Smell The Difference: Unique Earthy and Herbal Scents
- Astrid van Essen
- Apr 5
- 4 min read
I’ve spent a lot of time writing about natural fragrances in my other blog posts—everything from grounding florals to calming woods—and if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for something different. Something deeper, richer, and more connected to the earth.
I’ve compiled this guide to the most unique earthy and herbal scents trending. These aren’t your typical lavender or rosemary picks. These kinds of fragrances stir the soul—think ancient resins, mysterious herbs, and green, mossy notes that transport you to wild, untouched landscapes.
So, if you appreciate nature’s quiet power in scent form, why not explore some unconventional favourites? Whether you’re building your home fragrance ritual or just curious about what’s emerging in botanical scents, this list will hopefully inspire you!
1. Palo Santo
Why It’s Trending: Known as "holy wood", Palo Santo has surged in popularity for its spiritually uplifting qualities. With its sweet, woody, and subtly citrusy notes, it's both calming and energising.
Common Uses: Candles, incense sticks, and room sprays.
Perfect Pairings: Frankincense, cedarwood, and bergamot complement its rich aroma.
2. Hinoki Wood
Why It’s Trending: Hinoki, a Japanese cypress, boasts a crisp, clean, woody scent often linked with the Japanese practice of forest bathing; its peaceful essence adds a touch of quiet luxury.
Common Uses: Luxury perfumes, high-end candles, and essential oil diffusers.
Perfect Pairings: Vetiver and yuzu for a serene, spa-like aroma.
3. Clary Sage
Why It’s Trending: This musky, herbal scent carries hints of sweetness and floral warmth. Clary Sage is valued for its stress-relieving and mood-balancing benefits and brings comfort and tranquillity.
Common Uses: Diffuser oils, wellness candles, and bath soaks.
Perfect Pairings: Lavender and geranium for a well-rounded blend.
4. Bay Laurel
Why It’s Trending: With a fresh, spicy edge and gentle woody undertones, Bay Laurel is perfect for energising your space. It offers a refined herbal note that clears the mind.
Common Uses: Luxury candles, reed diffusers, and room mists.
Perfect Pairings: Thyme and lemon to enhance clarity and brightness.
5. Tarragon
Why It’s Trending: Tarragon’s sweet, anise-like profile provides an unexpectedly fresh and clean herbal twist. It’s ideal for those seeking a scent off the beaten path.
Common Uses: Niche fragrance candles and botanical diffuser oils.
Perfect Pairings: Basil and mint bring out its green, zesty qualities.
6. Myrrh
Why It’s Trending: Deeply rooted in ancient rituals, Myrrh carries a resinous, earthy base with a warm amber finish. It lends a rich, spiritual depth to modern interiors.
Common Uses: Blended essential oils, incense, and spiritual candles.
Perfect Pairings: Patchouli and vanilla for a sensual and meditative vibe.
7. Galbanum
Why It’s Trending: Sharp, green, and reminiscent of crushed leaves, Galbanum’s unique scent energises and is nature-forward. It stands out for its vibrancy and boldness.
Common Uses: High-end candles and contemporary diffuser oils.
Perfect Pairings: Oakmoss or grapefruit balance its green edge beautifully.
8. Oakmoss
Why It’s Trending: A timeless favourite in perfumery, Oakmoss has a damp, forest-floor scent that conjures images of rain-soaked woodlands. It’s grounding and intensely earthy.
Common Uses: Perfumed candles and complex diffuser blends.
Perfect Pairings: Amber and vetiver enhance its depth and sensuality.
9. Tarragon & Cardamom Blend
Why It’s Trending: This blend combines the sweet, herbal brightness of tarragon with the spiced richness of cardamom. It’s both exotic and inviting, offering a unique olfactory journey.
Common Uses: Artisanal candles and luxurious room sprays.
Perfect Pairings: Fig or black tea brings balance and elegance.
10. Mugwort
Why It’s Trending: Mugwort delivers a mysterious, earthy scent that feels ancient and comforting. Because of its grounding nature, it’s frequently used in spiritual or relaxation practices.
Common Uses: Smudge sticks, incense blends, and essential oils.
Perfect Pairings: Sage and cedarwood complete its earthy profile.
More Unique Herbal Scents to Explore
While the top ten are leading the way, several other earthy and herbal notes are carving out a place in artisan fragrance collections:
Angelica Root: Earthy and peppery with floral undertones.
Cistus (Rock Rose): Amber-like but lighter and softer.
Basil Mint Blend: A refreshing green scent with a menthol twist.
Parsley Seed Oil: Crisp, fresh, and subtly spicy.
Wormwood (Artemisia): Bitter and mysterious, often used in ritualistic scents.
Earthy and Herbal Scents: Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an aromatherapy enthusiast or simply seeking a signature scent for your living space, these trending earthy and herbal aromas offer a meaningful connection to nature. Their unique profiles break away from the mainstream, inviting us to pause, breathe, and immerse ourselves in an olfactory experience that is both grounding and transformative. From the sacredness of Palo Santo to the crisp mystery of Mugwort, the world of herbal and earthy scents in 2024 is more exciting than ever.
Looking to bring these distinctive aromas into your home? Botanical Blueprint offers a curated range of beautifully crafted aroma diffusers and burners designed to complement these herbal notes perfectly.
Discover Earthy Scents the Right Way
The Mini Essential Oil Diffuser Set is ideal for passive scent diffusion if you're starting. It’s stylish, compact, and excellent for slowly releasing scents like clary sage or Tartar into the air without needing electricity.
Do you prefer something with a stronger throw? The Essential Oil Burner Set uses gentle heat to amplify complex herbal and earthy blends like Myrrh and Galbanum, filling your space with therapeutic aroma.
Whether you lean toward passive diffusion or traditional oil burners, Botanical Blueprint offers mindful, minimalist solutions to elevate your sensory space with trending natural scents.
FAQs
1. What makes earthy and herbal scents so popular right now? People are leaning into natural, calming aromas as a form of mindfulness and wellness, creating a deeper sensory connection with nature.
2. Are these scents suitable for small living spaces? Yes! Many of these scents—like Hinoki or Tarragon—are subtle and non-overpowering, perfect for flats or small rooms.
3. How long do herb-scented candles typically last? Depending on size and wax type, they can last 20 to 60 hours. Beeswax and soy candles often provide longer burn times.
4. Can I blend these scents myself at home? Absolutely. With quality essential oils, you can create custom blends tailored to your mood or needs. Just follow safe dilution guidelines.
5. Are these trending scents safe for pets? Some essential oils can harm pets. Always check with a vet or use pet-safe alternatives, especially diffusers and sprays.
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