Root Essential Oils for Strength and Introspection

Spikenard botanical drawing

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

Fall is the season when plants transition the focus of their energy to root growth. Soil temperatures are warm and inviting this time of year and plants are spending less energy on growing leaves and flowers. It’s a time for sorting things out, for letting these things go, and for building a root system and foundation for strength and support during the winter months.

Following this energy shown to us by our plant allies, it’s an auspicious time to do self-inquiry in preparation for the darker, more inward ‘yin’ time of winter. What loose ends are left to be resolved? Was the time taken to enjoy the fruits of summer’s labors? What can I do now to be more grounded and feel more secure? What is evolving under the surface?

I love the essential oils of roots to help with this deeper introspection and to feel grounded as we move into the fall and winter season. Root oils hold the loving, nurturing force of earth energy and our innate ability to self-heal. They help us hold firm as things are quietly moving and growing under the surface. Here are three of my favorite root essential oils for this time of year:

Vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides) is the ultimate ‘get back in your body’ soothing and grounding root oil. It can help bring us back to ourselves after stressful events or shocking circumstances. It is cooling and sedating, yet gently promotes healthy circulation and movement within. It lends an ease to moving through transitions, both in the world around us and within ourselves. When the world is swirling around us and our minds are spinning with thoughts, Vetiver holds us steady, like a grounding rod in the earth. It helps us slow down enough to find the answers within.

Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) has been used to calm the spirit for thousands of years. I have seen Spikenard essential oil evoke great change in people as they smell it for the first time, perhaps more than any other essential oil. There is an old-world quality to it, a familiarity that somehow goes beyond this lifetime. Spikenard is indeed a valuable aroma for past life work or work on early memories, encouraging forgiveness and reconciliation. It brings a quality of freedom to our spirit and emotions as it helps dispel our fears. Perhaps we are, in fact, exactly where we are supposed to be.

Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica) is said to help us be more open to angelic realms. I believe it helps put us into greater communication with our Higher Self, that part of us that is in direct connection with our divine nature. There is always light to be found within the dark and we have access to it at any time. Our guardians have our back as we swim in our shadow and bring things up to the light, and Angelica shows us how to have compassion for all parts of ourselves as we do this. Angelica Root essential oil lights the way and envelops us in safety, protection, and grace to hold us in our process.

These three root oils are all considered tonics for the nervous system, helping to calm and sooth and to relieve anxiety, burnout, and insomnia. I like to smell these root oils before bed to help me drift off into restful sleep. Sometimes I ask them to help me in the dreamtime to find the answers I seek.

Spikenard is by far the most sedating and could be the most sedating oil we have in all of aromatherapy. Vetiver can be smelled anytime throughout the day when you feel out of sorts or have just experienced a stressful encounter. Angelica Root feels protective when used at night before bed, although it is also helpful before any kind of meditation practice.

For application, I like to add 1-2 drops of Vetiver, Spikenard, or Angelica Root essential oil to 5ml (1 teaspoon) of carrier oil such as Jojoba or Fractionated Coconut and then massage a bit of this blend into the bottom of my feet before bed or anytime I need support with feeling more grounded and calm. Upon arising in the morning is another good time for application to the feet, helping get back in the body and ready to step forward into the day ahead from a place of centeredness.

Safety Note:

There are no known contraindications for Vetiver or Spikenard essential oils, however Angelica Root essential oil may be photosensitizing (avoid direct sunlight for 12-18 hours after application) and some sources say it should be avoided during pregnancy or nursing.

Sustainability Note:

Spikenard is considered a vulnerable plant that is currently being overharvested. Be sure to purchase Spikenard Root essential oil only from a vendor that has obtained a CITES permit (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) to ensure harvesting methods are sustainable.

May these root oils help you with your transition to the winter months and keep you connected. Feel free to reach out to me for a private aromatherapy, energy medicine and/or hypnotherapy session if you’d like some support and witness in your process.

Or, join one of my workshops called Scents of Self Compassion with Britta Shiels, Somatic Psychotherapist and Integrative Coach, where we will show you how to use essential oils and somatic embodiment to support your own self-compassion practice.