Appearance: Vanilla is a perennial woody vine that can reach several meters in length and needs to climb on other objects to grow. The stem is fleshy and has distinct joints with air roots that allow the vanilla to cling firmly to its supports. The leaves are large and thick, with a long oval shape, generally 10-20 cm in length and about 4-8 cm in width. The surface of the leaves is glossy, dark green in color, soft in texture, and the edges are whole. The flowers are large, yellow-green, unique in shape, with trumpet-shaped lips and a strong aroma. The flowers are usually axillary, several to a dozen arranged in racemes. The fruit is a long capsule, dark brown at maturity, up to 10-20 cm in length, with longitudinal edges on the surface, and contains a large number of small seeds inside the fruit.
Plant family Genus: Orchidaceae vanilla.
Common names: Vanilla, vanilla, vanilla, Vanillam, etc.
Extraction parts: mainly mature fruits, which contain rich aromatic components such as vanillin, are the main raw materials for extracting vanilla essential oil and making vanilla extract.
Extraction method:
Solvent extraction method: The use of organic solvents such as ethanol, petroleum ether, etc., the active ingredients in the vanilla fruit are dissolved and extracted, and then the solvent is removed by distillation and other methods to obtain vanilla extract or net oil. This method can extract more aroma components, but there may be solvent residue.
Supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method: The use of carbon dioxide in supercritical state as an extractor, because of its good solubility and diffusion, can efficiently extract the effective components of vanilla, and environmentally friendly, no solvent residue. However, this method has a high equipment cost.
Main chemical composition: The main component is vanillin, which is high in content and is the key ingredient that gives vanillin its unique aroma. In addition, it also contains vanillyl alcohol, vanillic acid, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and other components, as well as some volatile esters, alcohols and aldehydes, which together constitute the complex and attractive aroma of vanillaria.
Main origin: Originally from Mexico, it is mainly distributed in tropical and subtropical areas. Madagascar is the world's largest producer of vanilla and accounts for the majority of global production. In addition, Indonesia, Comoros, Reunion Island, Tahiti and other places are also important vanilla production. In China, there is a small amount of cultivation in Hainan, Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi and other places.
Aroma: With a rich, sweet, warm milk aroma and unique sweet flavor of vanilla, the aroma is soft, mellow, rich layers, giving people a warm and sweet feeling, is a very popular aroma, widely used in food, perfume, cosmetics and other industries.
Aroma concentration: Rich aroma, moderate volatility, lasting and unique fragrance, only a small amount can emit a significant aroma, can be clearly smelled within a certain range.
Suitable essential oils:
Lavender essential oil: Combined with vanilla essential oil, it can add sweet and warm breath while soothing and relaxing. Used in aromatherapy, it can create a warm atmosphere, help relax body and mind, and improve sleep quality.
Sandalwood essential oil: The combination of the two can create a warmer and more peaceful atmosphere, often used in high-end aromatherapy products, to bring physical and mental relaxation and pleasure.
Neroli Essential oil: With vanilla essential oil, can create a fresh and sweet unique smell, can be used to lift mood, improve mental state, in skin care products can also play a good synergistic role.
Ylang Ylang Essential oil: Mixed with vanilla essential oil, it can create a romantic and charming atmosphere, while also relieving anxiety and boosting self-confidence. It is often used in aromatherapy and massage oils.
Functional characteristics:
Soothing mood: Its unique aroma can soothe nerves, reduce anxiety, depression, tension and other bad emotions, make people feel happy, relax, often used in aromatherapy.
Improve sleep: It can help relax the body and mind, relieve stress and improve sleep quality. Use vanilla aromatherapy before going to bed or drop a few drops of vanilla essential oil on the pillow to help you sleep.
Antioxidant: Contains some antioxidant components, can remove free radicals in the body, delay aging, has a certain maintenance effect on the skin.
Promote digestion: To a certain extent, it helps to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis, alleviate problems such as indigestion and bloating, and enhance digestive function.
Common application:
Muscle conditioning: Vanilla essential oil is less directly used for muscle conditioning, but its soothing aroma can help relax the body and mind and indirectly relieve muscle tension caused by mental tension. You can add the right amount of vanilla essential oil to the massage oil and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere it brings during the massage.
Immune system: Inhaling the aroma of vanilla essential oil through aromatherapy can regulate mood, enhance the body's immunity to a certain extent, and help resist disease. During the flu season, use an in-room aromatherapy machine and add 5-8 drops of vanilla essential oil to fill the room with aroma.
Nervous system: A few drops of vanilla essential oil on the pillow before going to bed, or aromatherapy, can soothe nerves, reduce anxiety, insomnia and other symptoms, help relax the body and mind, promote sleep. You can also drop vanilla oil on a cotton ball and place it next to your pillow for a continuous aroma. When you are stressed at work or school, smell the aroma of vanilla, which can relieve tension and improve your mental state.
Taboo to use:
For allergic people: Before use, it is necessary to conduct an allergy test on a small area of skin, such as applying a small amount of diluted essential oil on the inside of the wrist, observing for 24 hours, if there is no allergic reaction such as redness, swelling, itching, etc., then normal use. Contraindicated for those allergic to vanilla.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Use with caution, large amounts of use may have an impact on the fetus or baby, if necessary, be sure to use under the guidance of a doctor.
Avoid contact with sensitive parts: Avoid direct contact of essential oil with eyes and mucous membranes. In case of accidental contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water. In case of serious symptoms, seek medical attention in time.
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