International Essential Oils Day Date in the current year: July 11, 2024

Essential oils are concentrated volatile liquids extracted from various parts of plants. They are called so because these oils contain the essence of the plant’s fragrance. Essential oils can be extracted from plants by distillation, expression, solvent extraction, and other methods. Most essential oils are steam distilled, but there are some exceptions. For example, citrus oils are usually cold-pressed from the fruit rinds.

Since ancient times, people have used essential oils for medicinal purposes, for flavoring, in various scented preparations, and in religious ceremonies (especially frankincense and myrrh). There is a form of alternative medicine called aromatherapy that is based on the usage of essential oils and other aromatic materials to treat various ailments and induce relaxation.

Essential oils are widely used in the production of perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, air fresheners, and household cleaning products. They are a common ingredient in DIY cosmetics, not just due to their scents but also because essential oils have antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties (however, it is important to keep in mind that undiluted essential oils can cause skin irritation, so one should be very careful when using them in skincare).

Given the global popularity of essential oils, it is not surprising that there is a holiday dedicated to them. International Essential Oils Day (IEOD) was launched in 2018 by Young Living, a multi-level marketing company that sells essential oils and related products (oil blends, dietary oils, diffusers, etc.). The date of the observance was chosen to honor the company’s founder Donald Gary Young who was born on July 11, 1949 and died two months before the creation of IEOD.

Young Living created International Essential Oils Day to promote its products, as well as its charity foundation that contributes to environmental protection and sustainability efforts. However, since its launch the holiday has been adopted by other essential oil producers and distributors that use it to promote their own products. It is celebrated by essential oils enthusiasts from all over the world, many of whom don’t have a clue about the origins of the holiday.

There are plenty ways for you to celebrate International Essential Oils Day. You can stock up your essential oil collection, try new essential oils, experiment with making your own essential own blends and DIY skin and hair care products with essential oils, and tell the world about your favorite essential oils on social media with the hashtags #InternationalEssentialOilsDay and #IEOD to promote the holiday and encourage your friends to discover the amazing world of essential oils and aromatherapy.