Episode 325: How Magnolia Harvests Empower Women in China

When you open a bottle of Citrus Bloom or Magnolia Touch, you’re experiencing more than just a beautiful aroma. You’re connecting with real communities of people and a global mission that’s changing lives.

In this doTERRA podcast episode, sourcing expert Emilie Bell takes us behind the scenes to share the story of how Magnolia essential oil is harvested in Southern China and how the women who help make it possible are empowered through sustainable agriculture.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode to hear the full story straight from the field.

Magnolia: A Rare and Delicate Essential Oil

Magnolia isn’t your average flower. It’s highly aromatic and traditionally grows high up in tall trees. Harvesting this flower was a challenge until farmers in China developed an innovative way to grow magnolia trees lower to the ground.

“They use a technique almost like dwarfing,” Emilie explained. “They train the trees to spread out wide rather than tall, keeping them about 1.5 meters high so the flowers can be hand-harvested easily.”

Thanks to this method, harvesting magnolia flowers became safer, more sustainable, and accessible—especially for women.

Harvesting by Hand: A Women-Led Effort

One of the most inspiring parts of the story? Most magnolia harvesters are women.

“The majority of the harvesting is done by women, and with the trees lower to the ground it makes the work much easier and safer,” Emilie shared.

These women harvest magnolia flowers twice a year: in summer and late autumn. And thanks to innovation, they now also harvest magnolia leaves, which are a new source of essential oil that provides extra income during the season.

“It’s making a real difference,” Emilie said. “Two harvests a year, plus the leaves—this creates even more opportunities to support their families.”

Steam Distillation: Preserving the Beauty of Magnolia

After harvesting, the delicate flowers are laid out to dry before undergoing steam distillation: a method that preserves the precious, fragile aromatic compounds.

Because the raw materials are so sensitive, everything from the pressure to the timing of the distillation process is carefully monitored to ensure the essential oil retains its sweet, calming, floral aroma.

“It’s amazing to think this beautiful [essential] oil goes from handpicked flowers to your bottle with so much care at every step,” Emilie said.

How Magnolia Shines in Citrus Bloom

Magnolia plays a key role in the beloved Citrus Bloom Springtime Blend, adding a soft floral note that perfectly balances the bright, sunny citrus oils.

Alongside Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Wild Orange, and Grapefruit, Magnolia brings a unique depth and calming quality that makes Citrus Bloom a favorite for diffusing at home, especially during spring.

“It’s the perfect blend of energizing and calming,” Emilie noted. “Every drop is packed with both the science of sourcing and the heart of the people behind it.”

Simple Ways to Use Citrus Bloom Essential Oil Blend

Here are a few of Emilie’s and the hosts’ favorite ways to enjoy Citrus Bloom:

✅ Diffusing at your desk for a refreshing midday uplift

✅ Including in DIY body scrubs or lotions

✅ Adding it to springtime gatherings for an energizing, welcoming atmosphere

“It’s one of those aromas that everyone loves. It’s bright, it’s floral, [and] it’s happy,” said the host.

Pro tip: Try adding a drop or two of Lime or ‘Iliahi (Hawaiian Sandalwood) to customize your Citrus Bloom experience even further!

The Bigger Picture: More Than Just an Essential Oil

At the end of the day, the story of Magnolia essential oil is about more than flowers and fragrance.

It’s about creating opportunities, respecting traditions, and empowering communities to thrive through sustainable partnerships.

It’s a reminder that behind every bottle of essential oil has a global ripple effect of goodness.