Vanilla essential oil is fast becoming a favorite oil of choice for many aromatherapy devotees. One reason is the smell and the other is because it is believed to infuse a room with loving vibrations.
Where Vanilla Essential Oil Comes From
The vanilla “bean” is actually a dried pod of unripe fruit, which is native to Mexico and Central America. The Aztec Indians are from this area and they actually combined these vanilla beans with cocoa to make a drink that they called “Xoco-Latl.” Cortez, who was a Spanish explorer discovered this vanilla and took it home with him to Europe. However, most of the vanilla that is used today comes from Madagascar. It is available as a liquid extract or as a synthetic flavoring.
Vanilla Essential Oil As Aromatherapy
There are no direct medicinal applications for vanilla. However, vanilla is often used to create an essential oil that will help you to relax, soften your anger, cause you to become less irritable and make you less frustrated. Vanilla essential oil can blend nicely with sandalwood, bergamot, rose, balsams and other spicy oils.
Making Soap From Vanilla Essential Oil
Soap making can be fun, healthy and rejuvenating. This soap is wonderful for your skin unlike store bought soap, which can dry out your face. One type of soap that you can make is Almond-Vanilla soap. For this soap you will need 1/3 cup whole almonds, 1 (4 ounce) bar of Castile soap, 1/4 cup of distilled water, 1 tablespoon of almond oil and 1/8 teaspoon of vanilla essential oil. You will need to grind the almonds to a fine powder in a food processor, then either shred or melt the Castile soap. In a heavy saucepan you will need to bring the water to a boil before reducing to a simmer. Once you remove the pan from the heat you should add the almond powder, almond oil and vanilla essential oil. Stir this mixture until well blended, then mold it and set it aside to dry for 5 hours.
Making A Scented Spray From Vanilla Essential Oil
Vanilla essential oil can also be used in homemade perfume. This may seem difficult to do but it is actually very easy. Once you have created this perfume, it can also be used on bed linens or as an air freshener. All you need is a 2 ounce spray bottle filled with some distilled water, a1/2 teaspoon of high proof vodka and 40 drops of vanilla essential oil. Once you have placed all of your ingredients into the bottle, you should then mix it gently and either allow it to age for a week or use it right away. Each time that you use this spray you should shake it gently so that everything is mixed together.
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