EVANSTON — DoTerra representatives Doug and Rachelle Caster gave a short presentation to Evanston Chamber members at the monthly luncheon Thursday, Sept. 14.

In their seventh year distributing DoTerra essential oils, Doug Caster shared how the networking marketing plan helped them economically, when they were struggling financially.

“We started using the product and fell in love with it,” said Caster. “Then, we got some customers and taught them health and wellness with DoTerra and they started using it. It helped us when we were in hard times.”

DoTerra was founded in 2009, in Pleasant Grove, Utah, and has annual revenues of approximately $2 billion.

Caster said the company now has over five million members worldwide — 40 countries and the U.S., with the majority of those members being in the United States.

Offering more than 75 different essential oil products, DoTerra prides itself in providing certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils.

“Our oils are indigenously grown, but bottled right in Utah,” said Caster. “DoTerra believes in sustainability.”

Essential oils are extracted from various plants, using the seeds, barks, stems, roots, flowers and other parts.

In order to provide the very best quality, oils are tested by a third party organization to ensure they meet the DoTerra standards.

“Our oils are tested vigorously to make sure there are no toxins, contaminants, micro-organisms and assure the desired therapeutic properties.”

The oils are highly concentrated, requiring very little for optimal effectiveness.

“We can’t say that they will heal a disease or cure a person,” said Caster. “But, I can say essential oils help the body fight for health.”

Rachelle Caster gave an example of the potency and natural design of lemon oil.

“This oil is designed by nature to seek out, break down and flush petrochemicals from the system,” she said. “That’s why it will eat through certain types of plastic or Styrofoam containers.”

These various essential oils are administered in three different ways: aromatically, topically or internally.

“You can diffuse the oils and get them into the air,” said Doug Caster. “Topically, you can apply it to your skin directly or mix it with a carrier oil to dilute the hotter oils, and many of the oils can be ingested.”

During the presentation, local DoTerra representative Jackie Webster gave each of the chamber members one drop of Sweet Orange oil and had everyone rub it in their hands and then smell the oil.

“Sweet Orange enhances moods,” said Caster. “If you put oregano oil on your feet, you instantly want spaghetti,” he added with a laugh.

While essential oils are met with skepticism from many, DoTerra has actively partnered with the science and medical communities, working on integrated approaches to health and wellness.

Rachelle Caster said the company is working with research facilities and the medical stream to create integrated medical clinics.

“These clinics would be run by medical doctors who want to provide alternative medical treatments to people,” she said. “Their (DoTerra’s) goal is to establish an integrated clinic in every state.”

After presenting details regarding the oils themselves, Mr. Caster briefly discussed the networking marketing plan of the company.

According to Caster, most individuals using DoTerra products are purchasing for use, and not trying to build a business.

“There are three ways of engagement with DoTerra,” he said. “Customers or Wellness Advocates buy the products and make approximately $100 per month. For most this pays for what they are using. The next two levels, Elite and Premier members, average $300 to $800 of income per month, but only make up approximately four percent of DoTerra.”

Caster went on to say, 85 percent of DoTerra members are women, many of whom would prefer to earn money while staying at home with their families.

“A Gallup poll states 70 percent of women with kids 18 years or younger would prefer to stay at home,” he said. “This helps mom stay at home to care for her kids.”

Caster gave examples of how different essential oils help the body combat certain illnesses, and stressed the value in not having to make extra doctor visits with sick family members.

Caster added, “Regardless of where you’re making your living, DoTerra helps you stay making a living.”

One chamber member asked what the name DoTerra means.

“There are two versions of the name,” said Caster. “One is the actual meaning of the word and one is slightly different — the meaning the company has placed on the name.”

Caster said DoTerra means “of earth” and is derived from the two Latin words.

“We like to say the meaning of DoTerra is “gift of the earth,” he said. “Now we would like to give you a gift of the earth.”