Essential Oil Database

Photo: Vanilla Planifolia

Vanilla

Absolute

Botanical Name:

Vanilla Planifolia

Family Name:

Orchidaceae

Source Country:

Brazil

Plant Parts Used:

Fruit

Extraction Method:

Solvent

Major Constituents:

Vanillin, eugenol, caproic acid, vanillic acid, hydrobenzaldehyde, anisyl alcohol, anisaldehyde

Botanical Description

Photo: Vanilla Planifolia

Vanilla Planifolia is native to Central America. It is a perennial evergreen vine commonly known as Vanilla growing up to 25 meters tall. It has a thick, succulent stem, aerial roots and green pointed leaves. Flowers are yellow to green and only open for one day. If pollination occurs fruit pods are produced, which are harvested and graded.

Vanilla has traditionally been used as a culinary flavouring, used in the commercial food industry, the perfumery and cosmetics industries, and for its aphrodisiac properties.

Photo: Vanilla Planifolia

Fragrance

Vanilla essential oil has a rich, sweet, balsamic vanilla scent.

Vanilla essential oil is a dark brown resinous liquid.

Vanilla blends well with bergamot, jasmine, lime, rose, sandalwood, sweet orange and ylang ylang.

Traditional Therapeutic Uses

Photo: Vanilla Planifolia

Properties: aphrodisiac, stimulant

Aids: relaxation.

Alleviates: impotence, stress.

Vanilla is most often used for its aphrodisiac scent as apposed to the medicinal therapeutic benefits.

Vanilla induces sensuality, sexuality and romance.

Safety Data

Avoid use if pregnant.

Disclaimer:

All healing uses, magical uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education, do not imply a guarantee of effect, and may not be complete or accurate. Those suffering from illness should consult with their General Practitioner in the first instance. Aromatherapy is a holistic complementary healthcare practice and should be carried out by a suitably qualified aromatherapy practitioner.

Pure, medical grade, essential oils & absolutes are for use in aromatherapy and other disciplines of natural healing; and for their fragrance. Essential oils should not be ingested, and avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes. Pregnant women should not self administer essential oils. Do not administer essential oils to babies. Do not apply undiluted essential oil to the skin and wash hands after use and before visiting lavatory. Do not use essential oils while in a sauna, steam room, or other humid environment; or while engaged in strenuous exercise.

Massage oil should consist of no more than 3% essential oil(s) to 97% carrier or fixed oil. Absolutes should be blended with no less than 98.5% carrier oil. When adding essential oil to bath water do not use more than 4 drops.

Store essential oils at low room temperature, in a dark place, out of the reach of children, pets and away from foodstuffs.