Open a bottle of Deep Blue. That crisp, minty aroma? That’s Wintergreen essential oil. It’s bold, recognizable, and powerful—but behind that scent is a story you might not have heard.
In this doTERRA podcast episode, sourcing expert Emilie Bell shares what it takes to bring Wintergreen oil from the mountaintops of Yunnan, China, into one of the most iconic doTERRA blends. From hand-harvested leaves to micro-distilleries tucked into remote villages, this conversation shines a light on the people, process, and purpose behind every drop.
Wintergreen essential oil is sourced from the Gaultheria fragrantissima plant, which grows in the high-altitude forests of Yunnan, China. Unlike some crops that are planted annually, wintergreen grows wild—thriving in the cool, damp climate of these mountain regions.
The harvesting process is done by hand. Local women walk through dense forests and steep hillsides to collect the leaves, which are then brought back to small, family-run distilleries.
“It’s beautiful and intense work,” Emilie shared. “There’s so much care in every step.”
One of the most inspiring parts of the Wintergreen story is the role women play in it. In these remote regions, women are the primary harvesters, and the income from wintergreen provides important support for their families.
doTERRA works directly with these communities through our Co-Impact Sourcing® model, ensuring transparent and long-term partnerships that improve lives, while also protecting the land.
“We’re not just sourcing an oil,” Emilie said. “We’re investing in people. And that shows in the quality of the product.”
You may have noticed doTERRA also sources Wintergreen oil from Nepal. While the wintergreen plant species is the same, the terrain, climate, and distillation process give each essential oil a unique aromatic profile.
Chinese Wintergreen oil tends to be brighter and slightly sharper, while Nepalese Wintergreen oil can smell a little sweeter. Both are 100% pure and naturally high in methyl salicylate—the compound responsible for the oil’s signature scent and cooling aroma.
Another fun fact? Wintergreen is one of the few essential oils that’s heavier than water. That affects how it’s collected during distillation and makes the process more hands-on and technical than most.
Once harvested and distilled, Wintergreen becomes a key ingredient in Deep Blue Soothing Blend—which also includes essential oils like Peppermint, Blue Tansy, and Helichrysum.
Deep Blue is then used in other products like:
Each product delivers a distinct experience, but all share that unmistakable Wintergreen aroma—fresh, clean, and cool.
Sourcing essential oils responsibly isn’t easy. It requires building trusting relationships, understanding local customs, and committing to long-term partnerships.
With Wintergreen oil, that sourcing effort protects natural forests, empowers women harvesters, and brings income to areas with few other job opportunities.
It also results in a product that’s traceable, pure, and effective—exactly what you want when sharing Deep Blue with someone you care about.
As Emilie put it, “When people tell me how much they love Deep Blue, I think about the people behind it. That’s what makes it meaningful.”
Every drop of Wintergreen in Deep Blue carries a story of nature, of people, and of doing things the right way—even when it’s hard. The next time you open a bottle of Deep Blue or apply your favorite related product, you’ll know just how much went into making it.
