Every year on July 11th, enthusiasts and practitioners around the globe celebrate International Essential Oils Day. This special day is dedicated to appreciating the myriad benefits of essential oils, their rich history, and their diverse applications in promoting holistic health and well-being.
“Essential oils are a stunning representation of nature’s complex biochemistry, interconnectedness, and beauty. Humans across cultures have cherished essential oils for centuries for the effects of their aromas for spiritual practices, medicinal applications, and culinary purposes. Modern science continues to unravel the multitude of benefits seen in humans, animals, and plants from interacting with essential oils. In a time of rapid growth in human technology, essential oils offer us an elegant way to soothe our nervous system and create a bridge with nature in our daily lives.”
- Amanda Lattin, ACHS Dean of Aromatherapy
The Origins of Essential Oils
The use of essential oils dates back thousands of years, with ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, Indians, and Chinese harnessing the power of plant extracts for medicinal, spiritual, and cosmetic purposes. These potent oils, derived from flowers, leaves, bark, and other plant parts, have been treasured for their therapeutic properties and aromatic appeal.1
What Are Essential Oils?
Each essential oil contains a distinct blend of chemicals, which influences its aroma, absorption, and effects on the body. The chemical makeup of an essential oil can differ even within the same plant species or between different plants. Synthetic oils are not regarded as true essential oils.2
Quality Matters
When purchasing and using essential oils, it’s imperative to select a high-quality source. Impure or low-quality oils can be less potent and even harmful. Learn more about How the Essential Oil Quality Impacts Therapeutic Value and Safety.
The ACHS Apothecary Shoppe College Store is proud to offer the highest quality holistic health products available. The Shoppe’s mission is to source the most exceptional, therapeutically active, organic, and wild-harvested products available.
Explore the Apothecary Shoppe’s wide variety of ethically and sustainably sourced essential oils.
Why Celebrate International Essential Oils Day?
International Essential Oils Day is more than just a celebration of these aromatic wonders. It’s also an opportunity to educate, share, and explore the many ways essential oils can enhance our lives. Here are a few reasons why this day is significant:
- Raising Awareness: This day helps to spread knowledge about the safe and effective use of essential oils. With increasing interest in natural remedies and wellness practices, it is crucial to understand how to use these powerful oils responsibly.
- Promoting Health and Well-being: Essential oils offer a natural alternative to synthetic products and pharmaceuticals. From supporting anxiety with lavender oil to managing energy with peppermint oil, they play a pivotal role in holistic health care.
- Supporting Sustainable Practices: The cultivation and harvesting of plants for essential oils often promote sustainable farming practices. By choosing ethically sourced oils, consumers can support environmental conservation and fair trade practices. Learn about the Apothecary Shoppe’s Quality Promise.
- Building Community: International Essential Oils Day fosters a sense of community among enthusiasts, practitioners, and newcomers. It provides a platform for sharing experiences, tips, and recipes and for participating in workshops or events.
Ways You Can Participate
There are many ways to join in the celebration of International Essential Oils Day. Here are some ideas to inspire your own aromatic adventures:
- Host a Party: Gather friends and family for an essential oils party. Exchange tips about different oils, their uses, and how to create custom blends. Important note: Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep them out of reach of children. Use caution when pregnant or nursing, and always check contraindications.
- Create DIY Products: Use essential oils to craft homemade beauty and wellness products. From bath bombs and candles to lotions and sprays, the possibilities are endless.
- Share on Social Media: Use the hashtag #InternationalEssentialOilsDay to share your favorite oils, blends, and recipes. Connect with a global community of essential oil enthusiasts.
- Practice Self-Care: Take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Diffuse calming oils like lavender or chamomile, enjoy an aromatherapy massage, or soak in an essential oil-infused bath.
- Expand Your Essential Oil Education: ACHS offers a full range of Aromatherapy certificates, diplomas, and Degree programs. You can also earn a micro-credential for professional development in the field of aromatherapy. ACHS micro-credentials provide an opportunity to upskill and focus your studies to develop in-demand skills and knowledge that are aligned with your goals and interests.
Embrace the Day
This International Essential Oils Day, we celebrate nature's aromatic gifts and their profound impact on our well-being. Whether you are a seasoned essential oil aficionado or just beginning your journey, this day is an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate the natural world around you. Embrace the power of essential oils and learn more about how they can enhance your life!
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Always use herbs and essential oils with caution and keep out of reach of children. Use particular caution when pregnant or nursing. Always check contraindications and think safety first! The statements herein have not been evaluated by the FDA. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Sources:
- Elshafie, H. S., & Camele, I. (2017). An Overview of the Biological Effects of Some Mediterranean Essential Oils on Human Health. BioMed research international, 2017, 9268468. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9268468
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Essential Oils. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved June 3, 2024, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/essential-oils
