Product Spotlight: Vanilla CO2

The warm and comforting aroma of Vanilla may be familiar to you from baking or cooking in the kitchen. But did you know that beyond its culinary uses, Vanilla has a long history as a powerful essential oil in aromatherapy? This versatile oil is derived from the pods of the Vanilla plant and has been used for centuries by various cultures for its relaxing and healing properties. In this blog post, Amrita’s experts will explore how the sweet scent of Vanilla can do so much more than just enhance your favorite desserts — it can also benefit your mind, body, and overall well-being through the practice of aromatherapy.* So let's delve deeper into why Vanilla deserves a spot not only in your spice rack but also in your collection of essential oils.

“I’ve heard about Vanilla pods and Vanilla Extract, but not about Vanilla Oil.”

Imagine a sprawling vine, stretching up to 100 feet, adorned with delicate white blossoms. This is the enchanting Vanilla plant, a true marvel of nature. Thriving in shaded spaces but truly flourishing under sunlight, it branches out in a breathtaking display. Each morning, its flowers 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 for reproduction, a process often requiring human intervention due to its intricacy.

Vanilla CO₂, a coveted essence, cannot be obtained through steam distillation. Instead, it undergoes solvent extraction or CO₂ extraction methods. While solvent extraction may leave trace residues and compromise organic certification, Amrita offers a certified organic CO₂-extracted Vanilla, ensuring purity and naturalness.

Let’s unravel the mysteries, legacy, and traditions about Vanilla

The mystery of Vanilla's reproduction was unraveled by a Frenchman in 1836, revealing its dependence on the Melipona bee for pollination. As Vanilla expanded beyond Mexico, hand-pollination became essential, leading to its proliferation in regions like Madagascar. Today, Bourbon-Type Vanilla from Madagascar and South Africa continues to reign supreme, enchanting palates worldwide.

Treasured for centuries for its flavor and medicinal properties, Vanilla has one of the richest histories. From ancient rituals to folk remedies, Vanilla was revered by civilizations like the Totonacs and Aztecs. The fusion of Vanilla with chocolate by the Aztecs birthed the legendary "Xocohotl," captivating the palate of 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 to be an aphrodisiac and helpful for alleviating anxiety and stress.*

Why should you be using Vanilla in your aromatherapeutic routine?

Vanilla's invigorating scent extends beyond mere fragrance, offering remarkable calming effects, particularly beneficial for newborns during medical procedures.* Studies indicate that Vanilla aroma reduces crying and startle reflexes in premature infants, hinting at its potential to soothe adults as well.*

Rich in vanillin, Vanilla Oil promotes relaxation and tension release, aiding in reducing muscle tension, lowering blood pressure, and improving heart rate.* Additionally, it shows promise in lowering cholesterol levels and providing relief for arthritis, showcasing its multifaceted therapeutic potential.*

Vanilla regulates hormone levels by stimulating the secretion of testosterone and estrogen, offering support for conditions like impotence, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction.* Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties make it a potent ally in skincare, rejuvenating skin and restoring brightness and softness.*

How can you use Vanilla in your aromatherapy routine?

Embrace the luxurious essence of Vanilla CO₂ as you embark on a journey of holistic wellness through targeted topical application, indulgent whole-body massages, and soothing aromatic baths.* With its 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 skincare routine, or simply crave moments of relaxation and tranquility, incorporating Vanilla CO₂ into your self-care rituals promises to elevate your experience to new heights of bliss and rejuvenation.*

• Targeted Topical Application: up to 2-4% dilution
  • Create a 2-4% dilution blend of Vanilla CO₂ in any carrier oil (10-20 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil). Apply a small portion of this blend, not exceeding 10 drops per application per day, to alleviate anxiety, stress, and reduce startle reflexes.* Additionally, you can use this blend to improve heart rate, support circulation, ease muscle tension, and inflammation.*
  • Other ways this blend of Vanilla and a carrier oil can help you skin: restore skin brightness, combat environmental damage, diminish fine lines, and age spots.* ^{1, 2, 3} Lastly, Vanilla CO₂ can assist your reproductive 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 experience during a whole-body massage, consider crafting a 2% dilution blend of Vanilla CO₂ with your preferred carrier oil, using 10 drops per tablespoon of carrier oil.* This carefully curated blend offers a myriad of benefits beyond mere relaxation.* Applied gently, and not exceeding 10 drops per application per day, this infusion of Vanilla CO₂ and carrier oil can significantly alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress, as well as help reduce startle reflexes, promoting a sense of calmness and tranquility throughout the body.*
  • As the soothing aroma envelops you, know that this blend with Vanilla goes beyond emotional support.* It also holds potential to enhance physical well-being.* With each application, you may notice improvements in heart rate and circulation, along with a gentle easing of muscle tension and inflammation.* This holistic approach to self-care allows 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 of Vanilla CO₂ offer a wealth of skincare benefits.* From restoring skin brightness to combating environmental damage,  Vanilla works tirelessly to promote healthy, radiant skin.* Additionally, its ability to diminish fine lines and age spots provides a youthful glow, allowing you to indulge in a spa-like experience right in the comfort of your own home.*
  • Consider the impact of Vanilla on your reproductive health.* Vanilla CO₂'s unique properties have been shown to increase hormone secretion, offering support for those experiencing imbalances such as low testosterone.* Moreover, its potential to enhance desire and libido levels adds an extra layer of intimacy and connection to your wellness routine.* So, whether you seek relaxation, rejuvenation, or revitalization,  Vanilla CO₂ offers a holistic approach to well-being, nurturing both body and soul.*

Amrita’s experts want you to be aware of safety precautions when using Vanilla CO₂. While it is non-toxic and non-irritant, it can cause skin sensitization.* There are some products on the marketing that contain Vanilla, but due to traces of solvents and frequent adulteration it can affect the skin.* Amrita suggests you perform a patch test on a small area of skin before applying more liberally in order to ensure there is no sensitization.*

“Wow, Vanilla does more than I thought…but which essential oils should I use with it?”

Vanilla pairs beautifully with a variety of essential oils, enhancing both the aroma and therapeutic benefits of your massage or aromatic bath.* For a calming and tranquil blend, combine Vanilla with Sandalwood and Sweet Orange, fostering relaxation and uplifting mood.* Seeking skin nourishment? Pair Vanilla with Bergamot and Ylang Ylang for a rejuvenating aroma and radiant glow.* To ground yourself, blend Vanilla with Red Mandarin, Australian Sandalwood, and Bergamot, creating a serene blend that instills inner peace and tranquility.*

Whether you're seeking relaxation, rejuvenation, or romance, blending Vanilla with other essential oils can enhance your massage or aromatic bath experience while elevating your mood and well-being.*

Here are some DIY recipes for you to try with Vanilla:

Note: Amrita’s experts suggest each of these recipes should be made with at least 2 tablespoons of your favorite carrier oil like Clear Jojoba or Golden Jojoba. Apply a small portion of this blend, do not exceed 10 drops per application per day.

Final thoughts from Dr. Streicher and Amrita’s experts

Incorporating Vanilla CO₂ into your daily aromatherapeutic routine offers a multitude of benefits that enhance both your physical and emotional well-being.* With its versatile aroma and potent therapeutic properties, Vanilla adds depth, warmth, and sweetness to any blend, creating a sense of comfort and serenity.* Whether you seek relaxation, stress relief, or simply wish to uplift your mood, Vanilla's calming and soothing qualities make it a valuable addition to your daily self-care rituals.* Embrace the luxurious essence of Vanilla and indulge in moments of blissful tranquility as you embark on a journey of holistic wellness and rejuvenation.*

* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sources:

1. Choudhary, T. (2023, November 1). 18 Amazing benefits of vanilla 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 Aveda Institute . 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 flavouring molecule. Adv Tradit Med (ADTM), 21(3), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13596-020-00531-w