The legendary oil of fragrances
The vanilla fragrance has been known in the scenting world for many years. The scent has been used to enhance the mood and ambiance of any space, hence one of its therapeutic properties is the aphrodisiacal effect. This recognizable fragrance has endless health benefits and is used for a variety of things such as regulating menstruation, reducing signs of depression and anxiety, and lowering blood pressure. Another major health benefit is that it contains antioxidant properties that aid in wound healing and help fight infections. A study on aromatherapy has shown that vanilla is ranked remarkably high in its stress-reducing capabilities and promoting relaxation.
What exactly is vanilla, and where does it originates from?
Vanilla is a spice that is extracted from the orchids of vanilla. The tropical orchid is a long pod-like fruit which makes it an edible plant. It is enjoyed universally from baking to fragrances, carrying a very potent taste and scent. Vanilla was originally native to Central and South America, as well as, The Caribbean. The first people to have cultivated it was the Totonacs of Mexico. The Aztecs conquered the Totonacs in the 15th Century, which allowed them access to vanilla for the first time. They were the civilization that put it on the map by utilizing vanilla in their food and mixing it with cacao, pairing the two flavors together. Eventually, it made its way to Europe when the Spanish fought the Aztecs and brought it back home with them. Today, about 80% of the world’s vanilla comes from farms in Madagascar. Their locals continue to pollinate the orchids by hand and cure and dry the beans traditionally.
Goes Best With...
Besides being paired with food, vanilla is a base note in fragrances which is normally paired with citrus, wood, and floral scents because of its rich, warm and sweet aromatic components. Here our a few of our scenting oils that contaims the vanilla notes and be sure to indulge in these therupetic benefits:
Explore our scent library for more scenting oils with the Vanilla notes!
