Thursday 12 January 2017

A Dangerous Mind: Gary Young

I hopelessly see the best in people. I defend the callous customer service rep., justify the aggressive flight attendant, even pity the petty thief. (My compulsion for compassion drives my husband crazy).
However, there is one individual whom I can no longer, in any way, pardon: “Dr.” Gary Young.
For those of you who don’t know, Gary Young is the tycoon founder and CEO of Young Living Essential Oils. I need to inhale some lavender oil just thinking about the man. Serenity now. Serenity now. Serenity now!
I used to love Young Living essential oils—frankincense, tea tree, jasmine—but after discovering Gary Young’s disturbing past, I have lost all trust in the organization. Indeed, I am stunned that Young Living’s leadership even allows him to be affiliated with the brand.
Ultimately, it’s only a matter of time until 20/20 does a scathing exposé on this man. In the meantime, below is a detailed timeline of Gary Young’s deceptive and dangerous dealings. As you can imagine, it took ages to assemble. But, it’s worth it if it protects someone from being hurt.
1973: The “Accident”
Gary Young has repeatedly claimed that as a young man he was left paralyzed by a logging injury to the head. According to an account on his website:
“After three weeks in a coma and four months in intensive care, Gary found himself paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair for life, according to the doctors’ prognoses.”
“I had three open skull fractures, and then I got meningitis lying in the hospital. I had 16 crushed vertebrae, 11 ruptured disks, 19 broken bones, and my spinal cord was herniated in two areas.”
It is remarkable considering his extended ICU treatment that no documentation of the critical injury has ever been found or provided. More suspicious still, Gary Young’s story has changed—significantly. He boasts that he cured himself with fasting and essential oils. But his brochure from 1987 solely attributed his recovery to “Oscillation Frequency Stimulation Infusion” without even mentioning essential oils. Hmm.
1981: First Arrest
Gary Young is convicted of a misdemeanor for practicing medicine without a license in Spokane, Washington. He is hit with 30 days in jail and a year-long probation.
1982: Infanticide
Although Gary Young lacks any training in medicine, obstetrics, or midwifery, he insists on delivering his first wife’s baby in a hottub. He left the baby under water for an hour! The otherwise normal and healthy infant drowned.
The coroner said that the baby would have lived if she had been delivered in a conventional manner, yet Gary Young is never charged in the case.
Gary Young’s plans for a similar whirlpool delivery the previous year had been thwarted when a health department caseworker threatened to prosecute him.
1983: Second Arrest
An undercover police officer asks Young if he will oversee a water birth for her. He declines, but offers prenatal care and cancer treatment for the woman's mother.
On March 9, he is then arrested by the Washington State police for practicing medicine without a license, for which he is convicted.
A bench warrant is also issued on June 27. Gary Young is given a 60 day suspended sentence and a full year probation for practicing without a license.
1986: The “Typographical Error”
Gary Young claims that he graduated from the American Institute of Phystoregenerology, but the Institute retorts that he never came close to graduating (he attended only a few classes, completed only a third of the homework, and owed $1,800 in tuition).
Ultimately, Gary Young is forced to admit that he never secured a diploma from the institute and that his brochure simply had a “typographical error.” (His only legitimate diploma is from Challis High School).
The prosecuting attorney’s statement of charges in the case says:
UNLAWFUL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE committed as follows: That the defendant, Donald Gary Young, in Spokane County, Washington, on or about February 24, 1983, then and there being, did then and there offer or undertake to diagnose, advise or prescribe for a human physical condition, or offer to penetrate the tissue of another human being, by means as follows: offering to deliver a baby of another person; by offering to treat another person for cancer and to detect the presence of cancer in another by means of a blood sample which he would draw and by a blood test which he would interpret; and by offering to determine the nutritional needs of another person during pregnancy by drawing blood and interpreting the results of a blood test; the defendant at such time not having a valid unrevoked license to practice medicine.
1986: Mailorder Diploma
On Gary Young’s personal website, it states that “Between 1982 and 1985, he attended Bernadean University and earned a doctorate in naturopathy.” So Gary Young attended university for three years, right? Wrong! Bernadean, is nothing but a mail-order diploma mill that was never approved or accredited to offer any courses or degrees and was eventually exposed as a fraud by the Nevada Supreme Court. Yikes! Even after the “university” was closed, Gary Young continued to publicize his “degree” on the Young Living website and in his self-funded publications.
1987: The Cancer Clinics
From Spokane, Young moves to Mexico. By this time he has divorced Donna and married his second wife, Dixie. Gary Young claims that a three-week stay in his Baja or Tijuana clinic (and $6,000) will bring a cancer patient into remission. A cancer cure could be effected for $10,000.
The clinic also “specializes” in interpreting blood samples. Dr. John Renner, a Board Member of the National Council Against Health Fraud, submits his own normal blood under three different names. The results varied wildly from “non-aggressive cancer cells” to “problems in the intestinal tract” to “pancreatic dysfunction.”
On October 23, a scathing undercover report by the L.A. Times further exposes Gary Young as a complete fraud when a reporter sends in healthy cat and chicken blood samples and is told that he has aggressive cancer and liver problems.
It is also worth noting that one of the clinic “treatments” was laetrile—which can be fatal due to forming cyanide in the body. This practice is strictly illegal.
1988: Third Arrest
Gary serves 60 days in jail and a full year probation for again practicing medicine without a license in Fife, Washington.
1988: Clinics Ordered Closed
On March 3, the State of California shuts down Gary Young’s clinic and fines him $10,000. The State finds that Gary Young made misleading representations, advertised drugs/devices that claimed to cure cancer, and practiced medicine without a license.
1992: Young Living Essential Oils Founded
By 1992, Gary Young divorces Dixie and marries his third wife, Mary Billeter Young. Taking cues from Mary’s previous multilevel marketing experience, Gary Young launches Young Living Essential Oils.
1993: Fourth Arrest
Gary Young is arrested for practicing medicine in Spokane, Washington—again! He pleads guilty.
1993: Fired from Young Living Essential Oils
On September 27, Gary Young is dismissed and terminated as President of Young Living for fraudulent misrepresentation of himself as a doctor to stockholders and the misuse of company funds to support personal endeavors.
1993: Fifth Arrest
Later that day, Gary Young returns to the office, shoves his second wife down the stairs and confronts his son and an employee at the back door with an axe. He is taken away by the authorities. His shaken victims are all issued protective orders by the Superior Court of Washington.
1996: Mother Knows
In a sworn statement on June 19, Gary Young’s mother attests that he is guilty of physical and emotional abuse to his wife and children.
1998: “Studying” in Turkey
Gary Young claims to be studying essential oil chemistry and giving lectures at Anadolu University in Turkey. His assertions are found to be wholly unsubstantiated by Dr. Stephen Barrett.
1999: First FDA Warning Letter
FDA warns of the drug use of Young Living’s Esspro7.
2000: Synthetics Discovered
Dr. Robert Pappas (while a paid consultant of Young Living) analyzes a birch essential oil sample and finds synthetics. Gary Young demands an apology for the results, but Pappas stands his ground.
2000: Young Life Research Clinic
Gary Young opens Young Life Research Clinic Institute of Natural Medicine in Springville , Utah. It offers testing ranging from “iridology, quantum xrroid, and live blood cell analysis.” Offered treatments include bio-electric field enhancements, colonic irrigations, raindrop therapy, prescribed Young Living supplements and oils.
Based on eight case studies celebrated by Young Life Research Clinic (at the yearly Young Living convention), typical treatment is incredibly costly and involves a complex regime Young Living oils and supplements as the majority of treatments. A brief internet search reveals that four months after the Young Living case study presentation, two of the eight participants had already passed away.
Because Gary Young does not have a license to practice medicine, he employs Sherman Johnson, M.D., (a pediatrician who doesn't have board certification) to run the clinic instead.
Before working at Young’s clinic, Johnson’s license was suspended for five years after being charged with a felony for misprescribing enormous amounts narcotics to his mistress. More shocking still, Johnson attempted to cover up his role in her death by listing the cause of death as pneumonia and ovarian cancer on her death certificate. Six months later, police exhumed her body. A medical examination showed no signs of ovarian cancer forcing Johnson to plead guilty to manslaughter. You can read Johnson’s disciplinary record on The Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL) website.
2000: Raindrop Therapy
Young markets his “Raindrop Technique,” a controversial process where seven undiluted essential oils, two Young Living formulated blends, and two massage oils are dropped on the skin—often in concentrations that exceed the recommended safe doses.
Gary Young claims that his Raindrop Technique can treat scoliosis and rid the body of toxins/viruses. There is no scientific basis to this claim. What’s more, there’s no evidence that scoliosis is caused by either a virus or a toxin.
To build clout, Young states that he developed his Raindrop Technique after learning from Wallace Black Elk, a Lakota Sioux medicine man. Black Elk’s assistant went on record to state that that Black Elk did not ever collaborate with, teach any massage elements, or endorse the technique [22].
Gary Young also insists that veterinarians should use this technique. But still, no data has ever proven that the Raindrop Technique has helped with any animal or human medical conditions.
Take a quick scan through the National Association of Holistic Aromatherapists’ white paper which tears into his Raindrop Therapy in detail.
2000: More Blood on His Hands
A homemade Young Living’s distiller ruptures, killing a Young Living employee at the Mona, Utah, facility.
2000: 2nd FDA warning
On October 7, the FDA issues a letter to Young Living warning the company to never again claim that its products treat, prevent, cure, or mitigate disease.
2000: 3rd FDA warning
On December 20, the FDA issues another letter of warning to Young Living.
2000: 4th FDA warning
The FDA issues yet another letter of warning to Young Living.
2002: 5th FDA warning
The FDA identifies violations in the labeling of Young Living’s stevia dietary supplement.
2005: Kidney Failure
A Young Life patient Anne Adkins sues Gary Young’s clinic for her kidney failure, which almost killed her. She had no history of kidney problems prior to receiving Gary Young’s “treatments.” In a Utah federal complaint, she alleges that Gary Young used dangerous and unproven therapies.
2005: The End of the Clinic
Gary Young closes Young Life Research Clinic without warning or explanation in the middle of seeing patients. He moves to Ecuador.
2015: Lead Detected
A California non-profit whose mission is to safeguard the public from health hazards, independently tests Young Living supplements and finds that 8 of their products contain dangerous levels of LEAD.
2015: Resigns
Just 20 days following the lead revelation, Gary Young resigns to pursue “personal interests.” His wife, Mary, is promoted to CEO of Young Living. All questions about the CEO switch are now fielded directly to Mr. Dan Rene, the senior VP of Levick PR, who according to the firm website, “specializes in high-profile reputation protection for companies embroiled in tax evasion charges, public crises, or reputational threats.”



 

31 comments:

  1. this article needs more references. It is hard to verify the truth without reference to actual documents.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
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      Delete
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  2. Yes ! Can you give references please it would be greatly appreciated

    ReplyDelete
  3. As a professional writer, I would HIGHLY recommend you hyperlink and SOURCE all the claims you make. Anything written without sources can be used in defamation cases. Young Living has deep pockets.

    Otherwise this was an interesting read

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is a blog and while I would like to have one place with all Links. I have been to many of these sources that she is gathering claims from. They are not just claims but actual records, from both State and Federal records and personal testimony in the case of Dr. Robert.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wrong! Pay to do a REAL background check and see. It's all there.

      Delete
  5. I agree with the others. Where could we find the sources. I absolutley disagree with mlm type businesses, and my girlfriend is a fanatic about this young living . The other night she asked me if I would support her if she chooses to make YL a career, I said no because it's a business for those who start with the company not for those who start thousands of positions down from the first up lines, however I will support you in any long term payout job . Whether that be from her incredible vocal coaching to if she wanted to peruse being a mechanic . She now wants to move back home states away and end this relationship ,so if I could get some help with real documents and facts that would be cool .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You can actually make alot money from starting from the bottom with young living eventually. I'd break up with you too, if I was told you wouldn't support my career choice

      Delete
    2. Peddling placebos for this huge company started by a criminal.
      Some "career choice."

      Delete
    3. Unfortunately, MLM's are viewed as 'legal' pyramid schemes. The reason it is viewed as legal is because they offer a 'product'. Many come with high hope after hearing of the benefits of the oils and the opportunity to make money. In reality, the people who introduces other will make money, in the beginning, however, many, many will end up leaving and disheartened.

      I must admit you can get hyped with the meetings and listening to those who are at the top.

      The oils are 'good', but how many have tested or even know how to test, what is good, bad, or other to really know. I personally like them. Therefore, I can not agree or disagree with those who have had a bad experience. The ONLY drawback with Young Living's oils is the price they ask for them.

      Delete
  6. here are the links https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Gary_Young

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Something other than wikipedia! It's been a well known website that anyone can write up anything they want and put it on that site as fact. Do you habe any other valid links? I've looked and looked and all I can find is wikipedia and a few bloggers.

      Delete
    2. Wikipedia lists sources at the bottom.

      Delete
  7. Arrest records are public, it's not rocket Science to find them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I read an article similar to this a month or so ago. It's strange, because it was almost identical to this and in the same areas of the US. Tje only difference is that it was I think in the middle or late 1800's...really bizzare....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Not surprising. He channeled the dead too.

      Delete
  9. I like how you have this all laid out. It's a shame people support his business...and even if they know about this maybe don't care. :(

    ReplyDelete
  10. Please post links and sources and not wikipedia. Court docs and so on.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Are all of you people so lazy that you can not do a simple Google search to find references?!? I mean seriously, stop asking to be spoon fed! Lazy!

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's called "good writing" to include sources. We aren't lazy. Submit an essay in college without listing your sources - failing grade. Submit an article to your editor without sources - article not accepted. It's not bizarre or lazy to ask for sources. If you want to be taken seriously include sources. I mean the writer had to do the research to create this post, right? Which means the sources were right there. Just a copy and paste away.

    So lazy one here is the writer, not it's readers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bingo.

      There are several versions of this.


      Now, I use YL products. I no longer follow the cult group energy, mainly because I escaped the cult I was born in and I will be damned if I join another one in any shape or form. It is called UnDUE influence and its not just MLM's that use this to establish brands, most of not all leaders... so yeah.

      I have been learning about this on freedomofmind.com I take what I can use, beyond that...

      New rules: "follow no one".

      I am here because of Business Insider's recent article, won't pay to read it so... was wondering what they are on about now.

      But it is the same all over again.

      To me it looks like Gary was kicked out of the company he started with his wife and they found a bit of a win win relationship to ride on his "charisma". And then this charisma replicated over and over in others who looked up to him.

      Is he involved in the production of anything... quite frankly, can't imagjne how.

      But I did some homework, companies can claim they never order anything from China.... but those records are also available. Long ago I found records of shipments for YL from China etc for EO.

      I figured it's BUSINESS as usual, wanna buy from honest people? BUY FROM ARTISANS, PAY THEM WHAT THEY ARE ASKING.

      Or feed capitalism and the shady people and "shady" practices...

      Delete
  13. WHAT A GREAT MIRACLE THAT I HAVE EVER SEE IN MY LIFE. My names are Clara David I’m a citizen of USA, My younger sister was sicking of breast cancer and her name is Sandra David I and my family have taking her to all kind of hospital in USA still yet no good result. I decided to go to the internet and search for cancer cure so that was how I find a ladycalled peter Lizzy she was testifies to the world about the goodness of a herbal man who has the roots and herbs to cure all kind of disease and the herbal man email was there. So I decided to contact the herbal man @herbalist_sakura for my younger sister help to cure her breast cancer. I contacted him and told him my problem he told me that I should not worry that my sister cancer will be cure, he told me that there is a medicine that he is going to give me that I will cook it and give it to my sister to drink for one week, so I ask how can I receive the cure that I am in USA, he told me That I will pay for the delivery service. The courier service can transport it to me so he told me the amount I will pay, so my dad paid for the delivery fee. two days later I receive the cure from the courier service so I used it as the herbal man instructed me to, before the week complete my sister cancer was healed and it was like a dream to me not knowing that it was physical I and my family were very happy about the miracle of Doctor so my dad wanted to pay him 5 million us dollars the herbal man did not accept the offer from my dad, but I don't know why he didn't accept the offer, he only say that I should tell the world about him and his miracle he perform so am now here to tell the world about him if you or your relative is having any kind of disease that you can't get from the hospital please contact dr.sakuraspellalter@gmail.com or whats app him +2348110114739  you can follow him up on Instagram @herbalist_sakura for the cure, he will help you out with the problem. And if you need more information about the doctor you can mail me davidclara223@gmail.com 

    ReplyDelete
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    I am here to share the wonderful work Dr. Jumba did for me. After 7 years in marriage with my husband with 2 kids, my husband started acting weird and going out with other ladies and showed me cold love, on several occasions he threatens to divorce me if I dare question him about his affair with other ladies, I was totally devastated and confused until a old friend of mine told me about a spell caster on the internet called Dr. Jumba who help people with relationship and marriage problem by the powers of love spells, at first I doubted if such thing ever exists but decided to give it a try, when I contact him, he helped me cast a love spell and within 48hours my husband came back to me and started apologizing, now he has stopped going out with other ladies and his with me for good and for real. Contact this great love spell caster for your relationship or marriage problem to be solved today via email: wiccalovespelltools@gmail.com or text him on WhatsApp messenger:  +19085174108

    ReplyDelete
  16. I had shingles and was told that I would be experiencing a LOT of pain. I applied 10 oils that was recommended in Young Livings reference book. And I did NOT experience any pain whatsoever. I am advocating or praising Young Living's oil but they did work for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. edit: I am not advocating or praising Young Living's oils, but they did work on me.

      Delete
  17. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  18. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete


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