Vanilla is not only a popular taste in cakes and milkshakes, but it’s also a popular essential oil aroma. Its scent may instantly enliven a drab and uninspiring space. Aside from its industrial and baking uses, vanilla essential oil also remains popular among the general public for its health advantages.
Oleoresin Essential Oil is one type of vanilla. This “oil” is basically a semi-solid product produced from vanilla matured beans with the application of a solvent, rather than an oil. While vanilla oleoresin appears to be an essential oil, it does not entirely dissolve in carrier oils like other essential oils. That implies you can have a hard time mixing it, or you might end up with small particles of resin in your final product.
Vanilla Absolute is a form of vanilla that is used in normal skin and body creams. This is among the most concentrated solutions of vanilla, and it is extracted using a solvent as well. Although this product is thick by nature, it may simply be incorporated with natural body products.
Vanilla essential oil’s health benefits may include its antioxidant, intoxicant, febrifuge, antidepressant, sedative, tranquilizer, and relaxing properties. It may also contain antifungal and antibacterial effects that support a healthy complexion, as well as muscular pain and cramp alleviation.
A Brief History Of Vanilla
Vanilla pods are made from the orchid species Vanilla planifolia, which grew wild in Mexico and was farmed by the country’s native population. Vanilla was once used to flavor cocoa drinks, which are also famous. The Spanish brought vanilla to Europe, but it was exclusively available to the wealthy for use in their dishes and fragrances. The vanilla pod must mature on the grapevine for 9 months before being harvested, which is an interesting fact about this activity. Vanilla is commonly planted in India’s Coorg coffee fields.
Vanilla essential oil is derived from matured vanilla beans and is used in cosmetics. In truth, vanilla extract is made by extracting the vanilla flavor from the beans using alcohol. Vanilla essential oil is made by combining this extract with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil. This is the lubricant that is found in cosmetics.
What is Vanilla Essential Oil?
Vanilla is a flavoring ingredient derived from the dried beans of the Vanilla genus. The solvent extraction of a material derived from vanilla beans yields the essential oil of vanilla. These beans are derived from vanilla plants, which are a creeper native to Mexico and nearby countries and known scientifically as Vanilla Planifolia. The majority of tastes, including vanilla, are not made from real vanilla. Hydrocarbons are used to make them.
Vanilla Essential Oil Benefits
Vanilla oil offers various health benefits in addition to its usage as a flavoring component in foods, drinks, and pharmaceuticals. Let’s take a closer look at them.
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Antioxidant Properties
Vanilla essential oil’s antioxidant properties may help to neutralize free radicals and protect the system from illnesses and wear and tear. It may also help to restore the body’s damage.
Aphrodisiac
Patients suffering from impotence, rigidity, erectile dysfunction, or loss of libido may have been given the vanilla essential oil combination to help them overcome their issues. This oil has the potential to increase sexual behavior by stimulating hormones. Furthermore, wine mixed with cinnamon, ginger, cloves, vanilla, and sugar, according to folklore, is the ideal blend for perhaps increasing sexual mood.
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Antimutagenic
Vanillin has anti-mutagenic properties, according to a study published in Oxidative Medicine Longevity, and it may inhibit the mutation in colon cancer cells. More research is needed to determine its therapeutic promise in the treatment and prevention of cancer.
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Can Relieve Depression
Depression is a reality and a disease suffered by about 17 million Americans. Although there is no cure, conventional practices like meditation, proper food, and exercise can assist. Essential oils, on the other hand, are useful in aromatherapy. Vanilla, at 100 mg/kg, showed possible antidepressant effects in animal research published in the Indian review of Pharmacology. Vanilla’s relaxing characteristics can help to improve one’s mood by reducing anger, tension, stress, and impatience.
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A Febrifuge
The anti-infective properties of vanilla essential oil may help to lower fever. Components of the oil may have anti-infective properties. It is also called an antiphlogistic since, as a sedative, it may lessen inflammation from flushes.
Using Vanilla Oil
When buying vanilla essential oil, keep in mind that most brands sell perfumes or synthetic extracts. The oil, on the other hand, can be used in the following methods:
- Because it is thick and sticky, vanilla pure is unsuitable for aromatherapy. You may need to reheat the oil to loosen it and turn it into a liquid.
- When combined with other fragrant oils, vanilla absolute creates a dazzling cologne and oil combination.
- When compared to the aroma used in baking, it has a smoky scent.
- Vanilla oil is thought to have aphrodisiac qualities. As a result, it’s best used as a scent in an oil combination.
How To Make Vanilla Essential Oil
This fragrant oil can be made in two simple ways:
- Take just a few vanilla pods & evenly cut them. Infuse them in an oil carrier and apply for two weeks, shaking it occasionally. It could be used at any time.
- For two weeks, soak some vanilla pods in an ethanolic concentrate, mixing it occasionally. Allow the alcohol to evaporate by pouring it into a dish. It’s your pure vanilla essential oil that’s left behind!
Side Effects Of Vanilla Essential Oil
Vanilla oil does not appear to have any negative side effects, however, it is not advised for use by pregnant women or children, as is the case with many essential oils. Because some essential oils might cause discomfort or allergic responses in those with sensitive skin, a patch test should be done before using them on a regular basis.
