Description
Vanilla oil is extracted from Vanilla planifolia (a.k.a Vanilla fragrans) of the Orchidaceae family and is also known as common vanilla, as well as Mexican, Bourbon and Reunion vanilla.
Oil properties
Vanilla oil has a rich, sweet, vanilla-like odor.
Origin of vanilla
It is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine that can grow up to 25 meters (82 feet) high and is native to Central America and Mexico.
In cultivation, the deep trumpet-shaped flowers of the plant must be hand-pollinated, but in Mexico the native humming bird does the work.
The green capsules or fruit are picked and ‘cured’ and the immature Vanilla pod or bean is fermented and dried to turn it into a fragrant brown vanilla bean.
Extraction
A resinoid is extracted from the ‘cured’ vanilla bean by solvent extraction.
Chemical composition
The main chemical components are vanillin and numerous traces of other constituents such as eugenol, caproic acid etc.
Precautions
It is a non-toxic oil, but is not normally used in aromatherapy.
Therapeutic Properties
Has been used as a home remedy since the 17th century for added nutrition and has proven very effective for relieving anxiety and depression. Vanilla oil lowers blood pressure, alleviates muscle tension and has a calming effect on the brain, which helps with stress, insomnia and irritability.
Uses
Vanilla oil is used as a flavoring agent in pharmaceutical products, in food and in tobacco and is also an ingredient in some oriental type perfumes.
More information about Vanilla Oil
Skin Care ~ soothing & balancing on all skin types
Body Care ~ strong Aphrodisiac properties ~ can help relieve impotence, erectile dysfunction, frigidity, loss of libido ~ stimulates certain hormones like testosterone & estrogen which helps bring about normal sexual behaviour & promotes sexual arousal
Circulatory System ~ helps lower blood pressure
Immune System ~ potent anti-oxidant properties ~ neutralises free radicals & protects the body from wear & tear & infections ~ helps stimulate repair of damage already done to the body ~ can effectively reduce fevers ~ soothes inflammation of organ systems of the body
Nervous System ~ warms, comforts, soothes & calms emotions ~ relaxing effect on brain & nerves ~ uplifting properties ~ beneficial for depression ~ helps with tension, anger, frustration, restlessness, stress & anxiety ~ clears intellectual fatigue & physical tiredness ~ strengthens will power & brings back warm, happy memories ~ helps induce sleep ~ sedative properties ~ tranquil effect on the brain ~ makes it hard to keep your eyelids open
Reproductive System ~ helps regularize menstruation cycles
Emotional ~ Spiritual ~ enhances creativity & brings pleasant visions
Blends Well With ~ Allspice, Ambrette Seed, Amyris, Benzoin, Bergamot, Blood Orange, Cananga, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Cinnamon, Clove, Coffee, Copaiba, Frangipani, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Pink, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lemon Balm, Lemongrass, Lemon Myrtle, Lemon Verbena, Lime, Lotus, Manuka, May Chang, Melissa, Mandarin, Myrrh, Neroli, Nutmeg, Orange, Patchouli, Peppermint, Peru Balsam, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spearmint, Tangerine, Vetiver, Violet Leaf, Ylang Ylang
Safety ~ non-toxic, non-irritant & non-sensitising
