Our Founder

D. Gary Young founded Young Living Essential Oils after realizing the need to share with the world the power of essential oils. As a young man, Gary suffered a crippling injury that nearly cost him his life. This launched him on a personal health odyssey that transformed him both physically and emotionally. Traveling the world to study essential oils and alternative health care, Gary Young has become a foremost authority in natural health and intensely committed to sharing his knowledge and expertise about essential oils with others.

Part of his young life research, Gary introduced the revered Chinese Ningxia wolfberry to the western world through his friend Doctor Songqiao Chao. The Chinese wolfberry is prized for its health and longevity benefits particularly in China, where it has been valued for millennia. The Ningxia wolfberry is the core ingredient in our antioxidant health drink, NingXia Red.

In 1989 Gary Young introduced the Raindrop Technique as a part of his essential science study. This specialized technique was designed to address problems related to the curvature of the spine and relieve discomfort associated with common health conditions. Since its inception, the Raindrop therapy has received an enormous amount of praise from users around the world for its ability to help improve spinal abnormalities and facilitate tissue cleansing and overall health.

In 1995 Gary purchased 138 acres of farmland in Mona, Utah. By 2007 the farm had grown to 1,200 acres, 120 of which showcases vibrant lavender fields during the months of June and July. During this peak season, the annual Lavender Days event is held at the farm. Individuals from all over the world come to the lavender festival to celebrate the beauty that abounds while discovering how lavender and other plants and herbs are distilled.

Today, Gary Young continues traveling across continents, investigating both traditional and modern uses of essential oils and gaining insights into every facet of essential oil production— from distillation and harvesting to seed selection and crop management. Gary has studied essential oil chemistry, use, and application with the world's leading essential oil experts to help discover the secret to young life. He has explored ancient distillation techniques at archaeological sites in Pakistan, Israel, and Egypt. Gary Young continues to research and travel the world with relentless vigor to help Young Living Essential Oils bring new and innovative products to the world.