International Essential Oils Day, celebrated annually on July 11th, is a day dedicated to exploring natural remedies that promote relaxation, enhance well-being, and offer aromatic benefits for a balanced lifestyle.
This day, founded by Young Living in 2018, aims to increase awareness about the benefits of using essential oils in daily life and pay tribute to the company’s founder, Donald Gary Young.
History of international essential oils day
The use of natural substances for holistic healing purposes is an ancient practice dating back to the earliest human civilizations. Our ancestors discovered that certain plants, when applied topically or made into teas, could promote health and cure diseases.
In modern times, particularly in the Western world, the field of medicine has tended to move away from natural healing practices.
However, scientists cannot deny the myriad of properties that plants possess, which can aid humans in their efforts toward health. Essential oils, being the “essence” of the plants they are derived from, embody these beneficial properties, and International Essential Oils Day aims to celebrate and promote their use.
International Essential Oils Day was founded in 2018 by the president and COO of Young Living, one of the largest essential oil companies in the world. The event was scheduled to take place on July 11, the birthday of the company’s founder, Donald Gary Young, who had passed away in May of that year. The purpose behind the day was twofold: to increase awareness about the benefits of using essential oils in daily life and to pay tribute to the visionary behind the company.
Ideas to celebrate international essential oils day
There are numerous ways to celebrate International Essential Oils Day and embrace the benefits of these natural remedies. Here are a few ideas:
- Learn more about essential oils and their various properties and applications
- Attend workshops or seminars on essential oils to deepen your knowledge
- Incorporate essential oils into your daily routine, such as in aromatherapy or topical application
- Share your knowledge and experiences with essential oils with friends and family
- Support local businesses or online retailers that specialize in high-quality, pure essential oils
The science behind essential oils
Essential oils are not actually oils but highly concentrated plant extracts that are 100% natural. The concentration of these oils is remarkable; for instance, a single drop of peppermint essential oil is equivalent to 28 cups of peppermint tea. Essential oils are typically extracted through steam distillation, a process that ensures the purity of the oils is maintained.
These concentrated plant extracts have been found to possess various healing properties, including antibiotic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The unique combination of compounds in each essential oil contributes to its specific therapeutic benefits, making them valuable tools in supporting overall health and well-being.
Popular essential oils and their benefits
While there are numerous essential oils, each with its own unique properties and benefits, some oils have gained particular popularity due to their versatility and effectiveness. Here are a few examples:
- Lavender Essential Oil: Soothing and calming, this oil provides healing benefits for wounds and acne, helps promote sleep, reduces anxiety, and acts as an insect repellent.
- Lemon Essential Oil: This purifying and cleansing oil can reduce inflammation, boost energy, heal infections, and act as a disinfectant.
- Peppermint Essential Oil: Offers help with coughs and colds, headaches, and muscle aches, and also improves concentration while reducing stress.
- Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Useful for soothing tired muscles, this oil also supports respiratory health, acts as a decongestant, and may even reduce joint pain.