A Georgia nurse practitioner and doTerra distributor, Eliza Johnson Bacot, faces a $15,000 penalty for promoting fraudulent COVID-19 claims about essential oils and supplements. The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil lawsuit against Bacot in January 2023, alleging she misrepresented doTerra products as effective in preventing or treating the virus.
Bacot operates her doTerra business under the brand "The Organic South." She and her husband, Benton Bacot, are listed as doTerra Diamond rank distributors. Court documents detail specific instances where Bacot, identifying herself as a nurse practitioner and certified wellness practitioner, recommended doTerra products for individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 or experiencing long-haul symptoms.
During a doTerra Zoom webinar in January 2022, Bacot outlined protocols for COVID-19 positive individuals and those suffering from "COVID Long-Haul Syndrome." She emphasized the importance of doTerra's Lifelong Vitality products, specifically mentioning Alpha CRS for cell repair and omega fatty acids for long-haul symptoms. Bacot stated that these foundational supplements were crucial because the body remains in an inflammatory state after COVID-19 infection, a condition she linked to a "cytokine storm."
She specifically highlighted doTerra's turmeric supplement, differentiating it from standard curcumin extracts. Bacot claimed the dual-chamber capsule, which contains essential oil alongside turmeric, increases bioavailability sevenfold. She advised increasing the dosage for severe symptoms, suggesting that 1,000 milligrams of standard turmeric would be insufficient. For individuals over 160 pounds, she recommended three to four capsules daily to reduce inflammation.
Bacot also promoted DDR Prime Softgels, containing frankincense, lemongrass, summer savory, and thyme, as beneficial for balancing the inflammatory system, particularly noting frankincense's value. She presented these softgels as a convenient option for individuals experiencing long-haul symptoms who might struggle with preparing veggie capsules. She recommended two DDR Prime Softgels daily for continued support.
Furthermore, Bacot advised individuals meeting the criteria for long-haul syndrome to follow the acute COVID protocols for seven days if they had not already done so. The DOJ's action underscores the government's stance against health misinformation, particularly concerning serious illnesses like COVID-19.