Words from the founder.

Welcome! I’m Dr. Patty, a chemist at heart and the founder of Makaaina.

Makaaina is specialized in the essential oils of Madagascar. Why Madagascar? Because the soil there is rich and produces thousands of unique medicinal plants, thus producing high-quality therapeutic essential oils.

To understand why I created Makaaina, let me take you back to my roots.

I was raised in Madagascar, a poor nation but a beautiful island rich in fauna and flora. Madagascar is also known for its home remedies, natural healing, and medicinal plants, which have many therapeutic benefits.

I was raised by three wonderful and beautiful women—my grandmother, mother, and aunt. These women taught me so many invaluable life lessons. One of the most important lessons was the power of education.

This lesson was reinforced during our long walks to and from school, which was a commitment of nearly 2 hours per day.

Also, growing up, the power grid in Madagascar was often unreliable. So many nights, my grandmother, mother, or aunt would light a candle so I could complete my homework.

I vividly remember, until this day, sitting at the edge of the bed, with a stool in front of me, finishing my homework by candlelight. Sometimes, I even burned some strands of my hair because the stool was so small that I would lean too close to the candle.

That was a commitment to education. And thanks to them, I’m a living proof that a girl like me can rise above poverty with an education.

While walking to and from school, we would stop to buy medicinal plants sold on the street in open-air markets. These medicinal plants were brewed for their healing properties. Depending on the types of medicinal plants, you could drink the brew or inhale the steam.

Also, as Western medicines were not always available or affordable to my family, we used plants and plant extracts and oils to heal many ailments. This is what healing looked like in my family, and these moments shaped my understanding of healing, wellness, and holistic medicine.

Since moving to the US, I’ve always had a burning desire to give back to my communities, both here in the US and in Madagascar.

For my education, I chose to focus on water research because I knew what it was like not to have potable water growing up, and I also knew what it was like to boil water before drinking it. So, I studied water chemistry in graduate school, but medicinal plants and essential oils have always been part of my life.

I’ve never stopped taking medicinal plants and using essential oils from Madagascar for healing and prevention. I want these oils and plants to be universally accepted as viable, user-friendly options for improving human conditions because I believe in the medicinal power of these plants and these essential oils.

Starting Makaaina was a perfect way to leverage my background as a scientist working in top US companies, small business ventures, and academia to ensure that people have the best essential oils for their wellness and lifestyle.

I regularly give free (yes, 100% free) aromatherapy classes to my community to share my knowledge about plants and essential oils because these products have been good to me.

They have been good to my family. They helped us in times when we could not afford to buy medications.

Team of experts

Our dedicated team (including scientists, massage therapist, and naturopath specialist), all avid users and believers in the potency of essential oils, masterfully brings a rich blend of traditional wisdom, empirical knowledge, and scientific understanding to curate the best selections of essential oils.

Combining age-old traditions with a scientific approach, our collective expertise ensures that every essential oil meets the pinnacle of quality and effectiveness.

Committed to quality

From sourcing to packaging, our team is committed to quality by using the best available raw materials and consistent manufacturing processes to ensure that every single drop we produce embodies the promise of well-being.

Sourced primarily from Madagascar

Madagascar, an island known for its unique fauna and flora, is the primary source of our high-quality essential oils.

Why Madagascar? My homeland is rich in medicinal plants and essential oils with transformative properties—many are endemic to its biodiversity.

Some of these medicinal plants and essential oils have always been my family’s trusted health allies.

Being a native of Madagascar, I’ve experienced their benefits since childhood, from alleviating minor discomforts to addressing severe health concerns. Their effectiveness is deeply rooted in my experiences, making them an integral part of my everyday life.

Meaning of Makaaina

You may wonder what the meaning of Makaaina is.

In Malagasy, “maka” means to take or take back. “Aina” is life or the essence of life.

The deep meaning of Makaaina is to cease hard work or from the weight of life and take a breath (take back life) for a fresh start, a new vigor, or renewed energy.

Let’s embark on this journey!

With Makaaina’s essential oils, you’re not just investing in a product but embracing a journey to total well-being.

Think of it as having a personal health coach, always with you, in a tiny, potent bottle!

So, as you explore our products, remember that every product is a testament to our dedication and, most importantly, your well-being.

Let’s embark on this aromatherapy, wellness, and healthy lifestyle journey together and discover the wonders that Makaaina brings to life!

Find more information about Dr. Patty.

Click here to explore all products. 

Meet Us At Events Near You

At Makaaina, we believe in the power of personal connections. So welcome to our event section! where you can stay updated on the local, national, and international events where Makaaina will be present.

Our mission extends beyond offering the finest essential oils from Madagascar; it’s about you, our valued clients—we want to meet with you in person, share our passion, and educate you on how to incorporate these natural treasures into your daily life.

Whether you’re attending a local fair, a national wellness expo, or an international trade show, we are committed to being where you are. 

Join us to learn, connect, and enhance your well-being with the purest essential oils. Check out our event below and find out when we’ll be near you. 

We look forward to meeting you, sharing our knowledge, and helping you discover the transformative power of Madagascar’s essential oils. Your journey to better health and wellness starts with Makaaina.

Nashville Wellness Festival

March 1st, 2025

Nashville TN USA