Vanilla has been a very trend lately, drawing increased attention for its fragrance in perfumes and being added more regularly to food dishes at restaurants. However, vanilla offers so much more than a pretty scent that is most recognize from vanilla ice cream, vanilla cream pie, vanilla scented candles, and French vanilla coffee.

Having a plethora of benefits, it has proven to be versatile both physically and psychologically. We are moving into a time where people are wanting more from their scents than just a pretty smell. They want it to also provide some type of therapeutic benefit. This is called a functional scent product or neuroscents (emotionally supportive scent).

 

Vanilla Scent Personality

Vanilla has a rich, sweet balsamic, bourbon-like scent with spicy, herbaceous, and floral undertones. This also describes its personality. The vanilla type has a depth of sophistication, combined with a curious, fun and adventurous side. It can be calm and nourishing while having a spicy, passionate flare. Vanilla helps you stray rooted in your inner strength while having the ability to adapt and adjust to unexpected situations and circumstances.

 

Mental Health Benefits of Vanilla

Mentally, it helps stimulate alertness, focus, and decision-making while calming anxiety and panic attacks. Having antidepressant properties, it can enhance your mood, mindset, and your stress responses. When people smell vanilla, it often reminds them of being home, nurtured, and comforted with a fun playful side.

 

Emotional Health Benefits of Vanilla

Emotionally, vanilla can be nurturing, soothing to a betrayed or broken heart, and calms anger or rage. It has a cooling nature when you are dealing with a heated situation or emotions. It gives you a hug (when paired with cinnamon and bay laurel) to help you when you feel rejected or abandoned.

 

Physical Health Benefits of Vanilla

Physically, vanilla has antimicrobial (source), anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, and sedative therapeutic properties, making it helpful to assist in gastrointestinal (GI) functions, PMS & IBS spasms, and relaxing muscle spasms.

Historically, ancient African medicine used vanilla for stomach ailments and 16th century Europe used it for stomach poisoning. So, we can see a huge benefit for the GI tract.

 

Vanilla-like Substitutes That Are Less Expensive

A good, high-quality, unadulterated vanilla will be a little pricey. There are a couple oils you can use as a substitute for vanilla, scent wise. Vanilla extract from the grocery store does not count. Those oils are:

• Balsam Peru, Myroxylon balsamum var. pereirae
• Benzoin, Stryax benzoin combined with Amris, Amris balsamifera
• Roman Chamomile, Anthemis nobilis, Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis & Copaiba, Copaifera officinalis lends a supportive role

 

Vanilla Vibes Blend Recipe

 

 

References: JennScents Holistic Aromatherapy Comprehensive Guide, J. Pressimone, 2019, JennScents. Inc.