Headless Chicken is one tough rooster
Essential oils’ cancer-cure claims risk legal backlash
SOME New Zealand-based sellers of an imported essential oil brand are using it to treat cancer patients and believe it could cure the disease.
The Doterra network is expanding rapidly in New Zealand and Australia, using a multi-level marketing structure where sellers recruit other sellers and take commissions on sales made by those on lower levels.
Rose Scott, of Motueka, and Molly Wastney, of Nelson, were some of the first Doterra distributors in New Zealand. Wastney has more than 1000 sellers on levels beneath her. Scott has 179 sellers in her team.
When contacted, both Scott and Wastney said they wouldn’t GRANT Fell has just learned he had beaten cancer.
And both he and his wife, Rachael Churchward, are adamant his success is a result of a strict diet eliminating sugar and carbohydrates.
With the help of their oncologist, they say they integrated a weekly chemotherapy dose with a ketogenic diet which included consuming frankincense, turmeric and sea cucumber.
The former bass player in 90s alt-pop band Headless Chickens and co-editor of fashion magazine Black now plans to publish a book about his journey.
‘‘Just to share the knowledge that I’ve learned – it might help some other people,’’ he said.
News of Fell’s glioblastoma – a cancerous brain tumour – rocked the music and fashion community in 2015.
They rallied behind him, raising $11,000 from a fundraiser at Ponsonby pub Golden Dawn, and $40,000 from a Givealittle page.
It’s been two and a half weeks since Fell learned his cancer was in remission. He’s spent some of those days enjoying a few beers in the sun while listening to his favourite soul/funk music.
But mostly, he’s been learning to walk again and letting the news sink in.
‘‘There were many times when I thought I wouldn’t make it,’’ he openly claim the oils could cure cancer but were convinced of its healing powers based on their experience with cancer patients.
Cancer Society medical director Dr Chris Jackson said no research indicated essential oils were effective cancer treatments and promoting unproven therapies was illegal. ‘‘Anybody recommending them as a treatment or cure should be said.
‘‘More recently I was preparing to go into palliative care because I was so hard to look after. I thought my life was going to end and I thought I’d go into a home to make it easier for my wife.’’
Churchward spent days and nights researching and caring for Fell while measuring out his intake of protein and fat.
‘‘It’s made me stronger – I’m pretty strong anyway – but it’s made me realise that I can actually do a lot more than I thought I could,’’ she said.
New Zealand Music Foundation general manager Peter Dickens said Fell’s ‘‘innovative and brave approach’’ to his health was typical of his creative knack – a legacy that continued after his involvement with the Headless Chickens.
The foundation provides emergency assistance to Kiwi musicians and their families.
‘‘The contribution that Headless Chickens made to NZ music can’t be overstated,’’ Dickens said.
‘‘What a lot of people don’t know about Grant was that he also directed their music videos, so his influence stretches far beyond guitar playing, it is his whole approach to his creative efforts and his efforts in music.’’
It’s expected to be another two years before Fell is back, fully functioning. In the meantime, he plans to finish the book.
Travel is also on the cards, as well as lots of doughnuts. referred to the Health and Disability Commissioner for investigation.’’
In 2014, the American Food and Drug Administration warned Doterra about claims by distributors that its oils were effective against Ebola, cancer, autism and other conditions. The company responded by setting up a team to scour social media sites for non-compliant claims.