About Us

Herban Essentials was founded by Deborah McCormick in 1997. A mother of three and sibling of six, Deborah had no shortage of travel plans...a summer vacation with the children here, a relative's wedding there. One day, out of nowhere and for no apparent reason, she was struck with a paralyzing fear of flying. After finding no success with doctors prescriptions or the only-out-of-desperation inflight cocktail to eliminate her crippling anxiety she took matters into her own hands. She spent years perfecting a homeopathic and aromatherapeutic kit that truly freed her from the horrible cycle of flight anxiety that plagued her. Deborah's "fear of flying kit" allowed her to travel with ease again and eventually became Herban Essentials first product in 1997.

In 2002 Deborah partnered with Stuart Manson who shared her love of essential oils and unique products. Stuart's experience in marketing, creative direction and design paired with Deborah's knowledge and ingenuity in the field of essential oils has made Herban Essentials an internationally recognized and critically acclaimed brand. The brand has expanded from the Fear of Flying kit (which contains the same effective components as it did 10 years ago, including the now famous original essential oil towelette) to a complete line of the finest and most versatile essential oil products available.

Over the years Herban Essentials has transitioned from a two-person operation in Deborah's barn in Montecito to an office of ten women close to the beach downtown in Santa Barbara.

In 2005 Stuart Manson became Stuart McCormick when she married Deborah's middle son, Dane. People are often amazed when they hear about a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law working together but Deborah and Stuart couldn't think of anything more natural. They're family, they're friends, they're business partners and they love what they do. They use the products they make, and make the product for their own personal use. They also hold their products to the highest of standards...their own. Through their partnership and love of their products Herban Essentials is now available world wide...all the way from the Philippines to France!

About Our Products

Herban Essentials uses the highest quality, 100% pure, therapeutic grade, steam distilled or cold pressed essential oils. We make a constant effort to obtain organic, wild-grown oils from American farmers whenever possible. Our products are made in the USA, are cruelty free and are never tested on animals. Deborah and Stuart are the only guinea pigs here!

Our product line includes the Fear of Flying Multi Use Kit, the Fear of Flying One Time Use Kit, the Baby Kit, and the Original Essential Oil Towelettes. Pure, fresh and fabulous best describe the towelettes which are available in essences of Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Pet, Yoga and soon Tangerine.

About Essential Oils

Essential oils are the aromatic essences extracted from plants, flowers, bark, grasses, fruits, or seeds. The life force of a plant is contained in its essential oil.

In addition to the lovely pleasing scents, essential oils are endowed with antibacterial, antiseptic, and unique therapeutic properties. Perfumes and artificial fragrances do not possess these medicinal and curative characteristics.

For thousands of years essential oils have been used to promote physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual well being.

We especially love the joyful, bright, uplifting, cleansing, calming benefits of lemon, eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and tangerine oils.

Herban Essentials uses only natural, steam-distilled or cold pressed oils of the highest quality.