Nature of Vanilla Essential Oil

Vanilla essential oil also called common vanilla comes from the Orchidaceae family and is extracted from Vanilla planifolia, an orchid, which is native to the countries of Mexico and Tahiti. It is obtained from the vanilla crystals of the fermented vanilla planifolia bean by solvent extraction.

Nature of Vanilla Essential Oil

This oill is a dark brown viscous liquid with a rich, smooth, sweet balsamic vanilla like aroma. It’s effect is warming, comforting and gently stimulating.

Chemical Composition of Vanilla Essential Oil

The chemical composition of this oil consists of vanillin and numerous traces of other constituents like caproic acid, acetic acid, ethyl alcohol, cinnamate, eugenol, furfural and vanillyl ethyl acid.

Vanilla Essential Oil Properties

Vanilla essential oil has sensual aphrodisiac, uplifting, brightening and relaxing properties. It is comforting and warming. It has one of the most popular aromas. Vanilla essential oil also helps with menstruation problems. It can be used in kitchens in pastries, dressings, deserts and sauces.

Vanilla Essential Oils Blends 

Vanilla essential oil blends with almost anything. Its sweet and comforting aroma adds warmth and softness to any blend. It blends very well with other essential oils like benzoin, jasmine, clove, lavender, rose, sandalwood, chamomile and ylang ylang. It also blends with citrus oils, flower oils, tonka, tangerine, spices, bitter orange and honey.

Since concentrated vanilla extract is not entirely soluble in vegetable oil, the mixture is shaken very well each time when used in massage oils and oil-based perfumes.

Vanilla Essential Oils Uses

• Due to the sweet smell of vanilla essential oil, it is used in ice creams and cookies. It is also used as a flavoring agent in many pharmaceutical products.
• It is also an ingredient of some perfumes. The scent in these perfumes can convey comfort, nurturing, and security.
• Its warming and comforting qualities make it a pleasant spray to scent sheets and towels.
• Because of the soothing and warming properties of vanilla essential oil, it helps with anger, calms emotions and eases tension.
• Due to its warming and uplifting properties it helps to build up confidence.
• Vanilla essential oil helps to stabilize emotions and consoles when grief seems to overpower us.
• Vanilla essential oil helps in digestion.
• Due to its relaxing influence it can be useful in inducing menstruation.
• It can arouse sexual desire in women.
• It can be used in aromatherapy diffusers and massage oils.
• It is often used for depression, stress, tension, nervousness and insomnia.

Vanilla essential oil is extremely expensive and also not a true essential oil. Therefore it is not usually used in aromatherapy. But you can vaporise it and use it as a mood-enhancing room scent.

Cautions to be taken while using Vanilla Essential Oil

Remember that all essential oils should be used with care. Though vanilla essential oil is non-toxic it may provoke sensitisation reactions in some people. Therefore don’t apply it directly on skin. Carry out a patch test before using it. Don’t take it internally. Avoid high concentration of vanilla essential oil in pregnancy since it can induce menstruation. Also avoid high concentrations in skin care.