The warm and comforting aroma ofVanilla may be familiar to you from baking or cooking in the kitchen. But did you knowthat beyond its culinary uses,Vanilla has a long history as a powerfulessential oil in aromatherapy? This versatile oil is derived from the pods oftheVanilla plant and has been used for centuries by various culturesfor its relaxing and healing properties. In this blog post, Amrita’s expertswill explore how the sweet scent ofVanilla can do so much more thanjust enhance your favorite desserts — it can also benefit your mind, body, andoverall well-being through the practice of aromatherapy.* So let's delve deeperinto whyVanilla deserves a spot not only in your spice rack but also inyour collection of essential oils.
“I’ve heard about Vanilla pods and VanillaExtract, but not about Vanilla Oil.”
Imagine a sprawling vine, stretchingup to 100 feet, adorned with delicate white blossoms. This is the enchantingVanilla plant, a true marvel of nature. Thriving in shaded spaces but truly flourishingunder sunlight, it branches out in a breathtaking display. Each morning, itsflowers unfurl to greet the world, only to fade as the day progresses,showcasing nature's fleeting beauty. Self-fertile by design,Vanilla relies on the delicate dance of pollen transfer from anther to stigma forreproduction, a process often requiring human intervention due to itsintricacy.
Vanilla CO2, a coveted essence, cannot be obtainedthrough steam distillation. Instead, it undergoes solvent extraction or CO2extraction methods. While solvent extraction may leave trace residues andcompromise organic certification, Amrita offers a certified organic CO2-extractedVanilla, ensuring purity and naturalness.
Let’s unravel the mysteries, legacy, andtraditions about Vanilla
The mystery of Vanilla's reproductionwas unraveled by a Frenchman in 1836, revealing its dependence on the Meliponabee for pollination. AsVanilla expanded beyond Mexico, hand-pollinationbecame essential, leading to its proliferation in regions like Madagascar.Today, Bourbon-TypeVanilla from Madagascar and South Africa continuesto reign supreme, enchanting palates worldwide.
Treasured for centuries for its flavorand medicinal properties,Vanilla has one of the richest histories. Fromancient rituals to folk remedies,Vanilla was revered by civilizationslike the Totonacs and Aztecs. The fusion ofVanilla with chocolate bythe Aztecs birthed the legendary "Xocohotl," captivating the palateof explorers like Cortez and igniting Vanilla's global ascent.
Used in folk medicine,Vanilla was known to possess aphrodisiac properties and provide relief for indigestion,morning sickness, and joint pain.* Today,Vanilla is believed tobe an aphrodisiac and helpful for alleviating anxiety and stress.*
Why should you beusing Vanilla in your aromatherapeutic routine?
Vanilla's invigorating scent extends beyond mere fragrance,offering remarkable calming effects, particularly beneficial for newbornsduring medical procedures.* Studies indicate thatVanilla aroma reducescrying and startle reflexes in premature infants, hinting at its potential tosoothe adults as well.*
Rich in vanillin,Vanilla Oil promotes relaxation andtension release, aiding in reducing muscle tension, lowering blood pressure,and improving heart rate.* Additionally, it shows promise in loweringcholesterol levels and providing relief for arthritis, showcasing itsmultifaceted therapeutic potential.*
Vanilla regulates hormone levels by stimulating the secretion oftestosterone and estrogen, offering support for conditions like impotence, lossof libido, and erectile dysfunction.* Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, andantimicrobial properties make it a potent ally in skincare, rejuvenating skinand restoring brightness and softness.*
How can you use Vanilla in your aromatherapy routine?
Embrace the luxurious essence ofVanilla CO2 as you embark on a journey of holistic wellness through targeted topicalapplication, indulgent whole-body massages, and soothing aromatic baths.* Withits captivating aroma and versatile properties,Vanilla CO2 offers a multitude of benefits that cater to both the body and the mind.*Whether you seek relief from daily stressors, desire to enhance your skincareroutine, or simply crave moments of relaxation and tranquility, incorporatingVanilla CO2 into your self-care rituals promises to elevate yourexperience to new heights of bliss and rejuvenation.*
- Targeted Topical Application: up to 2-4% dilution
- Create a 2-4% dilution blend ofVanilla CO2 in any carrier oil (10-20 drops per tablespoon of carrieroil). Apply a small portion of this blend, not exceeding 10 drops perapplication per day, to alleviate anxiety, stress, and reduce startlereflexes.* Additionally, you can use this blend to improve heart rate, supportcirculation, ease muscle tension, and inflammation.*
- Other ways this blend ofVanilla and a carrier oil can help you skin: restore skin brightness, combatenvironmental damage, diminish fine lines, and age spots.*1, 2, 3 Lastly,Vanilla CO2 can assist yourreproductive system by increasing hormone secretion, boosting low testosterone,and enhancing desire and libido levels.*
- Whole Body Massage Application: up to 2% dilution
- For a deeply relaxing experienceduring a whole-body massage, consider crafting a 2% dilution blend ofVanilla CO2 with your preferred carrier oil, using 10 drops pertablespoon of carrier oil.* This carefully curated blend offers a myriad ofbenefits beyond mere relaxation.* Applied gently, and not exceeding 10 dropsper application per day, this infusion ofVanilla CO2 andcarrier oil can significantly alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress, as wellas help reduce startle reflexes, promoting a sense of calmness and tranquilitythroughout the body.*
- As the soothing aroma envelops you,know that this blend withVanilla goes beyond emotional support.* Italso holds potential to enhance physical well-being.* With each application,you may notice improvements in heart rate and circulation, along with a gentleeasing of muscle tension and inflammation.* This holistic approach to self-careallows you to address both the mental and physical aspects of relaxation,leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.*
- Aromatic Bath Application: up to 2% dilution
- The nourishing properties ofVanilla CO2 offer a wealth of skincare benefits.* From restoring skinbrightness to combating environmental damage,Vanilla works tirelesslyto promote healthy, radiant skin.* Additionally, its ability to diminish finelines and age spots provides a youthful glow, allowing you to indulge in aspa-like experience right in the comfort of your own home.*
- Consider the impact ofVanilla on your reproductive health.* Vanilla CO2's unique properties havebeen shown to increase hormone secretion, offering support for thoseexperiencing imbalances such as low testosterone.* Moreover, its potential toenhance desire and libido levels adds an extra layer of intimacy and connectionto your wellness routine.* So, whether you seek relaxation, rejuvenation, orrevitalization,Vanilla CO2 offers a holistic approach towell-being, nurturing both body and soul.*
Amrita’s experts want you to be awareof safety precautions when usingVanilla CO2. While it isnon-toxic and non-irritant, it can cause skin sensitization.* There are someproducts on the marketing that containVanilla, but due to traces ofsolvents and frequent adulteration it can affect the skin.* Amrita suggests youperform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying more liberally inorder to ensure there is no sensitization.*
“Wow, Vanilla does more than I thought…butwhich essential oils should I use with it?”
Vanilla pairs beautifully with a variety of essentialoils, enhancing both the aroma and therapeutic benefits of your massage oraromatic bath.* For a calming and tranquil blend, combineVanilla withSandalwood andSweet Orange, fostering relaxation and uplifting mood.* Seeking skinnourishment? PairVanilla withBergamot andYlang Ylang for a rejuvenating aroma and radiant glow.* To ground yourself, blendVanilla withRed Mandarin,Australian Sandalwood, andBergamot,creating a serene blend that instills inner peace and tranquility.*
Whether you're seeking relaxation,rejuvenation, or romance, blendingVanilla with other essential oils canenhance your massage or aromatic bath experience while elevating your mood andwell-being.*
Here are some DIY recipes for you to try withVanilla:
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Note:Amrita’s experts suggest each of these recipes should be made with at least 2tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil likeClear Jojoba orGolden Jojoba.Apply a small portion of this blend, do not exceed 10 drops per application perday.
Final thoughts from Dr. Streicher and Amrita’sexperts
IncorporatingVanilla CO2 into your daily aromatherapeutic routine offers a multitude of benefits thatenhance both your physical and emotional well-being.* With its versatile aromaand potent therapeutic properties,Vanilla adds depth, warmth, andsweetness to any blend, creating a sense of comfort and serenity.* Whether youseek relaxation, stress relief, or simply wish to uplift your mood, Vanilla'scalming and soothing qualities make it a valuable addition to your dailyself-care rituals.* Embrace the luxurious essence ofVanilla and indulgein moments of blissful tranquility as you embark on a journey of holisticwellness and rejuvenation.*
*Thesestatements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Theseproducts are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Sources:
1. Choudhary, T. (2023, November 1). 18 Amazing benefits ofvanilla for skin, hair and health. STYLECRAZE. https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/benefits-of-v...
2. Blog, C. A. (2022, May 5). Benefits of vanilla. Cinta AvedaInstitute. https://cintaaveda.edu/blog/benefits-of-vanilla/#...
3. S. Arya, S., E. Rookes, J., M. Cahill, D., & K. Lenka, S.(2021). Vanillin: A review on the therapeutic prospects of a popular flavouringmolecule. Adv Tradit Med (ADTM), 21(3), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00531-w
