Practice shows that for most people, vanilla is associated exclusively with the field of cooking - as one of the most famous and fragrant spices. At the same time, this exotic plant has another application: valuable essential oil is obtained from its fruits, which has a number of positive properties. Thanks to the many options for its use, the considered gift of nature can solve a variety of tasks, improving the appearance of a person and facilitating the return of his vitality.
Features and composition
Although vanilla essential oil is a product of plant origin, it can have a very strong effect on the human body. This is largely due to its constituent compounds with unsaturated carbon bonds.
This feature causes a high chemical activity - the main reason for the effectiveness of the described product.
As a raw material for the production of the oil in question are the pods - the fruits of vanilla, ripening on vines for 9 months. Most often they are grown in Madagascar, as well as in Indonesia and China - countries that account for about 90% of the world production of this aromatic spice. As for the release of essential oil from the fruit, it is very small, and this naturally affects the final cost of the product.
One of the main features of the liquid is its persistent aroma, primarily memorable for its spicy notes. Also, vanilla essential oil is characterized by a strong viscosity and a rich grayish-amber shade. An impressive concentration of the product is worth mentioning, due to which its use is limited to extremely small doses.
It is possible to distinguish natural vanilla essential oil from a fake, not only by its cost, but also by the specific nature of the fragrance. If the liquid is of artificial origin, then it has a sharper and much less resistant odor.
The composition of the described oil deserves separate consideration. It provides for the presence of one hundred and fifty ingredients, the main of which include:
- vanillin;
- hydroxybenzaldehyde;
- furfural;
- anise aldehyde;
- cinnamon esters;
- eugenol
Other significant components of the essential oils of vanilla are acids - anisic, acetic, isobutyric and caproic.
Beneficial features
There are a number of reasons why using vanilla essential oil is a fully justified decision. In particular, this product has the following beneficial qualities:
- stabilization of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, achieved through the restoration of enzyme balance and normalization of the acid level;
- strengthening the body's defenses, allowing to increase the resistance of the latter to the action of negative factors and prevent the development of many dangerous pathologies;
- normalization of carbohydrate metabolism, which is of paramount importance for patients with diabetes mellitus;
- stabilization of the menstrual cycle and reduction of menstruation pain (if available);
- getting rid of postpartum stretch marks and extra pounds (including those that were recruited in a short period of time);
- elimination of inflammatory processes resulting from mechanical or chemical effects;
- disinfection of infected tissue, characterized by a high degree of efficiency;
- complex effect on hair, giving it softness and smoothness, eliminating dandruff and noticeably strengthening their roots;
- saturation of cells with oxygen and nutrients, which is especially important for dry, irritated, hypersensitive or aged skin;
- strengthening the health of the nail plates, possible due to calcium and vitamins that are part of the essential oil of vanilla.
In addition, this product is a powerful tool for alcohol addiction: its regular use allows you to repel cravings for strong alcoholic beverages. He also has pronounced sedative properties, stabilizing the psycho-emotional state and normalizing sleep.
Contraindications
As a rule, the use of vanilla essential oil does not lead to any health problems. Given this circumstance, this product can be considered safe and applied without restrictions in the vast majority of cases. The only exception is individual intolerance, leading to the development of an allergic reaction - a relatively rare problem, but deserving a mandatory mention.
To exclude the likelihood of the above-described nuisance, an uncomplicated test should be performed involving applying a few drops of vanilla essential oil to the skin. The main symptoms that indicate the inadmissibility of the use of this tool are:
- noticeable redness of the oil-treated area;
- the appearance of rash;
- itching, burning and other discomfort.
If, after 20 minutes from the moment the product is applied, negative manifestations are not observed, it can be used without the slightest apprehension.
With regard to the use of essential oil of vanilla during pregnancy, the experts strongly recommend to refrain from oral administration of this product. Also, be careful when using masks with this tool a few weeks before giving birth: in such cases, it is advisable to consult with your doctor. After applying the essential oil of vanilla on the skin, you should avoid being in direct sunlight: being a photosensitizer, it increases the sensitivity of biological tissues to light.
Application options
Most often, vanilla essential oil is used as a component of cosmetics: both basic and auxiliary. Due to the wide palette of its positive qualities, it can be used with equal success for face and body care, hair and nails. Also, this product plays the role of a natural aromatic component, which is explained by its excellent smell, and means to combat many diseases of internal organs.
In cosmetology
The use of the described oil for the skin of the face involves the addition of a few drops in the prepared mask or massage base. Also, experts advise to enrich this fragrant product face cream, used daily, to achieve maximum effect. In order to achieve noticeable results, in most cases 4 weeks are enough, after which the skin is cleansed, it becomes more elastic and gets rid of peeling, and therefore it looks younger and more attractive.
The second use of vanilla essential oil is baths, prepared with its addition. A good example is a mixture of 5-6 drops of this product with sea salt, cream and milk, dissolved in warm (but not hot) water. Such baths are recommended to be taken every other day for 2 decades, spending 15 minutes on each performed procedure. As a result, the skin of the body noticeably tightens, becomes more elastic and acquires a pleasant velvety.
We should also mention the use of vanilla oil for hair.
In particular, it can be:
- add to shampoos, balms and other care products, the recommended dosage is up to 15 drops per container;
- use as one of the components of a hair mask; to solve this problem, 3 drops of oil are sufficient, thoroughly mixed in the prepared cosmetic;
- use for combing in the amount of a few drops, evenly distributed using a comb.
The last option has only one limitation - greasy hair, with which its use is impractical.
other methods
Internal reception of the considered agent is no less effective - 1-2 drops not more than 2 times a day. Alternatively, it can be used as an additive to vegetable oil or by applying to sponge cake and other foods. Experience shows that the described aromatic liquid copes with many pathologies of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, the consequences of trauma and pathogenic microflora.
There are also such options for the use of essential oil of vanilla.
- Use in aromatic lamps, allowing you to create a peaceful atmosphere in the room. To achieve the desired effect, just 5 drops of oil is enough, which is explained by its accelerated evaporation as a result of heating.
- Giving an impressive baking flavor. To achieve the desired result allow 1-2 drops of the product, while a larger number is unacceptable.
- Application in medallions. Here, vanilla oil also plays the role of a powerful flavoring, 2 drops of which is more than enough to solve the problem.
- Component means for massage. The recommended amount is 1 drop per 4-5 ml of the base used.
In addition, it is reasonable to use this oil as a deterrent for annoying insects. It is especially effective in dealing with mosquitoes unable to tolerate its strong smell: to achieve the desired result, a few drops of this liquid, mixed with the same amount of warm water in an aromatic lamp, are sufficient. An alternative solution is the usual napkin, moistened with the solution described above and left near the bed for the night.
Reviews
After reviewing the opinions of people who happened to use essential oil of vanilla, it can be argued that most of them are quite satisfied with this tool. First of all, customers note the following advantages of this product:
- the use of oil as a face mask gives the skin softness and elasticity, while simultaneously removing the feeling of fatigue and promoting the return of the natural shade;
- a pronounced, pleasant and lasting fragrance means to many people the smell of perfume with a complex composition;
- after the masks with the addition of the product in question, the hair looks noticeably more healthy and silky;
- Massage with vanilla essential oil helps to relax after a hard day and moisturize the skin;
- By burrowing an acquired product in an aroma lamp, most users note its relaxing and soothing effect.
Also, individual buyers are of the opinion that regular inhalation of the aroma of vanilla essential oil leads to a noticeable reduction in cravings for sweets. Negative reviews about this tool are much less, and the following points are mentioned in them:
- the development of allergic reactions (observed in some cases, often due to the acquisition of a product of dubious origin);
- a high concentration of oil, which is far from being enjoyed by everyone (busting just a few drops can worsen the perception of the aroma);
- the cost is justified, but by no means the most democratic.
Thus, vanilla essential oil can reasonably be considered not only fragrant, but also extremely useful product. Possessing an impressive amount of merit, it is an excellent tool, using which you can win the battle for health, beauty and peace of mind.
How to make vanilla extract at home, see in the video.