I’m potentially going to upset a few people with this opinion piece. Sorry, not sorry. But I don’t support MLM type companies, not in any way, shape, or form. If that’s what you’re selling, I ain’t buying. And here’s why:
Credibility
If you have the next best thing in healthcare, why are you ruining your credibility by selling your product this way?
This is always the first question that comes to my mind when I’m approached (at least 5 times a day on social media) for bitcoin, essential oils, skincare, or “heath” shakes and supplements. If you have the secret to wellness why the questionable business practice. Just go and google MLM success stories to see a million reasons why MLM companies are not going to make you money, it’s been proven over and over again and yet people still somehow believe it.
Here is an interesting read if you don’t believe me – The 10 Ugly Truths About MLM Companies
Also, have a look at this article by Tiffany Markman – There’s a Scammer in my Inbox.
Let’s Talk Specifically Essential Oils
Because that is a personal bugbear of mine. I literally see red. And I know that I once endorsed one of these brands when they first arrived in SA, I did not do my research and did not realize they were an MLM company, at the time of my endorsement.
These are my Clinical Aromatherapy certifications below. I studied long and hard to qualify to practice.
I did not read a brochure or attend an online Zoom meeting hosted by somebody who had read a brochure and then go off and start trying to sell people essential oils. I get so angry when I see some of the utterly outrageous claims being made about essential oils from people who have no qualifications to be making such claims.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health. It is meant as a complementary treatment. Part of studying clinical aromatherapy is learning about the various oil compounds how they benefit the body and how to mix and blend them.
NEVER IN MY LIFE did I see (until MLM Essential Oil companies) the recommendation that you ingest your oils. Please don’t do that! Specific essential oils can be toxic and you need to know how to blend them and use them properly and not by ingesting them. There are certain essential oils that are contraindicated for certain medical conditions and some essential oils can be toxic or poisonous, some of them can hurt you, I have accidentally burned myself while practicing, with garlic oil and I’ve had other minor uncomfortable incidents, so my point is, if you’re not qualified and don’t what you’re doing, please let the professionals assist you.
Local Is Lekker
I also really dislike the fact that these large MLM companies land on our shores and start bashing our small, locally available products. There are many, certified organic and ethical local essential oil suppliers for those of us who want to use essential oils on a personal level to enhance our wellbeing.
Here are a couple of my favorites:
Soil – https://www.soil.co.za/
Essential Earth Remedies – https://essentialearthremedies.co.za/
I actually reviewed some of Essential Earth Remedies products here: https://www.kweenb.co.za/win-an-essential-earth-remedies-harmless-hamper/
And To End Off…
Have you watched Unwell on Nextflix yet? If you haven’t, I can highly recommend it.
So please, the next time I ask for your tips or tricks on combatting things like insomnia, do not slide into my DM’s to try and sell me your essential oils because I have that covered and I’m not interested in your business opportunity or the ridiculous claims you may be making.
I know what aromatherapy can do and I know and understand it’s limitations. But I’m also not interested in your herbal weight loss shakes, your new skincare business, r your bitcoins K?
Yes yes yes to all of this!!
Glad you agree!
Well said!
Thank you.
I totally agree. I actually went to one of these meetings to see what all the hype was about just before they launched. Thankfully their starter packs are rather pricey for 10 oils, so I didn’t buy. My sister is a qualified massage therapist and has a good knowledge of essential oils. I was gobsmacked by this meeting. Firstly I had to pay to attend, it was held at a nursery coffee shop. I had to pay for my own coffee and then most questions I had, the lady leading the meeting didn’t know, because she had only signed up a week before. What a joke. I was so angry that I wasted my time. To make matters worse, this host put neat peppermint oil on everyones hand and my hands burnt for 3 days. Oh and don’t get me started on ingesting oils. I strongly am against that. Their favourite line is that there are only 2 pure brands (both the mlm brands) that are pure, therapeutic grade and don’t expire and go on to bash local brands. I am a huge Soil fan
The whole thing just makes me angry. Especially the sales reps who have these strong and totally unqualified opinions. It’s completely irresponsible.
Yes! Loved reading this! I completely agree with everything you have said here. Megan x
Thank you!
I’ve been promoting and using Soil oils for about 3 years after watching many an American YouTuber use “those” brands and make what I learnt were outrageous claims and downright dangerous advice. Luckily, at the time, “those” brands were not available here, so I sunk myself into as much free learning I could do on the internet. I quickly learnt of the huge competition and badmouthing between “those” two brands and decided to dig deeper. I listened to many qualified aromatherapists. I attended virtual summits. I learnt their claims were outrageous, dangerous, and unjustified. I learnt to use oils safely. Then “they” arrived in South Africa. Every second blogger and/or influencer was selling them. I unsubscribed from mailing lists because mommy blogs were no longer just “mom” stuff. Every newsletter was selling me an oil. I unfollowed friends on Facebook. I made a post saying I refuse to buy MLM products specifically those that promote unsafe product use. I received backlash. I got told “their” oils are more pure and can be used in this way. I asked to see their aromatherapy certificates. I told them they were part of a cult. Brainwashed by their financial desperation. I continue to use Soil oils and I continue to speak out against the shameful badmouthing of local, superior products that cost a third of what “they” do.
It’s a disgrace what is happening.
One of my followers, who sells one of those MLM oils, actually tried to argue the point with me, when I asked her if she was a clinical aromatherapist….. crickets…..
Thank you for this!!