Episode 324: Where Your doTERRA Lavender Essential Oil Comes From

Have you ever opened a bottle of doTERRA Lavender and wondered, Where did this actually come from?

In this doTERRA podcast episode, we go behind the scenes with sourcing expert Emilie Bell to explore the journey of Lavender essential oil from the fields of Bulgaria to the bottle in your hand. With stories from a farm, insights into the distillation process, and personal experiences woven throughout, this episode is an incredible look at how much care goes into producing one of the most beloved doTERRA essential oils.

Watch or listen to the full episode for the story of Bulgarian lavender and why it matters.

Where Does doTERRA Lavender Come From?

Most doTERRA Lavender essential oil comes from Bulgaria, with a smaller portion sourced from France. As Emilie shared, the heart of this operation is a facility called Esseterre—located in Dobrich, a small town on Bulgaria’s east coast.

It’s more than just a distillery. Esseterre is a full production site with 37 distillation stills! During peak harvest months (June through September), it’s bustling around the clock. Lavender is the most distilled essential oil there, but they also produce Melissa, Yarrow, Blue Tansy, and even frankincense resin during the off-season.

“It’s managed by an amazing local team, and it’s incredible to see how many Wellness Advocates visit to witness the process in person,” Emilie said.

The Science of Sourcing: How Lavender Is Grown and Harvested

One of the most fascinating parts of the episode was learning how lavender is grown and how long it takes to reach peak yield.

Here’s what Emilie shared:

• Lavender plants aren’t harvested in their first year.
• The best yields come in years three to four.
• Lavender can be harvested from the same plant for up to 10 years.
• During harvest, farmers bring their fresh cut lavender directly to Esseterre, where it’s weighed, recorded, and distilled immediately.

“We operate in shifts and distill 24/7 during the lavender harvest—it’s a busy and beautiful time,” she explained.

And get this: one ton (1,000 kilograms) of raw lavender yields about 10 kilograms of Lavender essential oil. That’s a lot of flowers per bottle!

From Field to Distillery: What Happens at Esseterre

When lavender arrives at the Esseterre distillery, it’s not fully dried but not freshly cut either. The team uses steam distillation, which takes approximately an hour per batch.

The entire process is done with care to ensure the essential oil’s quality remains intact.

“It’s fascinating to walk through the distillery during harvest. You see the piles of lavender, the steam rising, and the [essential] oil being collected—it’s such a sensory experience,” Emilie shared.

The People Behind the Essential Oil

What makes doTERRA sourcing truly different is both the process and the people.

Emilie talked about how many of the farmers come from within 50–60 kilometers of the distillery and bring their harvest in themselves. They’re paid fairly based on the weight of the raw material they deliver. The relationship between doTERRA and these growers is one of long-term partnership.

“You can actually meet the farmers, watch the lavender being unloaded, and even see the [essential] oil being distilled right in front of you,” she said.

Personal Touch: Why Lavender Means So Much

For Emilie, Lavender essential oil isn’t just a product. It’s personal. Growing up in France, lavender was a part of her childhood. Her grandmother had it growing in the garden.

“Every time I smell Lavender [essential oil], I think of her. It’s such a calming, familiar scent. It brings me peace,” she said.

Now living in Australia, Emilie still collects sprigs of lavender on hikes and keeps them by her bedside.

How Emilie Uses Lavender in Her Routine

Emilie is a daily Lavender essential oil user, especially when traveling.

Here’s how she loves to use it:

• Applying Lavender Touch on the backs of her ears while flying
• Rubbing into the bottoms of her feet (yes, even on the plane with compression socks!)
• Diffusing at night to unwind and relax before bed

“It’s always in my handbag. Once, someone on a flight asked what I was doing, and I ended up sharing it with them,” she laughed.

Lavender is one of those essential oils that’s easy to love, easy to use, and always delivers.

So Where Does Your Lavender Come From?

Now you know your Lavender essential oil likely came from Bulgaria, harvested by local farmers, distilled at Esseterre, and made with love (and purple blossoms).

Lavender has long been known for its calming and relaxing properties, but after this episode you can also appreciate the care, science, and sustainability behind it.

Whether you’re new to Lavender essential oil or have used it for years, this behind-the-scenes story is a beautiful reminder of what makes doTERRA products so special.

Your Turn! How Do You Use Lavender?

We want to hear from you!

💬 Share your favorite Lavender essential oil tips in the comments, whether it’s in your sleep routine, travel bag, or DIY projects.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe to the doTERRA YouTube channel and podcast for more sourcing stories, essential oil education, and wellness inspiration.