I often use vanilla oil for sleeping. It has a heavenly scent. This aromatic is also believed to contain compounds that work as natural tranquilizers.
Vanilla Bean Essential Oil
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I like to have vanilla essential oil in my collection. That’s partly because I feel it’s really important to rotate my aromatics. That way, I don’t use the same one too many days in a row. (This may offer potential protection from developing a sensitivity to a particular plant. Although this seems to be fairly rare, it can and does happen, according to various aromatherapy sources.)
Also, for me, certain oils seem to work better when I take a temporary break from using them. Right now, I own at least two dozen different types of essentials, which I use every day. But I switch them around. For instance, if I use lavender for five nights in a row, I’ll probably take a two-week break (or longer) before using it again.
Aromatherapy Essential Oils For Sleep
When I’m working, I’ll use an energizing oil, such as rosemary or lemon, to help me focus. But, at night, vanilla is more appropriate, because it has a soothing, relaxing quality.
At one time, I was dealing with adrenal fatigue, coupled with insomnia. This was a miserable combination. In addition to being tired all the time, I rarely slept enough.
Essential oils have helped me so much. Aromatics (used properly) are much safer than drugs, which can have potentially serious side effects. I am so thankful to have found these wonderful natural remedies.
Please understand that I’m not a doctor and I can’t give medical advice. Nor can I promise that anything I’ve used will help anyone else. So I’m writing this from the perspective of personal experience only, sharing my own story of how I use vanilla oil, and other natural sleep solutions.
Vanilla Essential Oil Uses
Sometimes, I use vanilla alone. But I’ve also added it to a homemade relaxation blend. Unfortunately, I made a particular recipe with vanilla oil during the day. After diluting it with a carrier oil, I put some inside my wrist. It made me drowsy, and I wanted to go to sleep.
Vanilla oil is very versatile. It’s believed to contain natural infection-fighting compounds. So, in addition to relaxation purposes, it can also be used (diluted) on closed wounds. A number of aromatic oils are considered good for elevating the mood. Vanilla is one of them.
Also, like other aromatics, vanilla is believed to be able to naturally curb inflammation. (I suffer from chronic nerve inflammation, so I’m always on the lookout for natural remedies that can help. The reason I continually search is the need for rotation.)
Potential Benefits of Vanilla Essential Oil
According to online health expert Dr. Josh Axe, DC, vanilla oil has a number of other potential health benefits. These include:
- Vanilla oil is considered good for balancing the hormones and may help reduce premenstrual tension.
- This aromatic may help relieve pain caused by muscle cramps.
- Vanilla contains potent antioxidants, which help neutralize DNA-damaging free radicals.
- This oil contains natural cancer-fighting compounds.
Where to Buy Vanilla Oil
Buying vanilla oil is the tricky part. Unlike other oils, it cannot be steam distilled from vanilla beans. It’s also a precious oil. So beware if someone is charging an unusually low price for this oil. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
That’s why I’ve decided not to write about the brand of vanilla oil I bought a little over a year ago. It wasn’t from one of the companies I typically recommend on this site. Right now, after doing more research, I’m a little suspicious that I didn’t get the real deal. Instead, I’m recommending another brand. It’s sold at Vitacost, an enormous online health food store with deeply discounted prices.
Good Brand of Vanilla Essential Oil
If you’re looking for a totally pure source of vanilla oil, try to get something that’s made with Co2 extraction, rather than solvents. After doing a very thorough Internet search, the best option I could find, in an affordable price range, is Aura Cacia Vanilla essential oil. Actually, it was the only good choice I could find, for a Co2 processed oil, at a price the average person can afford.
I need to stress that this is diluted with jojoba oil. This is a 20 percent dilution. It is one part of vanilla to four parts of jojoba. But, personally, I’d much rather use something that contains less of a 100 percent pure product, versus one that contains all vanilla, but is processed with chemicals. Plus, this mix is still pretty strong. It will need to be further diluted with more carrier oil (such as jojoba) if you want to use it on your skin.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use essential oils unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.
