Maria Low – Young Living Essential Oils

In Maria’s Words…

Maria Low
September – October 2024 • Vol 4, No 12

I want to take a moment to address a recent topic that has been circulating on various Facebook forums—the claim that Walmart’s essential oils are merely rebranded Young Living oils. This assertion is false and has caused quite a bit of confusion. I feel it is important to provide some accurate information based on what I’ve observed and researched. Young Living essential oils are only sold by Young Living and Young Living brand partners.

Sourcing the Best Plants

Scientists in Young Living’s seven laboratories may spend up to four years developing a product. Blending essential oils with plants and other sources for optimal effectiveness requires experience and time. Fortunately, Young Living’s farms worldwide adhere to the Seed to Seal Standard to ensure the vitality of their plant life.

However, certain formulas need specific materials, which can be challenging to source in pristine quality for over a million Young Living members. Quality is never com-promised; therefore, a product may be temporarily unavailable until it meets the established scientific standards.

Maintaining Scientific Standards

The scientists, farmers, and Mary Young, CEO of Young Living, collaborate to uphold the protocol introduced by founder Gary Young. Young Living’s labs are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Each batch of essential oil undergoes examination, including toxin and metal testing, as well as the vitality of the oils. In some cases, essential oils are sent to independent laboratories to ensure the integrity of the testing. Oils that do not meet their high standards, whether from our partners or our own farms, are never used in Young Living’s bottled essential oils or other formulas.

Environmental Impact of Essential Oils

Young Living scientists work with farm managers to implement regenerative agriculture practices, strengthening the soil with minimal impact on the environment. They document the fields and distillation processes extensively.

Young Living maintains a comprehensive plant library covering all aspects of plant aromatic benefits. At the annual Young Living Conference held in July of 2024, Chief Scientist, Dr. H.K. Lin, a leader in organic essential oils, showcased impressive advancements in innovation, development, and scientific research. His work, now published in plant-biological and medical journals, highlights his commitment to providing Young Living members worldwide with pure and potent essential oils.

Dr. Lin’s research supports the unparalleled benefits of these oils, whether used on people or animals. By enhancing people’s possibilities and giving back to the community, Dr. Lin embodies the heart of Young Living’s mission. Every department at Young Living, including the farms and science labs, maintains the Seed to Seal Standard, encompassing sourcing, science, and agricultural impact.

Meet Young Living’s Chief Scientist

Dr. Lin grew up in Taiwan and came to the United States in 1982. He attended Iowa State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, followed by a master’s degree in Population Genetics, and a Ph.D. in Immunogenetics from Cornell University. He also received postdoctoral training in Pharmacology and Molecular and Cellular Biology at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Dr. Lin served as an instructor and research assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Washington University in the St. Louis School of Medicine. He received a tenured professorship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, which he maintained until retiring from the University in 2018.

In 2007, Dr. Lin met Gary Young. Dr. Lin then expanded his own research to include essential oils and natural products, publishing scientific papers on frankincense. He and Gary became friends, working, traveling, and speaking together in the United States and Asia.

Dr. Lin was chairman of the board for the Association for the International Research of Aromatic Science and Education (AIRASE), organized by Gary, and served as a scientific advisor for Young Living. His vision for Young Living’s re-search and development team is to continue Gary’s passion and vision for essential oils and plant-derived, natural products, bridging nature and human health.

“He is bringing unmatched passion and leadership to the research and development team and is a great asset to the Young Living team,” said Mary Young. “With him as our chief scientist, all areas of research and development will become more integrated, allowing Young Living to build even greater scientific expertise and understanding while continuing to deliver the highest-quality essential oils in the world.”

Dr. Lin has announced that he is in the process of patenting an alchemical procedure to extract further benefits from frankincense. He is also advancing studies on using diffusers to enhance brain health and plans to share his findings that reveal how Young Living Essential Oils improve other bodily systems.

Benefitting the World

Young Living’s ongoing educational efforts have created a large global family. The goal is to educate members about using these trusted products from birth through everyday living, including application, diffusing, and incorporation of essential oils into beverages and food. The Raindrop Technique is also used to enhance physical and emotional health. Animal friends are included in this lifestyle as well.

Young Living has a significant global impact, influencing health practitioners, spas, and other modalities. Members contribute to the D. Gary Young Foundation, which supports projects such as: disaster support, building schools, combating slavery, and tackling various health issues worldwide. It takes exceptional individuals to work for Young Living and to foster a unique relationship with community-minded people seeking a healthy lifestyle.

In Maria’s Words…

I began with Young Living in 1991, when it first began. I served as an apprentice during multiple duties. I accompanied its founder, Gary Young, to trade shows and lectures, sharing the story of essential oils at a time when the information was new to people who didn’t fully understand the virtues of essential oils for health enhancement.

At the time, it was mostly women that intuitively used the oil and felt the benefits. Many of these women helped to plant the first lavender seeds in the field behind our office building. From the seed of these lavender plants, Gary Young began his first lavender farm in St. Mary’s, Ida