International Essential Oils Day
A Celebration of Plant Power & Timeless Traditions
In honor of International Essential Oils Day (July 11th), I wanted to take a moment to share a little about the history of essential oils, some of the most loved botanicals, and a few of my personal favorites that I use in my everyday life.
If you’re new to plant-based wellness, this is a beautiful place to begin—and if you’d like to go deeper into how plants can be used in everyday routines, you can explore our guide on functional botanical formats like lozenges → What Are Lozenges
So grab a cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and enjoy.
The History of Essential Oils
Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts derived from leaves, flowers, roots, bark, and peels. They are most commonly produced through steam distillation or cold pressing, capturing the natural aromatic compounds of the plant—often referred to as its “essence.”
The use of aromatic plants dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese incorporated botanicals into daily rituals, wellness practices, and personal care.
By the 1800s, essential oils were documented in texts like the Materia Medica, where botanicals such as lavender, peppermint, lemon, rosemary, and chamomile were widely recognized and used.
Today, essential oils continue to be appreciated as part of a plant-forward lifestyle rooted in tradition—and are one of many ways people incorporate plants into their daily routines.
Choosing High-Quality Essential Oils
Not all essential oils are created equal—and quality truly matters.
When selecting essential oils, I always look for:
- USDA Organic-certified oils whenever possible
- Oils that are 100% pure and unadulterated (no fillers, no synthetic additives)
- Proper botanical sourcing and transparency (plant species + origin listed)
- Third-party testing for purity and quality
- Extraction methods that preserve the plant’s natural integrity
This is incredibly important because what you breathe into your space—or apply to your body—should be as clean and close to nature as possible.
If you’re interested in how we approach sourcing and quality across all plant-based ingredients, you can read more here → Certifications & Quality Standards
🍃 Popular Essential Oils & Their Traditional Uses
Here are a few well-known essential oils and how they’ve been traditionally used:
Ginger – Traditionally used to support digestive comfort and provide a warming sensation
Lavender – Commonly associated with relaxation and calming rituals
Lemon – Known for its bright, uplifting aroma
Peppermint – Traditionally used for a cooling and refreshing experience
Spearmint – Often used for its gentle, refreshing aroma and digestive support traditions
Rosemary – Historically used to support clarity and invigorate the senses
These botanicals have been appreciated across cultures for generations and continue to play a role in modern wellness routines.
You can also explore more about individual botanicals and their history in our growing plant education series → Our Blog Articles
My Favorite Essential Oils
There are a handful of oils that I personally love and use regularly in our home.
Frankincense – Grounding and centering, especially during quiet moments or reflection
Mandarin – Soft, uplifting, and perfect for creating a calm and happy environment
Copaiba – A gentle oil I enjoy for its soothing and balancing qualities
I typically use these oils in simple ways—either diffusing them throughout the home or diluting them with a carrier oil like coconut oil and applying them to the skin.
There’s something really special about slowing down and connecting with these plants in such a simple, intentional way.
A Few Additional Things to Know
Essential oils are incredibly powerful—and a little truly goes a long way.
Here are a few important things I always keep in mind:
- Always dilute oils properly before applying to the skin
- Be mindful when using oils around pets and young children
- Store oils in dark glass bottles to protect their integrity
- Avoid exposure to heat and sunlight, which can degrade the quality
- When in doubt, less is more
If you’re just getting started, we’ll be sharing a deeper guide on essential oil safety and best practices → Essential Oil Safety Guide
Closing Thoughts
Essential oils are a beautiful reminder of how powerful plants can be—and how long we’ve been connected to them.
They invite us to slow down, be intentional, and bring more nature into our everyday lives.
On this International Essential Oils Day, I’d love to hear from you:
What are your favorite essential oils?
With love,
Tracy
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should be used thoughtfully. Always dilute before topical use and consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have any questions about use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.