As summer fades and we settle into cooler days, our routines shift. Long walks in nature give way to cosy evenings indoors, and the hustle of work picks up pace. But true grounding doesn’t come from a warm blanket and a favourite TV show, says Dr Bo Hendgen, founder of organic healthcare brand Absolute Essential. It comes from reconnecting with nature – engaging our senses with the sights, sounds, and textures of the outdoors.
“The scent of the earth plays a powerful role in that connection,” Dr Bo explains. “Think about walking through a forest – the damp, mossy aroma, the rich scent of wood and soil. These smells anchor us, reminding us of our primal bond with nature we humans hunker for.”
As daylight shortens and outdoor time dwindles, many of us feel increasingly disconnected from the natural world. “Especially in urban settings, where we spend most of our time indoors, we tend to live in our heads most of the time,” she says.
Essential oils derived from wood, bark and resin can help bridge that gap, evoking the grounding experience of a forest walk in our homes. Unlike synthetic fragrances that have no therapeutic value, 100% pure plant extracts engage our senses on a deep level, triggering an innate, emotional response.
So, as the seasons change, consider reaching for the scents of cedarwood, pine, sandalwood or vetiver (more on this later) to bring the grounding essence of the wild into your daily life.
Finding the right base note
When it comes to grounding scents, base notes are key. Typically derived from wood or plant roots, they offer a sense of stability and connection, says Dr Bo.
These base notes fall into two broad categories: gentle, “agreeable” scents and deeper, more “confronting” aromas.
For a softer, earthier experience, sandalwood or frankincense provide a warm and soothing foundation. If you’re drawn to something bolder, vetiver or patchouli deliver a more intense aroma – though their potency can sometimes be polarizing.
“But often,” Dr Bo notes, “the scents we resist are the ones we need most.”
The deep roots of vetiver
Let’s have a closer look at vetiver, a member of the lemongrass family, it carries the unmistakable scent of a damp forest – earthy, grounding, and deeply restorative. Beneath the surface, its root system extends up to five meters deep, helping to prevent soil erosion and anchoring the plant firmly into the earth.
“What better way to ground ourselves than with a plant that’s literally built for grounding?” she says.
Vetiver oil pairs beautifully with lavender for a tension-relieving massage, and its deeply calming properties may also support restful sleep and even enhance your libido.
Creating a grounding ritual with essential oils
Incorporating essential oils into a daily routine can serve as a mindful reset, bringing a sense of calm after a hectic day.
“It becomes a ritual,” says Dr Bo, “much like yoga or meditation. A warm bath, paired with grounding scents, helps mark the transition between work and relaxation.”
Absolute Essential’s Tranquility blend – featuring lavender, chamomile roman, orange sweet, and sandalwood – is designed to ease tension and support deep relaxation. It works beautifully in a diffuser, as a meditation aid, or added to a soothing evening bath.
No diffuser? Try the base chakra blend
For those who prefer a direct application to the body, Absolute Essential’s base chakra blend offers an easy way to integrate grounding scents into daily life. Infused with black pepper, vetiver, frankincense, and patchouli, this blend promotes balance, clarity, and calm.
With no need for a diffuser, this blend is ready to apply straight to the skin. Dr Bo recommends dabbing it onto pulse points like the wrists or massaging 5 drops into the base of the spine for a deeply centering effect.
