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Vanilla Oil Health Benefits – Nutritional Value

Vanilla oil is a member of the Orchidaceae family of plants and fits this characteristic well with its fragrant blooms. The flowers can range in color from whitish to greenish-yellow and grow to be around two inches. It gets its name from the Spanish ‘vanilla,’ meaning ‘little pod or capsule.’ [1] Growing vanilla for bean cultivation is an arduous process that takes years. The vines do not flower until the third year. Even though the vine a whole flowers over the course of two months, the flowers themselves only last for 24 hours before wilting.

Vanilla Bean the resinous beans of the vanilla orchid are exotic yet familiar; alluring yet calming. Oh, sweet delectable Vanilla Bean! These fragrances can also be used as air fresheners, colognes, or a few drops can be added to your favorite body lotion, massage oil, or bath oil. It can help to enhance meditation, increase relaxation and its enticing nature makes it perfect for men and women.

Vanilla essential oil is derived from the fermented Vanilla beans by solvent extraction method. This essential oil has a warm, sweet, comforting, and complex aroma. The vanilla plant bears Vanilla Planifolia as its scientific name. It has several names such as Common vanilla, Mexican, Reunion vanilla, and Bourbon. It possesses vital components such as Capric Acid, Acetic Acid, Furfural, Eugenol, Vanillin Hudroxybenzaldehyde, and Isobutyric Acid. Vanilla essential oil possesses aphrodisiac, antioxidant, febrifuge, anti-carcinogenic, sedative, anti-depressant, tranquilizing, sedative, and relaxing properties.

Vanilla essential oil facts

Name Vanilla essential oil facts and benefits
Scientific Name of Vanilla plant Vanilla Planifolia
Native It is indigenous to Mexico, South America, South Africa, and India. It is originated from the Island of Madagascar. Vanilla was first cultivated by the Totonac people that live in the East coast of Mexico.
Common/English Name of Vanilla plant Common vanilla, Mexican, Reunion vanilla, Bourbon
Name in Other Languages of Vanilla plant Albanian: vanilla;
Belarusian: vaniĺ (ваніль);
Basque: bainila;
Bosnian: vanilija;
Catalan: vainilla;
Bulgarian: vaniliya (ванилия);
Croatian: vanilija;
Danish: vanilje;
Czech: vanilka;
Dutch: vanilla;
Finnish: vanilja;
Estonian: vanill;
French: vanilla;
German: Vanille;
Galician: vainilla;
Greek: vanília (βανίλια);
Icelandic: vanilla;
Hungarian: vanília;
Italian: vaniglia;
Irish: vanilla;
Lithuanian: vanilė;
Latvian: vanilla;
Maltese: vanilla;
Macedonian: vanila (ванила);
Norwegian: vanilje;
Portuguese: baunilha;
Polish: wanilia;
Romanian: vanilie;
Serbian: ванила;
Russian: vanil’ (ваниль);
Slova: vanilka;
Spanish: vainilla;
Slovenian: vanilla;
Swedish: vanilj;
Welsh: fanila;
Ukrainian: vanilʹ (ваніль);
Yiddish: vanil (וואַניל);
Azerbaijani: vanil;
Armenian: vanil (վանիլ);
Bengali: Bhyānilā (ভ্যানিলা);
Georgian: vanilla;
Chinese: Xiāngcǎo (香草);
Hindi: vainila (वैनिला);
Gujarati: Vēnīlā (વેનીલા);
Japanese: Banira (バニラ);
Hmong: vanilla;
Kannada: Venillā (ವೆನಿಲ್ಲಾ);
Khmer: vanilla;
Kazakh: Vanilʹ (ваниль);
Korean: banilla (바닐라);
Malayalam: vānila (വാനില);
Lao: vanilla;
Mongolian: vanili (ваниль);
Marathi: Yā vanaspatīsāṭhī kēlēlā arka (या वनस्पतीसाठी केलेला अर्क);
Nepali: Bhanilākō (भनिलाको);
Myanmar (Burmese): vanilla;
Sinhala: vænilā (වැනිලා);
Tamil: Veṇṇilā (வெண்ணிலா);
Tajik: Baxrom (Бахром);
Thai: Wā nil lā (วานิลลา);
Telugu: Vanillā (వనిల్లా);
Uzbek: vanilla;
Arabic: alfanilia (الفانيليا);
Vietnamese: vanilla;
Turkish: vanilya;
Chichewa: vanilla;
Afrikaans: vanielje;
Hausa: vanilla;
Sesotho: Vanilla;
Igbo: vanilla;
Swahili: vanilla;
Somali: vanilj;
Yoruba: fanila;
Cebuano: vanilla;
Zulu: vanilla;
Filipino: vanilla;
Javanese: vanilla;
Indonesian: vanilla;
Maori: vanilla;
Malagasy: lavanila;
Malay: vanilla;
Esperanto: vanilo;
Latin: vanilla;
Haitian Creole: vaniy;
Method of extraction Steam distilled
Color Dark brown liquid
Odor Characteristic
Flavor/aroma Rich, balsamic, sweet
Health Benefits
  • Eliminate free radicals
  • Enhance sexual arousal
  • Antioxidant activity
  • Prevent infections
  • Promote mood
  • Assist bodily functions
  • Relaxation effect
  • Promotes better sleep
Traditional uses
  • It is relief PMS cramps, muscle aches, and anxiety.
  • Its inhalation helps to improve sleep.
  • Rub with this essential oil to soothe the burns and wounds.
  • It promotes relaxation.
  • Relieve fatigue, stress, and anxiety by adding essential oil to the bathwater.
  • Add a few drops of essential oil to the shampoo for maintaining hair health.
  • It is also used to lower acne.
  • It prevents infection and lowers inflammation.
  • It prevents cancer cell growth.
  • It provides relief from cramps and muscle pain.
  • It is useful for people with high blood pressure, anxiety, and loss of libido.
Precautions
  • Avoid using on ears, eyes, and sensitive areas of the body.
  • One should consult a doctor for use.
Other Facts It blends well with Lemon, Orange, Jojoba, Neroli, Lavender, Chamomile, and Sandalwood.

History

It is indigenous to Mexico, South America, South Africa, and India. It is originated from the Island of Madagascar. Vanilla was first cultivated by the Totonac people that live on the East coast of Mexico. Chocolate and Vanilla were introduced by Hernan Cortes in the 1520s to Europe. The Cortes officers saw him consuming a beverage of chocolate which was made with ground corn, cocoa powder flavored with honey, and ground vanilla pods. The people of Spain also tried his drink and were quite impressed with it. It was popular by 1700 through Mexico.

SEE THE TABLE BELOW FOR AN DEPTH ANALYSIS OF NUTRIENTS: VANILLA EXTRACT (VANILLA PLANIFOLIA), NUTRITIONAL VALUE PER 100 G.
(SOURCE: USDA NATIONAL NUTRIENT DATA BASE)
PRINCIPLE NUTRIENT VALUE PERCENTAGE OF RDA
Energy 288 Kcal 14%
Carbohydrates 12.65 g 10%
Protein 0.06 g
Total Fat 0.06 g
Cholesterol 0 mg 0%
Dietary Fiber 0.0 g 0%
VITAMINS
Folates 0 mcg 0%
Niacin 0.425 mg 3%
Pantothenic caid 0.035 mg 0.5%
Pyridoxine 0.026 mg 2%
Riboflavin 0.095 mg 7%
Vitamin A 0 IU 0%
Vitamin C 0 mg 0%
ELECTROLYTES
Sodium 9 mg 0.5%
Potassium 148 mg 3%
MINERALS
Calcium 11 mg 1%
Copper 0.072 mg 8%
Iron 0.12 mg 1.5%
Magnesium 12 mg 3%
Manganese 0.230 mg 10%
Phosphorus 6 mg 1%
Selenium 0.0 mcg 0%
Zinc 0.11 mg 1%
  • Vanillin: Vanillin is the primary chemical component in vanilla beans. They also contain traces of other constituents like eugenol, caproic acid, phenolics, phenolic ether, alcohols, acids, aliphatic and aromatic carbohydrates, lactones, esters, and carbonyl compounds.
  • Vitamins: Vanilla extract comprises small amounts of B-complex vitamins like niacin, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, Vitamin B6, and thiamine. These vitamins aid in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function, and regulation of body metabolism.
  • Minerals: Vanilla extract also contains traces of minerals like magnesium, calcium, manganese, potassium, iron, and zinc.

Health Benefits of Vanilla essential oil

Vanilla essential oil provides various health benefits such as:

Eliminate free radicals

Vanilla essential oil helps to eliminate free radicals that cause infections and organic malfunctions. It is responsible for the oxidation of living tissues and cells and changes DNA structure to cancerous cells. It causes loss of memory, weakening the immune system, nervous malfunction, loss of hearing and vision, macular degeneration, mental instability, and being prone to diseases. It possesses antioxidant properties that help to neutralize free radicals and prevents wear and tear, cancer, infections.

Enhance sexual arousal

Vanilla essential oil is helpful for people with erectile dysfunction, impotence, loss of libido, and frigidity. It stimulates hormone secretion such as estrogen and testosterone which promotes sexual arousal and normal sexual behavior.

Antioxidant activity

Vanilla essential oil possesses anticarcinogenic properties. Free radicals are the cause of tissue damage, cancers of the colon or prostate. This oil prevents cancer cell growth and also slows down the process of cancer.

Treats Under Eye Circles

The number of antioxidants found in vanilla extract is equal to the number of antioxidants present in other fruits and green veggies available in the market. The topical application of vanilla essential oil on the under-eye circles can help to rejuvenate your skin and also treat the dark circles. Those who have dry under-eye skin should consider applying vanilla extract. Massage it under your eyes for some time and wash it off with water.

Treats Acne

Yes, vanilla proves to be an excellent acne healer as it helps to dry out the acne instantly and also prevents bacterial growth. Take some vanilla essential oil and apply it directly on the skin. Leave it overnight and wash it off with cold water in the morning. Due to antiviral properties, it deep cleanses your skin and unclogs the pores, thus preventing the occurrence of acne and pimples on the skin.

Treats Dry Skin

Due to a lot of antioxidants and Vitamin B6 found in vanilla, it proves to be an excellent remedy for treating dull and dry skin. Using vanilla essential oil regularly can help to protect your skin from several environmental factors and also keep it moisturized for a long period of time. The regular application of vanilla essential oil before going to bed helps to treat dry skin issues by keeping your skin hydrated and moist all the time.

Helps to Soothe Sunburnt Skin

Using vanilla extract on the sunburnt skin helps to speed up the healing process and also prevents your skin from getting damaged. Vanilla extract also helps in treating wounds caused by harmful UV rays. Take some vanilla extract and apply it directly to the damaged areas.

Treats Dehydrated Scalp

Vanilla extract is extremely beneficial in treating the dull and dehydrated scalp. Take some jojoba oil or coconut oil and add 2-5 drops of vanilla essential oil. Mix both the ingredients together and massage it onto the scalp. Wash off with cold water. Use this remedy twice a day to see visible results.

Prevent infections

This essential oil counteracts infection and lowers fevers. The components such as Vanillin Hydroxybenzaldehyde and Eugenol help to counteract infections. It has a sedative property that helps to lower fever as well as inflammation in the body.

Contains Antioxidant Properties

The antioxidant properties of vanilla oil protect the body from wear and tear by neutralizing free radicals. Antioxidants are substances that help prevent certain types of cell damage, especially those caused by oxidation. Oxidation is one of the biggest causes behind most of our health troubles and diseases. It leads to the formation of free radicals, which are very dangerous to the body’s tissues and have been connected to cancer and premature aging.

High-antioxidant foods and plants are evaluated by ORAC score (oxygen radical absorption capacity), which tests the power of a substance to absorb and eliminate free radicals. Dried vanilla bean spice is rated at an incredible 122,400 ORAC value! A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry noted that pure vanilla extract, which was made with cured vanilla beans and 60 percent aqueous ethyl alcohol, has high levels of antioxidant activity. The study noted that the results “point towards the potential use of vanilla extract components as antioxidants for food preservation and in health supplements as nutraceuticals.” (2)

Boosts Libido

Vanilla oil stimulates the secretion of certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which helps people who suffer from erectile dysfunction, impotence and loss of libido. Erectile dysfunction, for example, comes in many degrees and can be caused by low levels of testosterone, medications, poor diet, fatigue, stress, depression or other illnesses.

The good news is that around 70 percent of these cases are restored with home remedies and natural treatment methods for impotence. Thankfully, vanilla oil has been shown to improve hormone levels, mood, and outlook on life.

Relieves PMS Symptoms

Because vanilla oil activates estrogen levels, it also regularizes menstruation and relieves PMS symptoms. PMS symptoms are experienced by over 75 percent of menstruating women, and hormone balance is the primary factor that determines these symptoms. Common PMS symptoms include fatigue, bloating, skin issues, emotional changes, breast tenderness, and cramps.

Vanilla oil serves as a natural remedy for PMS and cramps because it activates or balances hormone levels and manages stress, leaving your body and mind relaxed. Vanilla oil works as a sedative, so your body isn’t in a state of hypersensitivity while experiencing PMS symptoms; instead, it’s tranquil and the symptoms are minimized.

Prevents the Growth of Cancer Cells

The vanilla essential oil has anticarcinogenic properties — it helps inhibit the development of cancer before it becomes a problem, making it a potential natural cancer treatment. This powerful oil curbs the growth of cancerous cells, mostly because of it acts as an antioxidant that prevents the oxidation of cells. Antioxidants kill free radicals in the body and reverse oxidative stress-causing chronic disease.

According to the National Cancer Institute, at high concentrations, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major components of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. The damage to cells caused by free radicals, especially the damage to DNA, may play a role in the development of cancer and other health conditions. (3) Antioxidants are known as “free radical scavengers” that interact with, neutralize and fight free radical damage.

Promote mood

The aroma of Vanilla essential oil helps to enhance mood. It has Hydroxybenzaldehyde that helps to uplift the mood and acts as an antidepressant.

Assist bodily functions

Vanilla essential oil soothes bodily inflammation and hyperactivity in systems such as circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive, and excretory systems. It lowers inflammation caused due to fever, anxiety, convulsions, hypersensitivity to allergens, and stress.

Relaxation effect

Vanilla essential oil provides a calming and relaxing effect on the brain as well as nerves. It also provides relief from restlessness, anger, and anxiety.

Promotes digestive tract health

The inhalation of vanilla extract candles and essential oils is believed to soothe and calm any irritation or inflammation in the digestive tract. This soothing effect is caused by the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of vanilla essential oil. The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia, it states that in Latin America they use vanilla root tea to treat digestive problems. Try adding a few drops of vanilla extract to your tea, milk, or decaf coffee to soothe any tension in the stomach or mind.

Promotes better sleep

Vanilla essential oil possesses relaxing and sedative properties that provide a tranquilizing effect on the brain and also lower blood pressure.

Aphrodisiac

A vanilla essential oil concoction might have been given to patients who have impotence, erectile dysfunction, rigidity, or loss of libido relieving them of their problems. This oil might stimulate certain hormones like testosterone and estrogen, thereby boosting sexual behavior. Moreover, according to legend, wine mixed with ginger, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar is the perfect blend to possibly increase sexual mood. [2]

Antimutagenic

According to a study in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, vanillin has potential anti-mutagenic properties and it might inhibit the mutation factor in colon cancer cells. Further studies are required to know its therapeutic potential in cancer treatment and prevention. [3]

Febrifuge

The vanilla essential oil might effectively reduce fever by fighting infections. The essential oil may contain components that fight infections. Also, being a sedative, it may reduce inflammation from flushes, so it is also considered an antiphlogistic. [4]

Might Relieve Depression

Depression is a life-threatening mood disorder suffered by over 17 million Americans. There is no absolute cure for it, but standard practices such as meditation, healthy eating, and exercise can help. However, when it comes to aromatherapy, essential oils come in handy. According to an animal study in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology, vanilla at 100 mg/kg demonstrated potential antidepressant activity. Vanilla’s calming properties uplift one’s mood and it may reduce anger, stress, tension, and irritability. [5] [6]

Blending: The essential oil of vanilla blends well with the essential oils of orange, lemon, neroli, jojoba, chamomile, lavender, and sandalwood.

Traditional uses

  • Massage with the infusion of vanilla oil (10 drops) to the feet, neck, stomach, and chest in order to relax the mind and body. It provides relief from PMS cramps, muscle aches, and anxiety.
  • Inhalation of 3 to 5 drops of Vanilla oil or add 5 to 10 drops of oil to warm water for improving sleep.
  • About 2 to 3 drops of oil could be added to the lotion or face wash that helps to promote skin health.
  • The burns and wounds could be soothed by rubbing 2 to 3 drops of Vanilla oil on the affected area.
  • It is used to lower stress by promoting relaxation.
  • The fatigue, stress, and anxiety could be relieved by adding a few drops of Vanilla essential oil to the bathwater.
  • For healthy and shiny hair, add a few drops of essential oil to the shampoo.
  • The acne could be cured by wiping the affected area by adding vanilla essential oil to the cotton ball.
  • It also balances emotions.
  • It is helpful for patients with high blood pressure, anxiety, and loss of libido.

How to Use Vanilla Oil

  • To relax your body and mind, massage 10 drops of your homemade vanilla oil infusion into your neck, feet, chest, and stomach. This relieves muscle aches, PMS cramps, feelings of anxiety and works as an antibacterial agent.
  • To improve sleeping patterns, inhale 3–5 drops of vanilla oil before bed or make your own vanilla oil bath by adding 5–10 drops to warm water.
  • To use vanilla oil as a DIY perfume, add 10–20 drops to a spray bottle and mix it with equal parts carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil) and water. You can spray this vanilla oil mixture on your sheets, furniture, body, and hair.
  • To use vanilla oil for skin health, add 2–3 drops to your daily face wash or lotion. Try adding 5 drops of pure vanilla oil or a vanilla oil infusion to my Homemade Face Wash.
  • To soothe burns and wounds, rub 2–3 drops of pure vanilla oil to the needed area.
  • For internal benefits, add 5 drops of pure vanilla oil or a vanilla oil infusion to your daily tea or coffee.
  • To reduce inflammation in the body, use a high-quality vanilla oil or extract in my Carob Bark Recipe.
  • To mix dessert with health benefits, add pure vanilla oil or extract to my Raw Vanilla Ice Cream.

Vanilla Essence and Extract

The vanilla plant is an herbaceous climbing vine (1) that requires a supporting tree or pole for optimal growth. It bears trumpet-shaped flowers which are naturally pollinated by bees and hummingbirds and even hand pollinated. Unripe vanilla pods turn yellow when they grow 5 to 8 inches long and are ready to harvest. These are then blanched in boiling water, sweated, and sun-dried for a few weeks until they turn dark brown and wrinkled. Then the white crystalline essence known as vanillin is extracted from some superior quality beans. This essence is referred to as the vanilla flavor.

The most common form of vanilla is a vanilla extract which is prepared by percolating chopped vanilla beans in ethyl alcohol and water for about 48 hours. The mixture is stored for several months and then filtered. Several varieties of vanilla are available in the market of which Madagascar vanilla is the most widely used. This rich sweet variety accounts for 75% of the vanilla production while the remaining comprises of vanilla from Tahiti and Mexico.

Vanilla pods contain several tiny black seeds which are used to flavor many sweet dishes and chocolates. Vanillin is the essence of vanilla bean but artificial vanillin is also produced on a large scale from wood pulp by-products. The vanilla flavoring is often a blend of pure and imitation vanilla. The appearance of tiny black specks in a vanilla flavored dish is an indication of pure vanilla.

Skin Benefits Of Vanilla Essence Extract

You might find this surprising. The benefits of vanilla extract or essence extend to your skin as well. It is used as an ingredient in several skincare products like body lotions, lip balms, body butters and creams to impart fragrance.

1. Treatment of Acne:

The antibacterial properties of vanilla make it beneficial for the treatment of acne. Vanillin, through its antibacterial effects, helps cleanse your skin, reducing the occurrence of pimples and acne (2).

2. Anti-ageing Benefits:

Vanilla is rich in antioxidants which prevent and reverse skin damage caused by free radicals (3). It helps to slow down signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. It is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its fragrance and anti-aging benefits. Applying raw vanilla beans infused with organic oil imparts a great chocolaty fragrance besides making your skin smooth and soft.

3. Soothes Burns:

Vanilla has been used as a traditional remedy to heal burns, wound,s and cuts. Concentrated vanilla extracts or essential oil should not be applied directly on recent burns. Topical treatments containing vanilla extracts might be helpful. It is advisable to consult your doctor before using any such home remedies for burns (4).

4. Promotes Healthy Skin:

Vanilla is a good source of B-vitamins like niacin, thiamin, Vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid which play an important role in the maintenance of healthy skin. The antioxidant properties of vanilla protect your skin from damage caused by environmental pollutants and toxins (5). You can prepare a scrub to revive your skin from within. All you need to do is slice open 5 vanilla beans to scrape out its seeds. Add these seeds along with 3 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 drops vanilla essential oil to freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix the ingredients and apply it on your face. Massage for a few minutes and then rinse off with warm water. Then, splash some cold water on your face.

Hair Benefits Of Vanilla

The list of benefits of vanilla is incomplete if we do not talk about its role in hair care. It is a good source of many nutrients which help in the maintenance of hair health.

5. Vanilla for Silky Hair:

Vanilla when mixed with other ingredients can make your hair silky, shiny and smooth. You can prepare a hair pack for this purpose. Melt about 4 oz. shea butter in a boiler. After it has fully melted, add 5 drops of vanilla essential oil and 2 tablespoons each of almond, jojoba and castor oils. After cooling, blend this mixture until it achieves a softer consistency. You can apply this mixture on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo. This will make your hair soft and manageable without making it sticky. This mixture can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for future use.

6. Promotes Hair Growth:

Both carrier and essential oils help in promoting hair growth (6). These oils can be combined with vanilla essential oil for hot oil treatment. To begin with, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb and rinse it thoroughly with warm water. After this, warm ¼ cup of any carrier oil such as virgin olive, jojoba, almond, or coconut oil on high heat for about 30 seconds. Add 10 drops each of lavender and vanilla essential oils to it and mix thoroughly. Applying this on your hair from the roots to the ends, massage your scalp in circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes. Ensure to apply it along the full length of your hair strands, concentrating more on the dry ends. Fasten your hair with a hair clip and wrap a warm towel around your head. Leave for 15 minutes. Then again wrap a warm towel for another 15 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo.

7. Treatment of Anxiety and Depression:

Certain neurological studies have proved that vanilla extract can have a positive effect on those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. The vanilla scent is specifically helpful for this purpose. Sipping water or milk containing vanilla extract helps reduce anxiety in some people (7).

This aromatic spice is beneficial for your nervous system. Research conducted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital in New York indicated that exposure to vanilla aromatherapy has proven to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of claustrophobia.

8. Aids Weight Loss:

Certain studies have shown that vanilla extract can help people lose weight. Though exercise and diet play a primary role in weight loss, these efforts can be supplemented with the intake of vanilla extract for greater benefits. Further research is needed to substantiate this claim (8).

9. Relieves Nausea:

One of the best benefits of vanilla extract is that it can help calm the stomach in case of a feeling of nausea (9). All you need to do is add a few drops of vanilla extract to a glass of water and sip it slowly. The amazing vanilla scent will help to relieve the feeling of nausea. In fact, it is as good as nausea medicine and can effectively substitute it.

10. Treatment of Cough:

Cough syrups often use vanilla extract as a flavoring (10) to mask their bitter taste. Though further research is needed in this regard, the mild anesthetic properties of vanilla extract can relieve symptoms such as pain from a sore throat or headache.

11. Dental Health:

Vanillin in vanilla is similar to capsaicin in chili peppers and eugenol in spices such as cinnamon. This compound has a positive effect on the central nervous system. Capsaicin is an effective pain reliever while eugenol act as topical anaesthetics. Vanilla possesses both these properties which help fight toothache (11) and infection.

12. Treatment of Digestive Disorders:

Vanilla-infused herbal tea can relieve digestive problems. Water boiled with vanilla beans is a traditional remedy for vomiting and stomach upsets. Its rich aroma is effective in easing queasiness (12).

13. Aphrodisiac Properties:

Vanilla has been used as an aphrodisiac since ancient times. Certain studies on aromatherapy have proved that vanilla can increase sexual desire by boosting testosterone levels in men. Usage of vanilla has proven to be effective in curing their impotency. Its aroma induces feelings of pleasure and satiation (13).

14. Treatment of Menstrual Problems:

Vanilla extract is beneficial in the regulation of menstruation. It can be used by women with irregular periods to regulate their cycles. Though several medications are available for the treatment of these problems, slight problems can be cured by making vanilla extract a part of your diet.

15. Aids Wound Healing:

The usage of vanilla extract for healing wounds dates back to ancient times. Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe and calm inflamed areas on the skin. It is considered a great home remedy for wound healing. Note that the direct use of vanilla extract on open wounds and burns should be avoided.

16. Antioxidant Properties:

The distinct flavor and health benefits of vanilla essence can be attributed to the presence of about 200 compounds that possess antioxidant properties. The high level of antioxidants reduces free radicals in your body. These free radicals are the waste products resulting from normal as well as harmful metabolic processes. They can cause various diseases including cancer. Vanilla possesses both antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties (14).

17. Beneficial for Children:

Vanilla extract added to a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of sugar can help reduce fever (15) and fight infections in children. Besides, the taste may also appeal to children.

Vanilla Essential Oil Uses

Vanilla has been used by different cultures for healing purposes. According to Carol Schiller in ‘The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia,’ Africans used it for stomach-related issues, as did the Europeans, who also utilized it as a poisoning antidote and an aphrodisiac.

People have used vanilla for mood issues to relieve anxiety and stress. It has been used for muscle aches and pains, to break up congestion, and as a sleep aid.

Since the resinoid is created by solvent extraction, it is not a good idea to use it therapeutically as some of the chemicals are left behind. CO2 extraction is a cleaner process, but some people still do not like using these for remedies for the same reason.

As mentioned above, it is also hard to tell exactly what constituents are in your product and in what amounts. If you want to use your vanilla absolute or ‘vanilla oil’ in a therapeutic blend, you will likely want to see if the company has performed testing on the substance to ensure quality.

For Cooking

One of the most obvious ways to use vanilla would be in cooking. It is the most popular extract and is used in countless baking and dessert recipes. That being said, it is imperative to examine the differences between vanilla essential oil vs. vanilla extract.

All essential oils, CO2 extracts, absolutes, and oleoresins are highly concentrated substances. Extracts, on the other hand, are made from macerated bean pods that percolate in ethyl alcohol and water mix. [5] They are nowhere near as concentrated.

Therefore, where you often may use a half to a whole teaspoon of extract in a recipe, using this much of any essential oil would overpower and ruin the recipe.

Because of this, using the toothpick method is recommended for drinks. Dip the end of a toothpick in the oil and swirl it into the beverage. This is often plenty of flavors. For larger or denser recipes, one drop is usually sufficient for distinguishable flavor.

Being that vanilla is eclipsed only by saffron as the most expensive spice in the world due to its labor-intensive production, you probably don’t want to waste it anyway! [6] This is also why synthetic vanillin is used commercially much more than true vanilla.

Did you know you can make your own high-quality vanilla extract at home? Simply take seven or eight vanilla beans and slice them lengthwise. Submerge them in a cup of 70-proof vodka in an airtight jar. Shake your jar twice a week for eight weeks.

At this point, you can strain the liquid from the beans or leave it as-is to age. Just be sure to keep them submerged. If you like, you can experiment with beans from different areas for flavor changes, or use bourbon, rum, or other alcohol.

Aromatherapy

The scent of vanilla is calming for a lot of people and conjures up happy memories of mothers and grandmothers baking during the holidays.

Scents that affect the limbic system in this manner are helpful for relieving stress and anxiety. Just remember that you cannot use thicker oil and absolutes in many diffusers. However, they are excellent for candle-warmed devices.

Perfumery

Vanilla has been used for years in the perfume industry for ages. It is an excellent fixative and can be used as a base note. Because of its high cost, tonka bean (Dipteryx odorata / Coumarouna odorata) is often used in its place.

Learning how to make your own perfume can be rewarding, and you can save a lot of money in the long run.

Precautions                                                                                                 

  • Do not use it on sensitive areas such as ears, eyes, etc.
  • Consult with a health practitioner for use.

Other Facts        

Vanilla essential oil blends well with Lemon, Orange, Jojoba, Neroli, Lavender, Chamomile, and Sandalwood.

From Where To Buy

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or

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References

Dr. Harun Ar Rashid
Show full profile Dr. Harun Ar Rashid

Dr. MD Harun Ar Rashid, FCPS, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including FCPS, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and community outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices.

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