Vanilla

Vanilla Planifolia

Vanilla Extract is one of the most expensive natural products in the world. It's popularly used in beauty products as well as perfumes and soaps. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can be used with carrier oils to create soothing lotions and skin oils. It can also be used in aromatherapy to create a calming, sweet scent.

History of Vanilla

Vanilla Extract comes from Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as vanilla. Vanilla is a vining orchid belonging to one of the oldest plant families (Orchidaceae). The spice produced from vanilla beans is enormously popular. It’s estimated that 95% of the world’s vanilla bean trade comes from this species. Vanilla planifolia is native to Mexico and Central America and commercially grown in Madagascar, Reunion Island, Comoro Islands, Indonesia, and, of course, Veracruz, Mexico.

It’s believed that the Totonac, an indigenous people of Mexico who reside in the states of Veracruz, Puebla, and Hidalgo, were the first to cultivate vanilla. Vanilla, along with chocolate, was introduced to Europe in the 1520s by the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. History says that one of Cortés’ officers saw Montezuma, the last fully independent ruler of the Aztec Empire, drinking a chocolate beverage flavoured with ground vanilla pods. The Spanish people tried the drink themselves and liked it so much that they brought vanilla samples back to their homeland. The vanilla flavour became a huge hit.

Attempts were made to cultivate vanilla outside Mexico and Central America, but without success. This changed in 1841 when Edmond Albius, an enslaved 12-year-old boy who lived on Reunion Island, invented a technique for pollinating vanilla orchids quickly and profitably. This is what made global vanilla cultivation possible.

Why should I add Vanilla Extract to my medicine cabinet?

Vanilla Extract shouldn’t be reduced to an expensive natural product with an exquisite aroma because it has so much more to offer. It’s reported that it can calm nervousness, relieve anxiety, help with insomnia and restlessness, ease nervous stomach, and relieve nausea. Additionally, Vanilla Extract promotes skin and hair health, relieves muscle aches and cramps, eases PMS symptoms, and fights infections.

Please keep in mind that our vanilla product is not an essential oil and that there’s no such thing as Vanilla Essential Oil. Unlike lavender, tea tree, and many other aromatic plants, vanilla cannot be steam-distilled or cold pressed to produce an essential oil. The aromatic compounds of vanilla beans cannot be attained by these methods of extraction. So, if you come across a vanilla aromatic labeled as Vanilla Essential Oil, chances are the seller is trying to deceive their customers or hasn’t done their homework. Our advice is to avoid purchasing such products.

Extracting Vanilla 

Our Vanilla Extract is obtained from the Vanilla planifolia plant by solvent extraction (our solvent is organic). Unlike tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and so many other aromatic plants that are able to produce beautiful essential oils when steam-distilled, vanilla beans do not effectively release their precious aromatic molecules when steam distillation is used. Expression (the cold-pressing method of essential oil extraction) doesn’t do the trick either. The only way to create a potent vanilla aromatic is to introduce a solvent into the equation. The solvent is a liquid in which vanilla beans are macerated.

Vanilla Oleoresin and Vanilla CO2 Extract are commonly available vanilla aromatics as well. To learn more about them, please check out our ‘Vanilla Extract Varieties’ article.

Vanilla Extract possesses a rich, warm, and sweet vanilla aroma that works really well with a lot of essential oils within the citrus, mint, wood, floral, and spice families. Vanilla Extract is classified as a base note. When added to blends, it softens and harmonises them.

The colour of vanilla aromatics is deep brown and their consistency is thick. The major chemical constituents of these natural products are: vanillin, hydroxybenzaldehyde, acetic acid, isobutyric acid, caproic acid, eugenol, and furfural.

Can I make Vanilla Extract at home?

Growing vanilla is a labour-intensive process. To replicate the pollination carried out by bees found only in Mexico, where Vanilla planifolia is native, each plant needs to be pollinated by hand. In addition to this, it takes 3-5 years for a vanilla orchid to reach maturation. This, along with vanilla bean theft, extreme weather, and the increasing popularity of the ‘all-natural’ food movement, explains why vanilla aromatics are so costly. If purchasing such a product is not an option for you, you should definitely consider making Vanilla Extract in the comfort of your home.

To create an alcohol based extract, you’ll need 2-3 fresh vanilla beans, 210-240 ml of high proof vodka, muslin (for straining), and a clean, dark glass bottle with a cap. The vanilla beans need to be cut first lengthwise and then into small pieces (about 2 cm in length). The next step is to put the pieces into the bottle, pour the vodka leaving enough room to shake the bottle, and cap well. For a quality extract, you need to let the mixture sit in a dark area for a month, shaking it daily. The final step is to strain the extract through the muslin to remove all the pieces and particles and rebottle the liquid. This recipe produces an extract suitable for aromatic applications. It shouldn’t be taken internally.

Have you ever tried to make a vanilla aromatic? Were you pleased with the result? As always, feel free to share your stories with us!

Can I make Vanilla Extract at home?

Growing vanilla is a labour-intensive process. To replicate the pollination carried out by bees found only in Mexico, where Vanilla planifolia is native, each plant needs to be pollinated by hand. In addition to this, it takes 3-5 years for a vanilla orchid to reach maturation. This, along with vanilla bean theft, extreme weather, and the increasing popularity of the ‘all-natural’ food movement, explains why vanilla aromatics are so costly. If purchasing such a product is not an option for you, you should definitely consider making Vanilla Extract in the comfort of your home.

To create an alcohol based extract, you’ll need 2-3 fresh vanilla beans, 210-240 ml of high proof vodka, muslin (for straining), and a clean, dark glass bottle with a cap. The vanilla beans need to be cut first lengthwise and then into small pieces (about 2 cm in length). The next step is to put the pieces into the bottle, pour the vodka leaving enough room to shake the bottle, and cap well. For a quality extract, you need to let the mixture sit in a dark area for a month, shaking it daily. The final step is to strain the extract through the muslin to remove all the pieces and particles and rebottle the liquid. This recipe produces an extract suitable for aromatic applications. It shouldn’t be taken internally.

Have you ever tried to make a vanilla aromatic? Were you pleased with the result? As always, feel free to share your stories with us!

Vanilla Oil Varieties

Vanilla Varieties

Vanilla aromatics come from Vanilla planifolia, commonly known as vanilla. Vanilla is a vining orchid belonging to one of the oldest plant families (Orchidaceae). The spice produced from vanilla beans is hugely popular. It’s estimated that 95% of the world’s vanilla bean trade comes from this species. Vanilla planifolia is native to Mexico and Central America and commercially grown in Madagascar, Reunion Island, Comoro Islands, Indonesia, and, of course, Veracruz, Mexico.

The most widely available vanilla aromatics are Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Oleoresin, and Vanilla CO2 Extract. None of them is an essential oil.

  • Vanilla Extract is obtained from the Vanilla planifolia plant by solvent extraction (our solvent is organic). Unlike tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and so many other aromatic plants that are able to produce beautiful essential oils when steam-distilled, vanilla beans do not effectively release their precious aromatic molecules when steam distillation is used. Expression (the cold-pressing method of essential oil extraction) doesn’t do the trick either. The only way to create a potent vanilla aromatic is to introduce a solvent into the equation. The solvent is a liquid in which vanilla beans are macerated.
  • Vanilla Oleoresin is made from Vanilla Extract by removing the solvent that was originally used to produce the extract. This vanilla aromatic tends to be thicker than many essential oils. Vanilla Oleoresin dissolves in water and alcohol based solutions (body sprays), but does not properly dissolve in carrier oils.
  • Vanilla CO2 Extract is a solvent-free vanilla aromatic. The CO2 extraction process enables the production team to control the proportions of certain desirable components that end up in the final Vanilla CO2 Extract. The aldehyde vanillin is one of those constituents. It plays a key role in determining the aromatic profile of the extract. The higher the vanillin content, the better the aroma. This vanilla aromatic is thick as well.

So, which vanilla aromatic to opt for?

Well, it depends on what you want to achieve. If you are looking for a vanilla aromatic that can be used in aromatherapy and skincare, we recommend Vanilla Extract. If your plan is to make your own fragrance, we suggest purchasing Vanilla Oleoresin. Whichever type you decide on, make sure to check the bottle first. It should have the botanical name and the country of origin on the product label. Also, make sure the aromatic is in a dark-coloured bottle. Plastic and clear glass bottles aren’t suitable for essential and aromatic oils because light can damage them.

Do you use Vanilla Extract? Is it a staple in your collection? Feel free to let us know!

  • Vanilla Extract is obtained from the Vanilla planifolia plant by solvent extraction (our solvent is organic). Unlike tea tree, peppermint, lavender, and so many other aromatic plants that are able to produce beautiful essential oils when steam-distilled, vanilla beans do not effectively release their precious aromatic molecules when steam distillation is used. Expression (the cold-pressing method of essential oil extraction) doesn’t do the trick either. The only way to create a potent vanilla aromatic is to introduce a solvent into the equation. The solvent is a liquid in which vanilla beans are macerated.
  • Vanilla Oleoresin is made from Vanilla Extract by removing the solvent that was originally used to produce the extract. This vanilla aromatic tends to be thicker than many essential oils. Vanilla Oleoresin dissolves in water and alcohol based solutions (body sprays), but does not properly dissolve in carrier oils.
  • Vanilla CO2 Extract is a solvent-free vanilla aromatic. The CO2 extraction process enables the production team to control the proportions of certain desirable components that end up in the final Vanilla CO2 Extract. The aldehyde vanillin is one of those constituents. It plays a key role in determining the aromatic profile of the extract. The higher the vanillin content, the better the aroma. This vanilla aromatic is thick as well.

So, which vanilla aromatic to opt for?

Well, it depends on what you want to achieve. If you are looking for a vanilla aromatic that can be used in aromatherapy and skincare, we recommend Vanilla Extract. If your plan is to make your own fragrance, we suggest purchasing Vanilla Oleoresin. Whichever type you decide on, make sure to check the bottle first. It should have the botanical name and the country of origin on the product label. Also, make sure the aromatic is in a dark-coloured bottle. Plastic and clear glass bottles aren’t suitable for essential and aromatic oils because light can damage them.

Do you use Vanilla Extract? Is it a staple in your collection? Feel free to let us know!

Benefits of Vanilla 

At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on doing the necessary research to deepen our understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. This enables us to help you choose the right natural products and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with our products, the numerous benefits they offer, and the adverse side effects that occur when they aren’t properly used is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. In this particular blog, we are going to dive into some of the many impressive benefits of Vanilla Extract.

Vanilla Extract is not an essential oil. However, it boasts many desirable therapeutic properties. It can:

Help fight insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, and depression

When diffused or inhaled, Vanilla Extract can promote peace and relaxation, which is why it’s often used to combat insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety. Research has shown that vanillin, one of the main components of vanilla aromatics, has potent antidepressant qualities. Additionally, the aroma of Vanilla Extract can ease feelings of anger and frustration.

Protect against free radicals

Vanilla aromatics carry antioxidant properties that neutralise free radicals and thus protect the body from wear and tear. This means that Vanilla Extract may diminish signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

Fight infections

According to a number of studies, Vanilla Extract can inhibit the initial adherence of S. aureus cells (bacteria often found in the human respiratory tract as well as on the skin) and the development of the mature biofilm after 48 hours. This means that Vanilla Extract can act as an antibacterial agent when applied to the surface of bacterial cells. This is why Vanilla Extract is used to treat cold sores and acne.

Promote skin and hair health

As mentioned above, Vanilla Extract can reduce the appearance of acne due to its antibacterial activity. It might also serve as a natural remedy for burns, cuts, and wounds. However, it’s best to check with a healthcare professional before using such home treatments for burns. Your hair can benefit from Vanilla Extract as well. When mixed with other natural ingredients, Vanilla Extract can make your hair silky and shiny.

Vanilla Extract might also assist with muscle aches and cramps, unexplained painful limbs, nausea, upset stomach, and loss of libido.

When it comes to using Vanilla Extract, there aren’t any special risks to be aware of. Vanilla has no common medicinal interactions or side effects. However, it’s reported that it can cause mild skin irritation, headaches, or sleep problems. If you start using Vanilla Extract and experience any of these issues, please discontinue use and consult with your doctor.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please check with your physician before using this or any other vanilla product.

Uses of Vanilla 

We, the Essentially Yours team, take immense pleasure in learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you enrich your understanding of aromatherapy and essential oils in general. Whether you are considering adding a certain oil or blend to your collection and want to learn its dos and don’ts or you are simply curious about the various methods of oil application - we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we are going to explore some of the most popular ways of using Vanilla Extract. Vanilla Extract is not an essential oil, but it carries numerous benefits.

The beauty of Vanilla Extract can be experienced in a number of different ways, including:

In aromatherapy

Vanilla Extract boasts an exquisite aroma that has a calming effect on the emotions. This is precisely why this vanilla aromatic is used to combat insomnia, restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, and even depression. To reap these benefits, add a few drops of Pure Vanilla Extract to your diffuser or inhale directly from the bottle. Another way to relax your body and mind as well as improve your sleeping patterns is to add 5-10 drops of Vanilla Extract to a warm bath.

P.S. It’s said that vanilla induces feelings of sexual desire and pleasure, which means Vanilla Extract can be used as a libido booster as well.

In skincare and massage blends

Thanks to its antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, Vanilla Extract can help treat acne, minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, and help heal burns, cuts, and wounds. To take advantage of these abilities, add 2-3 drops of Pure Vanilla Extract to your daily facial cleanser or lotion. To soothe burns and wounds, dilute a few drops of Vanilla Extract and apply it to the affected areas. To create a pleasant and effective massage blend, increase the dosage to 10 drops. Massage this blend into your feet, neck, chest, and stomach to alleviate muscle pain, PMS cramps, and feelings of stress and anxiety.

In hair care

To create a hair pack that will leave your hair smooth and shiny, mix 5 drops of Pure Vanilla Extract, 120 ml of Shea Butter, 2 tablespoons of Almond Oil, 2 tablespoons of Jojoba Oil, and 2 tablespoons of Castor Oil. Step one is to melt the shea butter. Step two is to add the rest of the ingredients. Step three is to blend the mixture until it reaches a soft consistency. Let the pack sit for 10-15 minutes before washing it off with a regular shampoo.

In perfumery

Vanilla Extract is invaluable in perfume making. The vanilla scent has a universal appeal and can warm floral blends, soften coniferous notes, and smooth rough edges. You can make your own vanilla fragrance by adding 10-20 drops of Pure Vanilla Extract to a spray bottle and blend it with as many drops of Almond Oil and water. You can use this spray on your body, hair, sheets, and furniture.

Blends well with

At Essentially Yours, we pride ourselves on constantly learning and sharing our knowledge, tips, and tricks to help you pick the right products and methods of application for your wants and needs. We believe that familiarising you with each and every one of our products, the numerous benefits they offer, and the adverse side effects that occur when they are misused is the least we can do, hence these blog posts. This particular blog focuses on some of the many beautiful essential oils Vanilla Extract works well with.

Please keep in mind that vanilla tends to ‘bloom’ when added to blends. In other words, its aroma increases over time, which is why it should be used sparingly.

Bergamot Oil

This citrus essential oil possesses a uniquely complex aroma with underlying bitter and floral characteristics. It’s prized for its ability to both calm and uplift. In addition to this, Bergamot Oil can assist with acne, abscesses, boils, itching, and oily skin.

BUY NOW

Mandarin Oil

Mandarin Essential Oil is an incredibly gentle citrus oil. Its aroma is both calming and uplifting and it’s often used to help fight insomnia. Additionally, Mandarin Oil can relieve nausea and vomiting, facilitate healthy bowel movements, ease abdominal cramps, and promote skin health by treating acne and oily skin.

BUY NOW

Sweet Orange Oil

Versatile, affordable, and elevating - these are the three most commonly used adjectives to describe Sweet Orange Oil. It can be helpful in: relieving stress by promoting feelings of happiness and warmth; improving digestion; relieving constipation; nourishing dry, irritated, and acne-prone skin; and treating cold or flu symptoms.

BUY NOW

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood Oil boasts a rich, deep, and sweet yet delicate and woody aroma. Sandalwood Oil is highly valued for its versatility. It can be used in perfumery, skincare, and, of course, aromatherapy. When diffused or inhaled, Sandalwood Oil calms and instills a sense of inner peace. It can help with stress, depression, and low self-esteem. Additionally, Sandalwood Oil can assist with bronchitis, chapped, dry, sensitive, and oily skin, scars, and stretch marks.

BUY NOW

Cedarwood Oil

As the name suggests, Cedarwood Oil is derived from the needles, leaves, bark, and berries of cedar trees. Its warm, balsamic aroma as well as its calming and grounding properties assist the anti-anxiety qualities of Vanilla Extract. Combine these two together to create a relaxing atmosphere.

BUY NOW

Coriander Oil

This spicy essential oil is cherished for its ability to assist with indigestion, nausea, aches, pains, abdominal spasms, abdominal discomfort, arthritis, muscular fatigue, minor skin irritations (sunburns, flaking skin, and chapped lips), wrinkles, acne, blackheads, and emotional exhaustion.

BUY NOW

Ginger Oil

Ginger Oil is an aromatically superior essential oil. This spicy oil is often used in blends and formulations intended to relieve muscle pains and aches. It can also help ease nausea and motion sickness.

BUY NOW