Living Magazine doTERRA Winter 2016 | Page 9

“We are reducing the problem, we are having a great ecological impact, and, in return, we get this beautiful essential oil.” –Dr. David K. Hill Douglas Fir environmentally responsible—literally turning a problem or pest into a beautiful, sustainable product. Harvesting, Distilling, and Sustainability The trees which are targeted for harvesting to help counteract the wilding problem are typically young, pre-coning pines before they are able to reproduce and spread seed. Once the raw material has been collected, the distillation method used is a specialized distillation process that captures the very aromatic, light notes that are found in the Douglas Fir. Through utilizing a proprietary vacuum steam distillation process, it is able to run at a much lower temperature preventing the lightest, most volatile notes from flashing off. In essential oil form, dōTERRA Douglas Fir boasts a lemon-scented note that is both sweet and refreshing. Due to a unique chemical composition that is rich in beta-pinene, which contributes to its ability to promote feelings of clear airways, to purify the skin, and to promote a positive mood, Douglas Fir also promotes an uplifting environment while freshening the air. Due to the quick maturation of Douglas Fir trees in New Zealand, there is an overabundance, which makes this source very sustainable. Though we have made a small dent in the amount of trees that need to be removed, there are still many years of New Zealand Douglas Fir yet to come, creating a long-lasting opportunity to work alongside New Zealanders in combating this problem while supplying a unique essential oil unlike any other conifer essential oil. T H E FA C T S B E H I N D D O U G L A S F I R E S S E N T I A L O I L Douglas Fir has both alpha-Pinene and beta-Pinene, two powerful monoterpenes. This chemical com­ pound is what gives Douglas Fir both energizing and calming properties. The trees are harvested at a young age as part of a biodiversity conserva­ tion program, which actually changes the chemical composition of the oil. The lower temperature of distillation through utilizing a vacuum process creates an oil that has more volatile aromatic compounds. doterra.com / 9