DavidWolfe.comWhen you hear the word vanilla, your mind – like mine – probably goes straight to the cupboard and the delicious tasting treats that use this flavor. But did you know that vanilla essential oil goes way beyond the kitchen?
Vanilla essential oil is extracted from a resinous substance obtained from fermented vanilla beans, which come from vanilla plants. The plants grow mainly in Mexico and neighboring countries. Vanilla oil boasts a sweet smell, along with antioxidant, antidepressant, and relaxing properties – and then some!
Vanilla Essential Oil Health Uses
1. Helps Repair Damage
Vanilla essential oil has powerful antioxidant properties that work to neutralize free radicals in the body. The oil helps protect the body from illness and infection while working to repair the damage done by oxidative stress.
2. Works as an Aphrodisiac
Vanilla oil can be used as a natural aphrodisiac in aromatherapy. It works by stimulating the secretion of certain hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, to increase libido. The oil’s sweet smell also promotes a calming, stress-free environment.
3. Relieves Depression
Vanilla essential oil naturally helps relieve feelings of anger, stress, anxiety and depression. The sweet aroma of vanilla has powerful calming and soothing properties that work as a natural mood-booster and antidepressant. (1)
4. Protects Against Cancer
The anti-carcinogenic properties of vanilla oil stem from its powerful antioxidant properties. The oil helps combat free radicals in the body that damage tissues and cause certain types of cancer, including prostate and colon cancer. Vanilla essential oil works to stop the growth of cancerous cells to prevent or slow down cancer in the body. (2)
5. Reduces Fever
Vanilla essential oil can help fight infections and reduce a fever thanks to its healing compounds. The oil works as a sedative to calm the body, reduce inflammation and relieve a fever.
6. Fights Insomnia
Vanilla essential oil works to promote a good night’s sleep thanks to its sedative and relaxing properties. The oil naturally lowers blood pressure while soothing the body and mind. Apply a small amount of vanilla oil to your pillow to help fight insomnia.
7. Works as a Sedative
The soothing aroma of vanilla oil works as a natural sedative to calm the body. The oil works to reduce inflammation and hyperactivity in the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and excretory systems. It can also help soothe hypersensitivity to allergens. (3)
8. Relaxes the Body and Mind
As you no doubt have experienced, the scent of vanilla is an effective natural treatment against feelings of anxiety, anger, stress, tension and restlessness. The sweet fragrance naturally calms the body and mind to promote a soothing environment.
9. Regularizes Menstruation
While vanilla essential oil isn’t considered an emmenagogue, it can help regularize mensuration. The oil naturally activates hormones like estrogen, which can help normalize a woman’s cycle.
Caution: Generally, vanilla essential oil is a non-irritating, non-sensitizing and non-toxic essential oil that is considered to be safe for all ages and skin types. However, it is always best to use caution when trying out any new substance, including a new essential oil.