Vanillla Essential Oil : Benefits, Uses, DIY, Safety

Sweet and enticing scent (and a flavorful ingredient found in many desserts around the world), vanilla essential oil is commonly used in sweet-scented perfumes as well as skincare.

In the aromatherapy world, it is known widely for its ability to uplift moods, boost skin health, and even helps in boosting your love life.

Read on to understand why this essential oil is so popular.

What Is Vanilla Oleoresin Essential Oil?

One of the most popular essential oils among enthusiasts today, the scent of Vanilla Planifolia is often described as creamy and sweet.

A staple in bakeries, dessert bars, and commercial kitchens worldwide, pure vanilla is often used as a flavor enhancer and is known as the salt of the baking world.

Dating back to the 1400s, vanilla is native to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

At its peak, it was used in almost everything from sweetening drinking chocolate to adding flavour to cigars.

Today it is also grown in Asia as well as the Oceana regions because of its stable year-round climate.

An essential oil harvested by eliminating solvents from pure vanilla extract, this extraction method is used to ensure the highest vanillin content and helps bring out the “essence” of the plant’s scent as well as its mood-boosting, skin-moisturizing properties.

History of Vanilla Essential Oil

Vanilla can be traced back to the early civilizations of Meso-America which comprised the regions belonging to the Northern parts of South America, Central America, and Mexico.

It was one of the several spices used in cooking for its distinct taste.

It traversed its way through different civilizations before ending up in Europe after the Spanish defeated the Aztecs.

The cultivation of vanilla later became popular throughout the world.

Currently, 70% of the world’s vanilla demand is met by Madagascar.

It is extracted through labour-intensive and process-intensive steps and is hence one of the most expensive essential oils.

About Vanilla Plant

Vanilla beans are obtained from the species of vanilla orchid called Vanilla planifolia.

This plant is native to Mexico but is commercially grown in countries including Indonesia, Caribbean Islands, and Madagascar.

The greenish-yellow flowers of the plants are hand pollinated to get a steady flow of fruits.

Chemical Properties

The chemical compounds present in vanilla oil are vanillin, vanillic acid, acetic acid, piperonal and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid.(1)

Name	Vanilla Essential Oil
Botanical Name	Vanilla Planifolia
Native to	Mexico and Belize
Main ingredients	Vanillin, vanillic acid, acetic acid, piperonal and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid
Aroma	Sweet, floral and spicy
Blends well with	Neroli, peppermint, spearmint, sandalwood, lemon, orange, and chamomile essential oils
Category	Spicy
Substitute	Benzoin resin oil or Peru Balsam oil

Vanilla Oleoresin Benefits

For a plant with a host of benefits, picking one would simply be too hard. So we have taken the liberty to provide you with a quick guide to better understand the benefits that stand out the most when using vanilla oil.

Stimulates Romantic Feelings

Vanilla essential oil’s sweet and enticing scent is great for getting in the mood for romance.

Diffusing it in the bedroom will help relax the atmosphere and set the mood for romantic nights with your beloved. This mood will be amplified when the oil is blended with lavender essential oil.

Relax Minds

Vanilla oil is imbued with calming properties that help relax the mind.

Diffuse it around living spaces after trying to relax and make the most from rest times. Vanilla along with other concentrated oils, even fragrance oils, is a natural remedy forpromoting relaxation.

Research and clinical trials have shown that inhaling the aroma of these oils stimulates the limbic system and regulates the hormonal presence in the body.

Vanilla has a calming effect on the mind. It is a sedative that can be applied on sheets and bedding to encourage a restful ambience.

However, make sure to avoid contact with the eyes. The right way to blend and diffuse the oil can be learnt for an aromatherapist.

Elevates Skincare Products

A potent skin-nourisher, the best vanilla oil for any skin type is packed with naturally occurring properties like niacin>, thiamin, and pantothenic acid.

These properties help keep sensitive skin free of acne.

Mood Booster

When used in aromatherapy, vanilla essential helps the body release dopamine which soothes the nerves and uplifts the mood. It also regulates and balances the hormone levels in the body.

For, instance, it lowers the level of stress causing serotonin in the body which automatically improves mood. Vanilla blends are also used in diffusers to enhance. Vanilla with peppermint oil diffused via an oil diffuser improves the mood.

Deodorizer

Vanilla oil has a sweet creamy aroma. It is used in the incense industry, perfumery, and cosmetics for its pleasant fragrance.

Better Skin Health

Vanilla oil contains thiamin, Vitamin B6, niacin, and other B Vitamins that are essential for healthy skin. Add vanilla oil to soaps and bath salts to enrich skin health. Mix the undiluted oil from the bottle with fractionated coconut oil and apply to the skin

Finally, Get Smooth Silky Hair

A popular blend of vanilla oil, almond oil, and shea butter is applied to the hair to get soft, silky, and shiny hair.

Vanilla Oleoresin Oil Uses

The oil of Vanilla is widely used by aromatherapy enthusiasts today because of its crowd-pleasing scent as well as skin-nourishing properties.(4)

Depending on how and where it is applied, vanilla essential oil can significantly improve your daily life.

It Helps Set The Mood

The aromatic vanilla essential oil exudes a sweet and creamy scent that helps relax within the atmosphere and ambiance.

Diffusing it around living spaces can instantly usher in a welcoming atmosphere that helps make the house feel more like a home as you unwind from a long day.

The aroma of vanilla is reminiscent of ice cream, cakes, baked goods, and confectioneries. It invokes fond memories in people and feelings of nostalgia and happiness. The oil that can be blended with vanilla to evoke positivity is lavender oil. The floral aroma of the lavender oil blends well with the sweet vanilla fragrance and fills the room with an intoxicating scent.

Uses of Vanilla Oil on Skin

Treats Acne

Anyone who has ever shaved and applied aftershave lotion will attest to the fact that for a brief time it stings really bad. Vanilla has soothing properties and can be applied before and after shaving to minimize the shaving effect.

Soothes the Skin

Promotes Skin Health

Vanilla oil is replete with nutrients including Vitamin B variants (niacin, and Vitamin B6). Applying this oil regularly on the face maintains skin health.

A simple DIY home scrub can be prepared and rubbed on the face every night. It can be added to a tub with bath salts or topically applied for glowing skin.

3 Uses of Vanilla Oil on Hair

1. Silky Hair

Vanilla oil can be mixed with other ingredients or everyday hair oil to get smooth silky and shiny hair. A recipe with vanilla oil, shea butter, and almond oil is quite a popular hair oil blend.

2. Thicker Hair

Vanilla oil causes the hair follicles to hold on to the hair tighter. It also stimulates the flow of blood through the scalp causing hair to grow faster and thicker. It is used as an ingredient in several hair care products.

3. Hydrates Skin

This is especially useful for those with dry scalp and brittle hair. Applying the oil of vanilla along with carrier oil keeps the oil hydrated for a long time.

Other Uses for Vanilla Oil

It promotes romance

Besides smelling amazing, vanilla essential oil’s scent also helps boost libido in both men and women by stimulating the production of oxytocin, the love hormone.

It is a great addition to spice up your love life for more intimate moments together. Reminiscent of baked goods, its aroma activates the limbic system and causes the blood flow in the body which is essential for romantic endeavors.

How To Use Vanilla Oleoresin Oil

There are many ways to experience the many benefits of vanilla essential oil.

Some people do it through inhalation, while others incorporate it as a topical ointment or through diffusion.

Here’s how you can get the most out of this sexy scented oil.

Vanilla Oleoresin Oil In An Aroma Diffuser

Though it is perfectly normal to inhale the scent of vanilla oil directly from the bottle, diffusing it into the air via a vaporizer/diffuser is a more effective way to calm and relax atmospheres.

Here’s how you can use vanilla oil with a diffuser.

Set it up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Place it at least 2 feet above the ground to get the full benefits.
Fill the tank with filtered water to reduce mineral buildup and prolong the life of your diffuser.
Don’t skimp on the concentrated oil! Remember, adding more oil makes the scent last longer. Most people add about 3 to 15 drops per 100ml of water.
Experiment and mix & match essential oils to tailor your own unique blend of scents.
Take time to explore your own diffuser and find a spray setting that suits your fancy.

Vanilla Oleoresin Oil For Hair

Vanilla essential oil is perfect for strengthening the hair and boosting blood flow to the scalp, leaving your hair nourished and strong.

Here’s a simple way to craft your own vanilla-infused DIY hair growth tonic:

Ingredients and Instructions:

15—20 drops of vanilla essential oil
1 cup of coconut milk

Simply combine the ingredients in a bottle and apply it to your hair and scalp for 15 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo and voila! Sleeker locks of healthier hair as well as a soothed scalp are all yours!

Vanilla Oil Any Skin Conditions

Vanilla Essential Oil For Dull Skin
Loaded with B-Vitamins crucial for maintaining healthy skin, the vitamin and antioxidant content in vanilla essential oil helps protect the oily skin from environmental pollution that makes it dull and dry.

Harnessing the skin restoring benefits of vanilla oil is quite simple; just add 2—3 drops to your daily face wash or lotion to even out and brighten skin tone.

Vanilla Oil for Other Uses

Vanilla Body Oil

This non-greasy soothing vanilla oil locks in moisture, thereby hydrating the skin.

When applied on a regular basis, it also does away with skin pigmentation.

It should be massaged to the skin at night and washed away in the morning.

Vanilla Lip Balm

This vanilla-flavoured lip balm is replete with Vitamin E and shea butter that moisturises the lip and makes it plush. It can be applied anytime.

Restful Vanilla Linen Spray

Made with natural vanilla essential oil, this is a perfect air freshener. It can also be sprayed on linen including pillow covers, bed sheets and other fabrics.

It can be sprayed in the bathroom to remove foul smells and in the bedroom to get quality rest.

Vanilla Scented Dryer Balls

These dryer balls can soften the clothes and remove static from it. Place a couple of this essential oil dryer balls on the cloth shelf.

Romantic Vanilla Perfume

Perfect vanilla perfume sets the mood for a romantic evening.

Moisturising Salve

Apply the vanilla-scented moisturising salve on the skin to maintain its moisture and get fresh glowing skin.

Vanilla Sugar Scrub

For extra soft skin, rub the sugar scrub on the arms, feet, neck and face and allow it to soak for a few minutes before washing it off.

How to Make Vanilla Essential Oil?

Cold Infusion Method

Vanilla oil is extracted via the cold infusion method by slitting the tahitian vanilla beans and submerging them in a jar filled with neutral flavoured alcohol such as vodka, gin or rum.

The jar is then sealed tight and stored in a dark place for about a month.

When the pungent alcohol smell is replaced with the sweet scent of vanilla, it is ready to use.

Hot Infusion Method

Dried beans are added to olive oil and heated to 150 0C.

The ideal mixture should be half a cup of beans mixed with a little over one litre of olive oil. Leave the mixture to cool.

The entire process takes about six to seven hours.

Safety When Using Vanilla Oleoresin Oil

Purchasing Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe from their side effects.

Generally, essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different and made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others.

Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil, and natural identical oil.
The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on bottles. These may be made from substandard sources.
Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application.
Do not add too much oil to the diffuser.
Avoid using essential oils for sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
Always do a small patch test before topical application.
The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.

Recommended Vanilla Essential Oil Products

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