Seasonal Shifts and Scent: How Essential Oils Support Seasonal Regulation

Late summer is a season of transition. The temperature cools, the days begin to shorten, and many people find themselves returning to routine after a more relaxed summer pace. These changes affect not only our schedules but also our physiology and mood.

In aromatherapy, understanding seasonal transitions is essential. The human body responds to environmental cues in measurable ways, including fluctuations in sleep patterns, emotional states, focus, energy, and even social behaviours. When used with intention and guided by research, essential oils can help support these transitions and restore internal balance.

Why Late Summer Impacts Well-Being

Recent psychological research shows that seasonal transitions influence a wide range of behaviours, not just mood. For instance, studies have found seasonal variation in aggression, sexual behaviour, helping tendencies, and cognitive performance (Hohm et al., 2023). People often demonstrate greater generosity during late-year holidays and may struggle with sustained attention during warmer months (Meyer et al., 2016). These changes are thought to be influenced by factors such as light exposure, temperature, cultural rituals, and shifting social expectations.

Recognizing these patterns allows aromatherapists and wellness practitioners to recognize how seasonal shifts might contribute to feelings of restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or emotional reactivity as routines change and environmental cues shift.

Why Seasonal Awareness Matters in Aromatherapy

When practitioners understand how essential oils interact with the nervous system, endocrine function, and emotional regulation, seasonal aromatherapy becomes not only intuitive but evidence-informed.

Olfactory input has been shown to influence affect, cognition, and social behaviour, especially during times of transition. When used skilfully, essential oils can serve as reliable anchors for mood regulation, energetic consistency, and emotional resilience.

Essential Oils That Support Seasonal Regulation

Here are some essential oils that are particularly effective during late summer, supported by their therapeutic actions:

• Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) 
• Roman chamomile essential oil is one of the most versatile of all oils used in aromatherapy. It is a powerful soothing and calming oil which imparts this quality to both physical and emotional conditions alike.
• Sweet Orange (Citrus sinensis)
• Sweet orange is one of the most commonly used essential oils because of its many benefits, safety and low cost. The essential oil was traditionally used for its immune-boosting and soothing properties. 
• Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin)
• Patchouli essential oil promotes the secretion of adrenal hormones, which helps to alleviate stress-related weariness and anxiety (Bowles et al. 2002).
• Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides)
• Vetiver is a perennial grass from the Poaceae family known as the “oil of tranquillity” in India and Sri Lanka. The essential oil has a grounding and calming effect, and is also known for its antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties.

Application Strategies for Late Summer

During transitional seasons, the goal is not stimulation but regulation. Here are practical ways to integrate these oils:

• Morning diffusion. Use citrus and cardamom to create a gentle sense of clarity and focus as the day begins.
• Body massage. Roman chamomile and vetiver in a carrier oil can promote deep relaxation.
• Aromatic inhalers. Blend patchouli with a citrus top note to create a portable tool for emotional grounding during daily transitions.

Always dilute essential oils appropriately when applying topically and follow safety guidelines based on age, medical history, and method of use.

Training with the Science in Mind

At Essence of Thyme College of Holistic Studies, we teach aromatherapy as both an evidence-based practice and a lived experience. Our certification programs provide a rigorous foundation in essential oil chemistry, anatomy and physiology, and the current research on the psychological and physiological impact of scent.

Understanding seasonal needs empowers aromatherapists to offer more nuanced, client-centered care. It encourages formulations that reflect not only symptoms, but also the broader environmental and emotional contexts shaping a person’s well-being.

If you're ready to deepen your knowledge, refine your blending skills, and explore the science behind the oils you love, we’re here to support your path.

Explore our Professional Certification Program in Aromatherapy and Essential Oil Science. Check out our programs today.

References

Hohm, I., Wormley, A. S., Schaller, M., & Varnum, M. E. W. (2023). Homo temporus: Seasonal cycles as a fundamental source of variation in human psychology. Perspectives on Psychological Science. Advance online publication. https://10.1177/17456916231178695

Meyer, C., Muto, V., Jaspar, M., Kussé, C., Lambot, E., Chellappa, S. L., et al. (2016). Seasonality in human cognitive brain responses. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(11), 3066–3071. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1518129113