Herbaceous Oils and Upcoming Classes

Rose Geranium in Bloom

By Robin Lander, Clinical Aromatherapist & Wellness Educator, Intuition Medicine® Practitioner, Certified Hypnotherapist

Winter Greetings, Aroma Lovers,

What a remarkable time of transition and growth we are in! If you’re anything like me, you’re multitasking your energy right now, both working to nurture yourself and your loved ones in the dark yin time of winter yet already feeling the pull of spring’s new beginnings.

How will you grow more fully into yourself this year?

The Energetics of Herbaceous Plant Essential Oils

When I think of our aromatherapy allies for this time, I’m feeling the energy of herbaceous plants step forward to help with the transition – Geranium, Clary Sage, Rosemary, Niaouli, Basil, Thyme, Hyssop Decumbens, and so many more.

Plants that primarily release essential oils from their leaves are pushing ahead with new green growth and their essential oils embody the energy of nourishment, healthy respiration, protection, and transformation. This is where many of our antiseptic and respiratory oils come from, but also those that help restore equilibrium in mind and body and help us shed old, restrictive beliefs.

Now is the perfect time to enjoy purifying salt scrubs with leafy herbaceous essential oils like Geranium. Here is one of my favorite recipes for restoring balance and nourishing the spirit during times of transition:

Geranium Sea Salt Scrub for Nourishing, Balancing, and Purifying

5 drops Geranium essential oil (Pelargonium graveolens, also called Rose Geranium)

5 drops Clary Sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea)

5 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)

½ cup fine ground Sea Salt (Dead Sea Salt is extra nourishing if you can find it)

1 oz carrier oil such as Fractionated Coconut or Jojoba Oil

Directions:

In a small bowl or jar, combine the carrier oil and essential oils and mix with a spoon. Add ½ cup Sea Salt and stir well to combine. This makes enough for 1-3 scrub applications. For best results, make fresh and use immediately, or within 2 weeks. Cover tightly until next use.

To use the scrub, apply either before bathing or while in the shower or bath. Scoop out a small handful of the scrub. Starting at the hands or feet, massage in upward motions over the body toward the heart. Rinse when finished. Use scrub 1-3X per week. Use caution in the shower as the oils can make the area very slippery.

Cautions: do not use on the face or on damaged or hypersensitive skin. If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, or are on medication, consult with your physician before using essential oils.

UPCOMING CLASSES

Want to learn more about working with the energy of essential oils? I’ve got a class coming up just for you.

Scent & Spirit: The Energetic Language of Essential Oils

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 10am-1pm

At the Academy of Intuition Medicine® in Sausalito, CA (Zoom option available)

$52

If you’ve ever been curious how I got my start in energy medicine, this is the school where it all began. Come check it out!

In this immersive workshop, we’ll explore essential oils from every botanical category — Trees, Woods, Resins, Roots, Herbs, Grasses, Flowers, Seeds, and Fruit — discovering how each group offers unique energetic messages and natural affinities for specific chakras and body systems.

Register through Academy of Intuition Medicine®

Self-Compassion, Aromatherapy, and All My Relations

Sunday, February 15th, 2026, 10am-7pm-ish

Day-Long Retreat via Zoom

$120

I’ll be speaking at the monthly EarthMagic Gathering produced by Yraceburu Earth Wisdom, an internationally renowned, not for profit eco-spiritual organization. This powerful day includes storytelling, healing, intuitive living skills, and time-tracking. My afternoon presentation is about how self-compassion and aromatherapy can propel your personal journey of growth and healing, ultimately helping to alleviate suffering and injustice within yourself and therefore humanity.

Register at Yraceburu Earth Wisdom

Natural Perfumery with Essential Oils

Saturday, May 9th, 2026, 10am-4pm

California School of Herbal Studies, Forestville, CA

$105

Creating your own fragrances with pure, natural essential oils is a sensual art and science that combines intuition, imagination, and a passion for aroma. Based on the Slow Scent® method of perfumery developed by Mandy Aftel, you’ll have a carefully curated set of over 20 essences to choose from and make two beautiful solid perfumes to take home.  

Register at California School of Herbal Studies

Wishing you ease and grace with the return of the light.