Plants grown in traditional or indigenous environments yield better results because the natural elements specific to that region promote a more therapeutic profile of the aromatic compounds produced by the plant. For example, dōTERRA’s Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil is indigenous to the Provence region of France. The high altitudes at which lavender is grown results in the plant having higher ester and sesquiterpene alcohol content, thereby increasing its therapeutic benefits. Although lavender grows readily in the United States, the therapeutic values are not as beneficial because the growing conditions that exist in its native land cannot be duplicated. Another example would be Lemon oil sourced from Sicily. Lemons can be sourced from many different countries including the US for a cheaper price, but then the composition would change. Quality matters over price.
Each plant and oil has been picked to be sourced from a specific country and environment for the very fact that the source plays such an important role in the chemical composition of the oil, and thus the medicinal and therapeutic affect that it has!
Below is a list of a few of the oils and where they are sourced from:
Europe
Crete, Greece – Cypress
France – Lavender
Italy – Lemon
Germany – Thyme
Austria – White Fir
Hungary – Marjoram
Turkey – Oregano
Asia (China, India, Southeast Asia)
China – Cassia, Geranium, Wintergreen
India – Lemongrass
Indonesia – Cinnamon
Sri Lanka – Ginger
Africa & West Asia (Arabian Peninsula)
Madagascar (Island South East of Africa) – Clove, Ylang-Ylang
Morocco (Northwest Africa) – Rosemary
Ethiopia (East Africa) – Myrhh
Dhofar, Oman (West Asia) – Frankincense
North America & the Caribbean
USA – Basil, Grapefruit, and Peppermint
Dominican Republic – Wild Orange
Australia
Australia – Eucalyptus Radiata
Australia – Melaleuca alternifora
Austrailia- Sandlewood
Below is a link to a video that goes over sourcing, chemical composition of the oils, and how they are distilled.
http://vimeo.com/85403915