International Essential Oils Day (IEOD)

 What & When

• Annual Date: July 11, worldwide, since 2018.

• Founder: Establishment credited to Young Living Essential Oils, launched by President/COO Jared Turner to honor founder D. Gary Young’s birthday.

                            

International Essential Oils Day (IEOD)

Date: Celebrated annually on July 11
Founded: In 2018 by Young Living Essential Oils
Purpose: To honor the life and legacy of D. Gary Young, a pioneer in the essential oils industry, and to raise global awareness about the benefits, sustainability, and safe use of essential oils.

Who Was D. Gary Young?

• Founder of Young Living Essential Oils

• Widely credited with reviving and globalizing essential oil use

• Advocated for organic, sustainable farming, and therapeutic-grade oils

• Developed the Seed to Seal® quality commitment, ensuring rigorous production standards from plant to bottle

Origins & Intent

• Initial Purpose (2018): Raise awareness of essential oils’ benefits, celebrate Young Living’s Seed to Seal® quality and sustainability standards, and support Young Living Foundation philanthropic initiatives.

• Charity Impact: First observance included 5% of global sales donated (capped at ~$250K) to Young Living Academy in Ecuador; similar contributions followed in subsequent years.

Why This Day Matters

1. Wellness and Therapeutic Benefits

Essential oils are used in:

• Aromatherapy

• Skincare and personal care

• Mental wellness (e.g., stress relief, focus)

• Natural home cleaning

• Spiritual and cultural practices

Examples:

• Lavender for relaxation

• Peppermint for headaches

• Tea Tree for antiseptic properties

• Frankincense for spiritual rituals and skincare

Essential oils date back thousands of years, with usage recorded in Ancient Egypt, India, Greece, and China.

2. Sustainability and Environmental Impact

IEOD also brings attention to:

• Eco-friendly farming practices

• Sustainable harvesting of botanicals

• Protection of endangered aromatic species

• Reforestation and seed-planting initiatives

Many enthusiasts plant trees or herbs like lavender, rosemary, or basil on this day to promote environmental mindfulness.

3. Philanthropic Action

On IEOD, Young Living and other companies:

• Donate a portion of profits to charitable causes

• Fund education programs like the Young Living Academy in Ecuador

• Support women’s empowerment, medical care, and clean water initiatives in underserved communities

In 2018 alone, Young Living donated 5% of global sales (up to $250,000) on IEOD to support humanitarian work.

Significance & Reach

• Celebrates plant-derived essential oils: aromatic, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory extracts used in wellness, aromatherapy, cosmetics, cleaning, and spiritual practices.

• Intended to educate the public on safe, sustainable, and beneficial uses of essential oils.

• Now globally recognized, with participation by individuals, retailers, wellness practitioners, and essential oil brands worldwide.

How It’s Celebrated

1. Social Engagement: Share favorites and experiences using official hashtags #IEOD or #InternationalEssentialOilsDay.

2. Try Something New: Experiment with a new essential oil or blend—widely encouraged on this day.

3. Plant for Future: Many participants plant a tree or botanical to honor sustainability.

4. Awareness & Learning:

• Attend workshops, webinars, or educational events

• Share recipes, diffusing tips, and DIY beauty or wellness blends at home.

5. How People Celebrate

   Wellness Routines

   • Morning diffusing with calming blends

   • Creating custom roller bottles or massage oils

   • DIY recipes for:

     • Natural deodorant

     • Skin serums

     • All-purpose household cleaners

   Social Sharing

   • Posting about favorite oils and uses

   • Sharing diffusing blends or personal stories

   • Using hashtags like #IEOD and #InternationalEssentialOilsDay

   Education

   • Free webinars and workshops on safe oil use

   • Classes on:

     • Dilution ratios

     • Children & pet safety

     • Storage and shelf life

   • Online events hosted by aromatherapists and naturopaths

   Sales & Giveaways

• Special promotions by essential oil brands

• Gift sets, bundles, and exclusive limited-edition oils

• Online contests

Essential Oils in Science

Research continues to explore the biological activity of essential oils:

• Antimicrobial and antifungal uses in healthcare

• Stress reduction and sleep support

• Mood enhancement (impact on dopamine/serotonin pathways)

• Their role in natural remedies vs. pharmaceuticals