The Lumberyard: A Connection Between Smell and Memory
There’s a powerful connection between smell and memory. For me, the scent of freshly cut wood is especially potent. It’s a fragrance that evokes a sense of nostalgia, taking me back to my early childhood, a time filled with the warmth of family, the joy of creation, and the comforting presence of my father. Creating an essential oil blend that evokes a special memory is one of my favorite blending techniques.
It’s time for a Mental Health Check-in!
Download your
FREE Mental Health Energy Activities Guide to begin your journey toward a more vibrant day!
[This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links I may earn a commission. This does not impact your price. For more information, please see our disclosure.]
In this Post:
A Favorite Smell and Memory of Childhood Outings
My Dad was a skilled carpenter, a man who could transform raw lumber into beautiful, functional pieces of art. From our home’s beautiful cedar flooring to the rich koa wood pass-through counter to the whimsical playhouse that sparked our imaginations, his craftsmanship was evident throughout our home.
One of my favorite early childhood memories is accompanying my Dad to the lumberyard. The vast expanse of wood, each piece unique in its grain and texture, was a world of endless possibilities. The smell of freshly cut wood filled the air, a captivating blend of woody and earthy notes. A handful of aromatic shavings frequently came home in my pocket.
Over the years, that distinctive smell has continued to evoke a strong memory. It’s a fragrance that transports me back to those cherished moments with my Dad.
Today’s essential oil blend honors my Dad’s memory and captures the essence of those special trips to the lumberyard. This fragrance is a harmonious blend of woodsy and earthy notes, designed to evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth.
⭐️Lumberyard Essential Oil Blend
- 3 drops Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
- 2 drops Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- 2 drops Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
- 1 drop Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
- 1 drop Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
🌺See my Recommended Suppliers below
Lumberyard Stock Bottle Drop Counts
Here are the drop counts for a 5ml essential oil bottle. This will hold about 100 drops of essential oil (depending on the viscosity of the oil and the size of the reducer orifice).
Add your drops directly to the essential oil bottle. Then insert the reducer and cap tightly. Finally roll the bottle between the palms of your hands for at least 30 seconds. This allows the oils to fully blend with each other and it imparts a bit of your energy to the blend.
And remember: Affix a label right away!
Lumberyard Essential Oil Blend Stock Bottle
- 30 drops Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
- 20 drops Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
- 20 drops Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)
- 10 drops Black Spruce (Picea mariana)
- 10 drops Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Enjoy!💚
⭐️Bonus Lumberyard Room Spray Blend
The Lumberyard essential oil blend also makes a beautiful room spray! It is an easy way to enhance the connection between smell and memory with a pump of the nozzle.
- 2 oz Spray Bottle
- 2 x Lumberyard essential oil blend
- 1 Tablespoon Everclear or highest proof Vodka
- Distilled Water
Combine essential oils and alcohol in the spray bottle. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Fill to the shoulder with water and shake to combine.
To use, shake before use and spray toward the middle of the room. With a couple of pumps you can immediately experience the grounding, energy cleansing aroma of the Lumberyard. It makes you want to inhale deeply and release tension!
About The Essential Oil Blend
Lumberyard is a carefully curated essential oil blend that captures the essence of freshly cut wood. Each ingredient has been chosen for its unique aroma and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and tranquility.
Virginian Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) is known for its warm, woody aroma. It has a calming effect, making it ideal for relaxation and stress relief. Energetically Virginian Cedarwood is grounding and energetically purifying.
Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) has a warm, woody aroma with a hint of citrus. While its grounding and centering, Douglas Fir is also gently energizing, uplifting, and energy and mind cleansing.
Black Spruce (Picea mariana) has a sweet, earthy aroma that is both grounding and uplifting. It helps open breath, promotes relaxation, and reduces stress. Black Spruce is one of my favorites to enhance focus when I’m doing computer work.
Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) adds a touch of woodsy spiciness and enhances the comforting warmth of the conifers. It helps reduce stress and tension and promotes focus. It promotes mental flexibility, meaning it’s lovely for creativity.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) provides a smoky, slightly earthy note that complements the woodsy aromas of the other oils and enhances the aromatic complexity of the blend. It’s warm aroma is calming and comforting. Turmeric essential oil can be steam distilled or CO2 extracted.
A Nostalgic Journey of Smell and Memory
When I diffuse Lumberyard I am transported back to a simpler time, a time of sawdust and wood shavings, of laughter and love. I can almost feel the rough texture of the wood beneath my fingers, hear my Dad talking about the beauty of a knot in a length of wood.
The fragrance of Lumberyard is more than just a scent; it’s a portal to the past, a reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the simple pleasures of life. It is a tribute to my father, a man who taught me the value of hard work, creativity, and the enduring power of love.
Lumberyard is a testament to the connection between smell and memory, to the powerful ability of aroma to transport us to distant places, and to connect us to the people we love.
📌Energy Supporting Pins
Mom’s Lumberyard Shopping List
Here are my favorite suppliers for these beautiful warming essential oils.
- Virginian Cedarwood essential oil (Juniperus virginiana):
- Aromatics International, wildcrafted
- Plant Therapy, sustainable (Direct and Amazon).
- Douglas Fir essential oil (Pseudotsuga menziesii):
- Aromatics International, wildcrafted
- Plant Therapy, conventional (Direct and Amazon).
- Black Spruce essential oil (Picea mariana):
- Aromatics International, organic💛
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon).
- Black Pepper essential oil (Piper nigrum):
- Aromatics International, organic💛
- Plant Therapy, organic (Direct and Amazon).
- Turmeric essential oil (Curcuma longa):
- Aromatics International, organic, distilled
- Plant Therapy, organic, CO2 (Direct and Amazon).
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. It is for educational purposes only.
All recipes provided are for personal use and are not designed for re-sale or large-scale manufacturing.
Please consult your doctor, naturopath, herbal practitioner, or other qualified health professional for medical advice and before starting any herbal regimen, particularly if you are pregnant or nursing, have any existing medical conditions, or are taking any medications.
Chris P | Author, Certified Aromatherapist, Natural Skin Care Formulator
Chris (“Mom”) enjoys formulating bespoke aromatherapy, skin care, and herbal products to support her family, pets, friends, and clients. She also loves experimenting with recipes in the kitchen. An avid reader, writer, and lifetime learner, Chris enthusiastically explores research rabbit holes and then writes about her discoveries.💚 (Learn more >>)
