oils.  Bringing an awareness to the world about their benefits.  I believe at one point, pride, greed, anger has corrupted even the original good intent.  And we’re aware of doTerra brand, which the members who started this company, worked in Young Living at the time they were planning their own essential oils brand & business.  Again, jealousy, envy, greed, and my personal opinion, lack of integrity to “copy” and take from one man’s work to create something for yourself.

We’re aware of many brands on the market today.  Often those who “slam” MLM businesses.  It’s not at all about MLM, which is a legal and very fast growing business model in many fields.  It’s about the same jealousy, envy, greed that they would attack something in claiming their lower prices are because they are not an MLM system.  Consider the local store owner, who can only purchase a few of each item in stock… and the large national or international chain that can purchase warehouse’s full of stock.  Volume purchase keeps the prices lower.  The same product, two different prices, simply because of volume in purchase… not because of how it’s marketed.  Are you aware, there are many farms around the world, who raise crops specific for essential oils, and have for many decades.  They don’t individually sell to each company.  Just as Dole will buy crops of banana’s or other fruits, and package it with their name on it.  They buy through Brokers.  These Brokers will have several companies as their clients.  They buy the harvest, and usually have distilleries they also go through, and then they sell their essential oils to several companies. This means that all those companies actually have the exact same essential oil.  No difference, nothing better.  Now, one thing each individual brand – company “might” do, is to increase their own profits, they may combine a lesser grade, or even another species of essential oils to get more.  They may even add synthetic or chemicals or blenders to their base oils, to create more to sell, rather than purchasing more of an expensive essential oil.

So, Broker A, bought crops from Farms 1-2-3-4-5, and sold that distilled essential oils to companies 1a, 2b, 3c, 4d, 5e.  Now, 1a is selling exactly what they got from the broker.  2b has combined a similar variety to create more of the essential oil without purchasing more of the higher priced original oil.  3c has an additive in their essential oil to help it “go further” for less expense and higher profit.  Etc.  Now, company 1a is an MLM company.  Company 2b is an MLM company.  Company 3c, 4d, 5e are small independent direct sales companies.  But 3-4-5 can’t afford to buy the large bulk that companies 1 & 2 have purchased.   NOW, they all claim to be “therapeutic” essential oils.  However, there is NO science, no evidence-based standard of therapeutic grade which is simply a marketing term that sounds impressive to the unknowing consumer.  They all claim to be GCMS tested.  However, that test is only as good as the information it’s compared against.  They are all comparing to previous crops, to their own “in-house—in-company” set standards.  Most people, including labs, are not educated in the actual GCMS testing.  However, there is a very high standard actually set by Research Institutions who are doing the clinical studies with essential oils.  Yes, there are thousands of studies out there, available on pubmed, so yes there is proof to the effects of “true clinical grade” essential oils.   Pure is a figurative claim as well.  Poison Ivy can be pure, even “organic” but sure doesn’t mean it’s safe by any means.  Certified Organic is an expensive process.  However again, this is only a USDA process in the United States.  In other countries as most essential oils are not grown in the USA, some have very poor standards they would “claim” to equal certified organic.  While other countries have much stricter standards that are far above what is required of USDA certified organic.  Remembering that this is a USA certification, and we do not grow Frankincense (for just one example) in the USA… a company claiming certified organic frankincense, is obviously misleading the consumer.

Now, if we’ve followed this crude explanation of Brokers, standards, and pricing.  MLM is not an evil marketing model.  It’s highly successful, legal, and recommended by many who have created their wealth with or without MLM, would still endorse MLM. 

You’ve heard “you get what you pay for” in life.  If you pay for a VW, you’re not going to drive off with a BMW.  Essential oils are the same.  Due to the extreme expense of the purest highest quality of essential oils, companies able to offer them at a much lower price… without the purchasing power of bulk that the larger “MLM” companies are able to do… they have to compensate in creative, legal, undetectable by most consumers, way of lowering price, increasing volume of that oil, and increasing their profit.  They are not buying it for high prices, and taking a loss selling it rock bottom pricing, just to prove their better than an MLM.  And with essential oils crops varying so much.  If it’s grown locally, if it’s gone through the expensive process to obtain Certified Organic status, if it’s grown abroad & needs transported.  All these factors into the pricing.  So any company selling ALL their essential oils for the same “low” price, is obviously not pure.  If I put 49% (or even 25%) of an ingredient into a bottle, and then add 10% of this, and 20% of that, etc.  Yet, marketing it as pure, because the “majority” ingredient in the product is still the pure item listed on the package.  Because the essential oil industry is not regulated, no one is there to hold accountable what claims are being made in marketing.

I recently purchased a “Coach” handbag.  It was marketed as an “original coach” on clearance of old year styles making room for new styles coming out.  So I purchased it at a price about 1/3 the cost of an ‘in style’ coach bag.  When I received it, I was excited.  I liked my handbag.  UNTIL, I started looking at it closer.  I started noticing things.   I went online, and found out the difference between a true Coach bag and a knock off, faux bag.  I was taken, I had the knock off bag.  I got what I paid for.  I believed the marketing, and wanted to save money.  It was my fault for not looking deeper.  The same with supplements or essential oils.  Don’t simply believe the marketing claims at face value.  Learn more about the actual quality, any testing done on EVERY batch.  The origin of the product (vitamin, supplement, essential oil).  Know of the integrity of the company.  Know of the science support within that company.  Know if it’s scientific advisory board has the credentials to make the judgement of purity.  Even the blending of ingredients such as essential oils blends.  The perfume industry has been blending for centuries.  Yes, you can know that this essential oil will usually produce an effect for this purpose.  And that essential oil should produce an effect for this purpose as well.  And blending these essential oils, should bring about a general effect you wish to claim.  However, do you know the exact amount in balance of that blend?  Do you need 10 drops of oil A and 50 of oil B and 3 of oil C to get that effect in a blend?  OR do you simply mix equal amounts and “assume” it will produce those benefits.  That is where Research institutions come in, where their clinical studies have produced the results in evidence-based information.  And this information is NOT known to the general public, or even to all essential oil companies.  Until recently, it wasn’t known outside the Research community.  I happened to speak with a man who worked for one of the big companies, as a formulator for their Blends.  He told me, it was mixing this oil and that oil, and smelling and if it didn’t smell right, add… or start over… when it smelled ok, then they put a label on it (emotional for example).  No science, no rhyme or reason, just mixing until the blend was agreeable.  He admitted it made no sense, and that when blending, they may have changed the properties that would result.  That perhaps some of the oils would have suggested a particular end result, but by adding others to create a more pleasing result, they could have changed the whole end to not being effective of the original purpose now.

Now, I want to introduce a new concept in essential oils.  A man was approached to add essential oils to his company.  He refused, said there are far too many on the market, and he wouldn’t be a “copy cat” or “follow” company.  If they could prove to him, that what they had to offer – suggested something completely new, unique, individual of all others on the market.  Dr Joshua Plant, a scientist who has very impressive credentials among having graduated from Harvard Medical School, a 7 yr program in 3-1/2 yrs and first in his class.  He approached the Research communities around the world.  With his published studies, credentials, and integrity he won the trust and cooperation of these research institutions.  He put together a super computer of billions of bytes of information from this research.  He now knew the GCMS standards that Research Institutions required of essential oils to meet for clinical studies.  With this information, he set out to find supplies of essential oils that would meet or surpass these GCMS standards, that with this would qualify as a true clinical grade essential oil.  When he found this, and could prove it, he approached the company again.  Yes, a true clinical grade was new to the essential oils market.  Dr Plant continued to do more testing than what the industry standards tested at that time.  Providing even more proof of the clinical grade of the oils.  If a batch of oils did not pass even 1 of their extra tests.  That batch was rejected, and through brokers was sold now to other oils companies.  With a patented equipment, he could also test each batch with human cells, to prove and show they were “live” cell active, cell permeable essential oils.  As Dr Penoel has stated, most essential oils on the market today are “dead” oils.  No other essential oils company can do all these tests at this time.  No other company does most of these tests.  No other company has the standards for GCMS set by Research clinical studies.  This is why Ameo brand, under the parent company of Zija International, is able to make a true claim of clinical grade essential oils.

So as a consumer, what does this mean for you and I?  Yes, you can purchases from a non-MLM company, thinking your saving money.  Remember you get what you pay for.  Smaller companies can’t afford to purchase in volume large enough to keeping prices down for them.  So, what is actually in their essential oils (or lacking in them)?  Remember you get the integrity along with the product.  Ameo re-invests back into science and research.  They set out to prove quality & purity above and beyond anything on the market at that time.  They didn’t copy, didn’t repeat, didn’t follow anyone.  They set a New Industry Standard, as the first and only, true clinical grade essential oils.  You will be getting what you pay for.  So why MLM?  Why do you have to purchase in this way, doesn’t that mean you pay more so everyone can obtain their profit?  No… that’s not at all what it means.  It means you have the buying power, the research power, the credentials behind the product development.  It means you have a business model you can choose to benefit from or simply gain the discount through.  If some MLM and other companies were so “good”.  Then why did other companies develop branched off them?  Why have so many from several of these big companies, left, and come to Ameo – Zija International?  Because of Integrity.  Because the people behind the scenes are genuine and “family” atmosphere, more interested in educating proper & safe use, than simply marketing for profits.  Because the science supported the new claims of clinical grade.  Because they wanted to be a part of this Integrity & Science.  Because what they used for their families health and wellness, they wanted to know beyond a shadow of doubt, that the quality and purity were exactly what was being claimed. 

So, it’s quite simple.  You can purchase essential oils from a smaller company.  You know they don’t have the facility and labs or even equipment that Ameo has to test quality & purity.  You know they don’t have the buying power.  And yet, you also know now, that they are probably purchasing their oils through these brokers that are also selling that exact quality of oil to several companies… thus they have no true claim, as they are all selling the same oils.  What you don’t know is what has been added, or omitted, in their oils.  The knowledge behind getting the exact quality.. well, I’ll be making another post explaining the genomes of a plant and how it affects the end result in essential oils, even when they species is the same.   So, the politics of this is if you are absolutely against any MLM, that is your choice.  The science of this is if you’re comfortable using oils based on marketing claims, in-house standard GCMS, and lack of scientific training in making their blends.  If you’ve tried a blend, or individual essential oil, and did not obtain the results you expected (or the company suggested would happen).  Why?  Quality, purity, science in blends & testing, integrity.  Placebo effect, suggestive effect that you “think” you should receive this benefit, you just may.  How would you feel if your Dr suggested a medication, and the pharmacist gave you a placebo… would you be ok with simply “thinking” it must be working, it says it should.  OR would you be curious why you were not receiving those suggested results?  Why do you look for a certified mechanic to work on your vehicle?  Why do you look for a licensed contractor to replace your roof on the house?  Why do you look for labels on foods “Organic, GMO free, etc”?  Because you want the best.  If you’re spending your money, you want to know that roof will last.  That your vehicle will run and be safe.  That the food your feeding your family is good.  So, why do you not care enough to look into the supplements your buying, or the essential oils your buying for your families wellness?  Why do you accept a “strangers” word, or a companies marketing, without any proof even offered.  I hope I’ve got you as the reader of this post, thinking about a few things.  Perhaps reconsidering your choices in the past, and looking with an open mind, and a little more information, to make more informed choices in the future.   ClinicalGradeEssentialOils.myzija.com

What is Aromatharapy and Essential Oils?

Aromatherapy has known a tremendous growth.  It has now become a buzzword, used and abused by

marketers and manufacturers of all types and credentials.  The availability of essential oils and aromatherapy products has increased dramatically through all types of sources and distribution channel, from health food stores to spa and beauty salons or even department stores and pharmacies.  Products with aromatherapy claims (but not much more) can be found in the mass market.

Educational material on the subject is also quite widespread, with new books being published almost every month.  A wide selection of classes is available, from one-day beginner's classes to 2-year graduation programs.  With every increasing media coverage and celebrities swearing by it, aromatherapy is more fashionable than ever.

But aromatherapy is not just a new trend, a new thing to do, as those who are involved in it can testify.  In Europe, where it began more than 60 years ago, aromatherapy is practiced by Medical Doctors, Nurses and other Health Professionals.  It is taught to medical students in France and is used by some English nurses in their hospitals.  Extensive clinical research of aromatherapy is underway, mainly in these countries.

When people first hear about aromatherapy they think about fragrance and perfumes, an alluring world of imagination, magic, and fantasy.  But aromatherapy consists simply of using essential oils for healing.

Essential oils are volatile oily substances; they are highly concentrated vegetal extracts that contain hormones, vitamins, antibiotics, and antiseptics.  In a way, essential oils represent the spirit or soul of the plant.  They are the most concentrated form of herbal energy.  Many plants produce essential oils, which are contained in tiny droplets between cells and play an important role in the biochemistry of the plants.  They are also responsible for the fragrance of the plant.

Essential oils are one of the great untapped resources of the world.  The concentrated essences of various flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants have been used for centuries all over the world, but in modern times we have forgotten the power of these ancient medicines of the earth, preferring instead to use the products of perfume and chemical companies which imitate the natural fragrances and medicinal and cleansing properties of essential oils.  Because the essential oils are so sweet-smelling, many people suppose their value is essentially one of charm and fragrance -- but this is a mistake.  Modern scientific research has proven that essential oils are potent, with remarkable medicinal properties.  Theses substances are very complex in their molecular structure, and very powerful.  The essential oil of oregano, for example, is twenty-six times more powerful as an anticeptic than phenol, which is the active ingredient in many commercial cleansing materials.

Essential oils are used in cosmetics and pharmacy as well as in perfumery.  Their field of activity is quite wide: from deep therapeutic action to extreme subtlety of genuine perfumes.  In aromatherapy, the essential oils can be taken internally in their pure form, diluted in alcohol, mixed with honey, or in medicinal preparations.  They are used externally in frictions (localized massage), massage, and inhalations.  Finally, they are ingredients of numerous cosmetics and perfumes.

Essential oils can have strictly allopathic effects (meaning that they act like regular meicine); more sugle effects like those of Bach flower remedies of homeopathic preparations; and psychological and spiritual effects, which constitute their most traditional use.  They are also powerful antiseptics and antibiotics that are not dangerous for the body.  Aromatherapy is thus, in many cases, an excellent alternative to more aggressive therapies.

Unlike chemical drugs, essential oils do not remain in the body.  They leave no toxins behind.  And essential oils make much more sense as air fresheners than commercial products, as they cleanse the air by altering the structure of the molecules creating the smells, rather than masking the unwanted smells.  When we are looking for alternatives to toxic products in our homes and in our lives, essential oils are a convenient, practical, and pleasant solution. 

Essential oils are the "quintessences" of the alchemists.  In this sense, they condense the spiritual and vital forces of the plants in a material form; this power acts on the biological level to strengthen the natural defenses of the body and is the medium of a direct human - plant communication on the energetic and spiritual plane.

Aromatherapy can be used on many different levels.  Essential oils are extremely versatile materials: they are both medicine and fragrance; they can cure the most severe physical condition and can reach to the depth of our souls.

Also note: There are "nature identical" which are actually synthetic attempt to mimic or copy the natural element.  Knowing that the source of your essential oils is the highest quality, a grade above majority of other essential oils, following the GCMS standards set by clinical studies at research institutions.  Or the purity can be proven in extra advanced testing, showing what others "borrow" in claims, of live human cell active and viable.  Question most marketing claims.  Too often they are simply borrowing what has been released in studies, but not studies that actually used their particular essential oil.  Companies and brands of essential oils have already had compliance issues with the FDA for marketing false claims.  Some companies have had law suites from groups and medical facilities to stop making claims they used that companies oils, or they participated in developing uses of that companies oils.  Companies practicing this form of marketing manipulation of facts or lack of facts, shows no integrity.  There are many essential oils, that are fine for basic perfumery or fragrance enjoyment.  There are good essential oils, using perhaps a source of higher quality yet falling short of any research grade. There are better essential oils, more following a standard of organic or standard of harvesting and processing, known as therapeutic grade (which is only a marketing term without science support).  And then there are the Best essential oils, that follow the clinical studies research standards with their highest GCMS standard, and test more to prove the quality and purity, the live human cell activity.  These are known as "Clinical" grade essential oils.  And even with these quality "claims" some companies will try to claim they are as good, equal to, a medical quality essential oil.  When the truth is, they fall far short, and couldn't pass the stringent tests of proof.  So, considering your purpose for using essential oils, will probably  determine the quality standard you'll be seeking.
The only true clinical grade essential oils available on the market today to the general public, is Ameo.  http://ClinicalGradeEssentialOils.myameo.com 

Who to trust among Aromatherapy Essential Oils Educators, Authors, Authories.

Today, as essential oils become increasingly popular.  More and more "self proclaimed" experts are coming forward to teach their twist on essential oils.  Too often, without formal education 

themselves.  Too many educators, who are farmers, businessmen, ministers, chiropractors, psychologists, veterinarians, are laying claim to being experts in aromatherapy.  Their education without verifiable credentials, their self promoting claims, without recognition from the research based essential oils aromatherapy world.  So what should you do?  AVOID these self promoting self proclaimed non-experts.

There are many true experts in the field of aromatherapy & essential oils.  People who've studied under the very top (or are the top) in this field.  People who contribute through research and clinical studies, the safe and effective uses of aromatherapy.  People without question, that anyone who's anyone in the world of aromatherapy, has studied through, under, or by their works and books in aromatherapy.  Attended their schools that are noted as the top in the world. 

So who are these world renown experts of aromatherapy?

First, lets start with the grandfather, Dr Jean Valnet, MD.  (1920-1995) was a French Physician and military surgeon who was one of the foremost pioneers in modern medical aromatherapy.  He received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1945 as a surgeon.  During the war he served in hospitals in Germany and France.
From 1950 to 1953 he was appointed surgeon to the advanced surgical unit in Tonkin, the northern area of Vietnam that borders China.  Being low on medical supplies, he bandaged the wounded with aromatic solutions that delivered results well above average.
From 1953 to 1959 he became  Chief of the Secretariat of State for War, and in 1959 he left the army to continue his research in herbal medicine and aromatherapy in Paris.

As early as 1948 he began to publish articles on herbal medicine and aromatherapy in many medical journals.
In 1981 he founded the College of Phyto-aromatherapy and Medicine to pursue research on herbal medicine and aromatherapy, establish criteria for quality, and educate practitioners and users of essential oils.  He gave lectures on phytotherapy on television and the radio.  He popularized the "aromatogram", a method of identifying the best essential oils to combat microbes in individual patients.
His best known book, "The Practice of Aromatherapy" was translated into English and published 1982.

Dr Daniel Penoel, MD is one of the foremost authorities in the world on essential oils.  He has worked with essential oils in his medical clinic since 1977.  He is a world-renowned medical doctor, researcher, educator, and author.  With his wife Rose-Marie, Dr Penoel has authored three books in English: "Life Helping Life: Unleash your Mind/Body Potential with Essential Oils", "Natural Home Health Care Using Essential Oils", and "Guide to Home Use of Essential Oils".  He has authored several books in French, his most notable being "L'aromatherapie Exactement" considered by many professionals to be "the encyclopedia of essential oils" when it was published in 1990.  It was written with Pierre Franchomme, a chemist who is credited with laying the foundation for the practical study of essential oil chemistry.  Dr Penoel's role in the book was to provide the practical, clinical foundation.
Dr Penoel has lectured to, encouraged, and trained most of the foremost professional aromatherapists in the world.  He has either personally or through his students and books trained virtually all well-respected aromatherapists worldwide.  Most English authors reference "L'aromatherapie Exactement" frequently even though the book has never been translated into English.
The Penoels have lived in France and Australia and have traveled the world lecturing and training.  Dr Penoel is considered by many to be the world's leading medical authority in newly discovered essential oils.  He analyzes and certifies them as therapeutically valid for "clinical" use.

Dr Joshua J Plant, graduated from Harvard Medical School with a PhD in biomedical sciences. 
Typically a 7 yr program he was able to accomplish it in 3-1/2 yrs graduating first in his class.  He has completed extensive research across numerous scientific and health institutions including the National Institutes of Health and Massachusetts General Hospital, Johns Hopkins cancer center and Huntsman cancer center. AAAS Recognized Researcher.  Published in several scientific journals.
Dr Plant is one of only a handful of scientists to receive the National Institutes of Health Undergraduate Scholarship.  He has also a National McNair Fellow, and achieved national recognition for his reasearch from the American Association for the Advancement of Scientists.  His study of aromatic phytocompounds has pioneered a revolutionized the essential oil industry and his work has been instrumental in advancing the therapeutic application of essential oils.  Dr Plant is an accomplished speaker that has been invited to numerous national scientific conferences for his in-depth knowledge of the molecular mechanics of the human body.  Dr Plant along with Dr Scott Johnson, have been requested to write chapters for medical text books to be used in educating upcoming Doctors in the topic of aromatherapy.

Dr Scott A Jonhson is a best selling author of 8 books and more than 250 articles featured in online

and print publications.  He has a doctorate in naturopathy, is a board certified alternative medical practitioner (AMP), a Certified Clinical Master Aromatherapist (CCMA), a Certified Professional Coat (CPO).  HIs evidence-based approach to natural healing and experience conducting medical research make him one of the world's leading experts on the therapeutic application of essential oils.  Dr Johnson pioneered evidence-based essential oil therapy, which combines the art of ancient healing with modern science to maximize the benefits of essential oils.  One of his research focuses is the safety of essential oils, and he has published internationally on the subject.  He is an acclaimed international speaker and has delivered keynote presentations across North America, Europe, and Asia.  Dr Johnson draws on his wealth of experience and diverse educational background as he travels the globe to share the secrets of natural healing with those who seek greater wellness.  He also developed the school "Integrated Essential Oils" (iEO), which I personally have found to be far above the others I've either taken courses from or looked into.  Dr Johnson has a complete course from history to chemisty, application to cautions, legalities to research studies.  Dr Scott Johnson also pulls from several reputable medical Doctors in their fields.

Jane Buckle, PhD, RN has over 25 years of background in critical care nursing.  She is trained in massage therapy, clinical aromatherapy, and herbal and aromatic medicine.  She has a MA in Clinical Aromatherapy (Middlesex Univ, London), and a PhD in Health Service Management (Columbus Univ, USA).  She was an NIH-funded post-doctoral Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Fellow at the Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics (CCEB) within the School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.  Before joining the CCEB, Dr buckle was faculty at University of Minnesota, and adjunct faculty at New York University, Bastyr University, WA and the College of New Rochelle NY.
Her first book, "Clinical Aromatherapy in Nursing" was published in 1997 and was accepted as the text for aromatherapy in nursing.  Her second book, "Clinical Aromatherapy: Essential Oils in Practice" was published 2003, has been reprinted 9x and has been called "the evidence-based text for clinical aromatherapy."
Dr Buckle is the director of RJ Buckle Associates, an educational consultancy dedicated to integrating clinical aromatherapy and the "M" technique into mainstream medicine.  She created a certification course for health professionals in clinical aromatherapy that was the 1st to be endorsed by the National Nursing Organization.
Dr Buckle is published widely in medical and nursing journals.  She lectures and presents internationally and was a guest speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland in 1999.  In the USA, she was a board member of ARC (Aromatherapy Registration Council) and has been an advisor to NAHA's education committee.  She is a reviewer for several peer-reviewed journals and has been a reviewer for NIH and NHS grants.
Dr Buckle pioneered a method of touch for the critically ill or fragile called the "M" technique.  It is a registered method of structured touch suitable for those too fragile to receive massage, or when the giver is not trained in massage.  Simple to do and easy to learn, the "M" technique has measurable effects within 5 minutes and has been taught in universities, hospitals, hospices and long-term care facilities in the USA since 1999.

Valerie Ann Worwood is an aromatherapist, a reflexologist, and a member of
the International Federation of Aromatherapist.  She founded her own clinic in Romford, England where she conducts research on aromatherapy and its effects on various diseases and medical conditions.  She consults and lectures all over the world on the benefits of aromatherapy.  She is the author of several books including the "Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy".

Kurt Schnaubelt holds a PhD in chemistry and is the founder and scientific director of the Pacific Institute of Aromatherapy by San Fransisco.  He is a Munich born chemist who left his native land in his 30s to spread the science of aromatherapy in California.  He became interested in aromatherapy in 1978 when he contracted hepatitis and began looking for alternatives to the prescribed medicine he was given.  As a chemist he knew his molecules and recognized that the drugs he had been prescribed were potentially harmful.  He discovered the "Art of Aromatherapy" by Robert  Tisserand and the "Practice of Aromatherapy" by Dr Jean Valnet, two of the leading books in the field at that time.  He sourced his finest oils he could find and began sharing. He is the author of 7 books on aromatherapy and many articles on the subject.

Shirley Price is one of the world's leading aromatherapists and the founder of the Shirley Price
School of Aromatherapy, which offers accreditation through distance learning.  There are branches worldwide.  She is the author of many well-respected books including "Aromatherapy for Health Professionals", "Aromatherapy foor Common Ailments", "Aromatherapy for Women", "Aromatherapy for Babies and Children", "Aromatherapy workbook", "Practical Aromatherapy", "Aromatherapy and Your Emotions", "Aromatherapy: a Step-by-Step Guide" and more.

Julia Lawless became interested in aromatic oils as a child when her mother, who was a biochemist, began research on essential oils.  In 1983 she became responsible for creating products for the family business, Aqua Oleum, using essential oils as ingredients.  She studied Western and Tibetan herbal medicine and became a qualified aromatherapist and member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists.  She is well known for her numerous books on aromatherapy including "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils".

Marcel Lavabre was born in the Lavender-growing region of southern

France and since 1974 has been studying every aspect of essential oil production and aromatherapy.  He is cofounder of the American Aromatherapy Association and is the founder and president of a company that sells essential oils.  He is the author of "Aromatherapy Workbook" a best selling classic in American aromatherapy. 

Rodney Young originally trained as a chemist, Rodney obtained a BSc from the University of London in 1965 and a PhD in medicinal chemistry from the University of Essex in 1968.  He worked for many years in the pharmaceutical industry as a reserch chemist, focusing on the modulators of histamine, serotonin, and inositol phosphates.  Rodney has published widely in the field of scientific literature, and has taught at University College, London, Oxford Brookes University, Edinburgh Napier University, and the University of East London.  He has a longstanding interest in the pharmacological and medicinal properties of plant natural products and in promoting evidence-based botanical medicine, and serves on the editorial boards of the Journal of Herbal Medicine and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Robert Tisserand is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in many aspects of aromatherapy.  He started practicing as a therapist in 1969, founded a company to market aromatherapy products in 1974, and wrote the first book in English on the subject in 1977.
The Art of Aromatherapy".  Robert has written two further books including this one "Essential Oil Safety, a Guide for Health Care Professionals", co-founded several aromatherapy organizations and has taught and lectured extensively.  For 12 years, Robert has the principal of the Tisserand Institute in London, and during the same period he published and edited the International Journal of Aromatherapy.  Today, Robert lives in California and his activities include writing, online education, live events, and working as an independent industry expert.  Robert is one of only two recipients of the Alliance of International Aromatherapists Lifetime Achievement Award. 

I hope this helps you realize why some authors are considered world class authorities.  Why some are simply trying to place themselves in the publishing world.  You want well educated, world renown people who have the highest credentials, not self proclaimed.