Vanilla is a plant belonging to the orchid family, known and loved throughout the world. It is characterised by a beautiful fragrance and delights with its flavour, thanks to which it has become a key ingredient in many dishes. As well as vanilla pods, the plant is also used to produce vanilla essential oil. This extraordinary organic product surprises with its properties and the versatility of its uses, not only in the kitchen. What is worth knowing about vanilla essential oil?
Oleoresin – what is it?
Before we find out more about vanilla oil, it is worth learning about oleoresin, which is what vanilla oil actually is. Oleoresins are produced by extracting aromatic compounds from dried plant parts, such as the pod-like vanilla pods, using organic solvents.
An oleoresin is therefore a highly concentrated, thick, resin-like product with properties similar to those of popular essential oils. The high concentration of resinous components and the virtual absence of water in the oleoresin significantly extend its shelf life, as it undergoes minimal degradation due to oxidation.
Furthermore, this form ensures that the oleoresin cannot be damaged in any way by the harmful effects of fungi and microorganisms. The concentrated extract can be diluted to achieve various concentrations tailored to one’s own individual needs.
Vanilla oil – what exactly is it?
Now that we know what an oleoresin is, what should we know about vanilla oil itself? Vanilla oil is extracted from dried and fermentedVanilla planifolia pods. The oil has a typically sweet scent and is one of the most widespread fragrances in the world. Vanilla essential oil is used not only as a fragrance in a wide range of cosmetic and perfumery products, but also for medicinal and culinary purposes.
The vanilla extract obtained contains a range of extremely valuable chemical compounds. These include , amongst others:
- Vanillin
- Vanillic acid
- Acetic acid
- Piperonal
- 4-hydroxybenzoic acid
These components contribute to the unique aroma of the essential oil, as well as its impressive list of benefits. Vanillin is particularly responsible for the characteristic scent, whilst the other compounds exhibit distinct health-promoting properties.
Is there such a thing as vanilla essential oil?
Vanilla oil is not extracted in the same way as essential oils. Vanilla oleoresin is obtained using a solvent extraction method, which requires vanilla pods; from these, pure oleoresin is extracted using, for example, alcohol (n-hexane or ethanol).
Approximately 3 kg of vanilla beans are needed to produce one litre of vanilla oleoresin. The end result of distillation using direct extraction with an organic solvent is a product with a thick, viscous consistency, which distinguishes it from essential oils. This consistency contributes to the high activity of the organic compounds found in the oleoresin, which are believed to have properties such as antidepressant, anti-stress and libido-enhancing effects, and may even help combat insomnia.
Vanilla oil – what is worth knowing about its properties?
A range of active compounds found in vanilla pods are responsible for the following key properties of the oil:
- Anti-inflammatory and healing properties – vanilla essentialoilhas anti-inflammatory and healing properties. It soothes irritation and excessive itching, and also reduces the risk of painful sunburn.
- Supports anti-ageing processes –vanillais a popular ingredient in body care products. Its warm scent and beneficial effects on skin health make it an interesting product for daily care and bathing. A number of studies have shown that vanilla extract improves the condition of ageing skin, enhancing its firmness and vitality.
- Stimulating effect –therelaxing and pain-relievingpropertiesof vanilla essential oil have a stimulating effect on a psycho-emotional level. The essential oil restores balance to the nervous system and alleviates anxiety, depression, as well as disorders resulting from a disrupted circadian rhythm.
- Aphrodisiac effect – vanillaoilis often recommended as a natural remedy for impotence or low libido. Orchids, known for millennia as one of the most famous aphrodisiacs, appear to stimulate sexual desire by influencing the release of libido-boosting substances from the hypothalamus in the brain.
- Antiseptic properties –concentratedvanilla oleoresin is an effective antiseptic and deodoriser. Its sweet scent and health-promoting components purify the air, dispelling unpleasant odours and airborne microorganisms.
- Flavouring properties – themost widelyappreciated property of vanilla oil. It creates a warm and sensual scent, subtly enhancing not only the dishes being prepared but also the atmosphere in the room.
Uses of vanilla essential oil
Vanilla essential oil is notable for its versatility. It is recommended to warm it in hot water before application. This makes the resin more fluid, making it easier to apply and measure out. Once prepared, the oil can be applied to the skin, inhaled or used in aromatherapy.
What are some of the uses of vanilla essential oil worth knowing about?
- An effective remedy for depression – vanilla essentialoilacts as a natural antidepressant. Various studies have shown that the use of vanilla extracts improves mood, promotes a positive outlook and reduces symptoms of apathy and fatigue.
- Anti-inflammatory agent – the oil’scalmingand anti-inflammatory properties are beneficial for maintaining the health of the digestive, respiratory and nervous systems. It reduces inflammation, helps control anxiety attacks and has a beneficial effect on the excretory system.
- A home remedy for wrinkles –vanillais rich in antioxidants, which slow down the ageing process and prevent skin damage caused by free radicals. They counteract their harmful effects, reducing the visibility of signs of skin ageing.
- Fighting infections –it has been proventhat hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin, found in vanilla oil, effectively combat infectious diseases caused by fungi and bacteria.
- A stress-relieving product –the oleoresinalleviates stress and chronic fatigue. Due to its relaxing effect on the central nervous system, including the brain, it promotes pleasant relaxation and encourages a good night’s sleep.
Vanilla oil for insects – is it an effective repellent?
Vanilla extract (Vanilla Planifolia), like other organic products, masks the scent that blood-sucking insects are attracted to. Sweat, body odour, the carbon dioxide we exhale, and even our blood type can make us vulnerable to potential attacks from midges, mosquitoes and even ticks.
Vanillin, the active compound in the extract, is responsible for the effectiveness of vanilla oil in repelling insects. Its advantage over other repellents stems from several factors:
- Vanillin is completely harmless and does not cause allergic reactions;
- Vanilla oil is inexpensive, making it possible to use it to create an effective repellent against flies, mosquitoes, ticks and midges;
- Its insect-repelling effect is significantly greater than that of many popular products.
The way vanillin works is quite simple. This compound is responsible for the characteristic scent of the resinous oil, which insects perceive as a threat.
Vanilla oil and aromatherapy – how does it work?
Thanks to its delicate and rich scent, vanilla oil has a calming effect when used in home aromatherapy. It is used to relax and soothe all the senses. It is recommended for use before bedtime to ensure a peaceful and pleasant night’s sleep, lower blood pressure and alleviate the stress weighing on us.
Vanilla essential oil is perfectly suited to aromatherapy. It can be added to a diffuser or nebuliser, as well as an aroma burner. Simply add a few drops of the diluted oil to enjoy its beneficial effects.
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