3 Benefits of Vanilla Aromatherapy

Many of us use the term "vanilla" to mean something bland or boring, but, throughout most of history, culinary experts and healers viewed it as an exotic and sensuous plant. The vanilla bean yields a potently fragrant essential oil with subtle medicinal properties. In aromatherapy, the sweet scent of vanilla can be used to holistically treat dozens of conditions and simply improve overall mood and well-being.

I personally enjoy combining vanilla essential oil with other aromatherapy oils such as lavender and sage to help me relax after a difficult day. I've also used vanilla in all of the following popular capacities.

Calming and Soothing

Vanilla aromatherapy has been proved to effectively relieve symptoms of anxiety. A 1991 study at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York found that patients exposed to vanilla aromas experienced less agitation, anxiety and fear than patients who did not smell the fragrance. As a result of these findings, which were later discussed in the New York Times, the cancer center began including vanilla fragrances in their patients' preparations for MRIs.

If you're feeling overly tense or anxious, try dabbing a bit of vanilla essential oil under your nose. You'll likely find that your nerves relax and you feel calmer and more focused.

Mood Enhancement

For people suffering from the bad-day blues or even mild depression, vanilla aromatherapy may be beneficial. The Social Issues Research Center reported that almost all humans find the smell of vanilla "pleasant," and experience mild elevations in overall mood and well-being while exposed to the substance. In fact, vanilla is one of only a select few fragrances universally considered pleasant. Because of its popularity as a baking ingredient, vanilla may help arouse enjoyable memories. Drip a little vanilla oil into a warm bath to beat the blues.

Aphrodisiac Properties

Vanilla has been used for centuries as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. Although its properties are subtle and often only subconsciously registered, the smell of vanilla is intensely arousing for most men and helps increase bloodflow to the genitals. The Smell and Taste Research Foundation suggested that vanilla's aphrodisiac benefits are most present for older men, while the smell of lavender and pumpkin are more arousing for the younger crowd. Although no studies have investigated its effects on women, centuries of use by the Aztecs suggest that vanilla effectively improves female sexual response. Try folding vanilla essential oil into a massage oil for use as a simple aphrodisiac.

In general, vanilla fragrances are safe and associated with few side effects. However, always use your common sense when pursuing any form of alternative medicine, including aromatherapy. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition, check with your primary health care provider before using aromatherapy.