Vanilla: Plants, Perfume, and 3 Decadent Recipes
Discovering Vanilla: A Journey to Grenada
The warm, tropical air of Grenada welcomed us as we arrived, our senses already alive with the island’s rich aromas. This wasn’t just a family getaway; our team had come with a purpose—to discover Grenada’s famed spice oils, luxurious cocoa butter, and other botanical treasures. The island didn’t disappoint. Each day, we explored lush plantations and winding spice markets, breathing in nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove fragrances. But our most unexpected discovery was yet to come.
One morning, as we toured a small, family-owned spice farm, we stumbled upon a quiet section where vanilla beans were laid out to dry under the sun. The scene was captivating—dark, glistening beans arranged with care, filling the air with a sweet warmth. I was mesmerized by the sight and smell of it all. Vanilla is not a common crop here, but the locals cherish it for its delicacy and the labor-intensive process it requires. We learned about the patience and dedication of cultivating each bean, from hand-pollination to careful curing, each step contributing to the rich complexity we find in that familiar, comforting aroma.
From its ancient ceremonial use to the modern day, vanilla evokes mystery and comfort in equal measure.
There are many ways to process vanilla, enabling us to use it in our blends. Each process creates a different end product with different properties: CO2, oleoresin, and infused oil. Choosing the right vanilla product for your needs can enhance your blend’s quality and purpose. In today’s post, we’ll explore how to use these three popular forms of vanilla in your recipes, along with some beautiful blends for each type.
The Many Faces of an Aromatic Treasure
1. Vanilla Bourbon CO2 Extract: Light & Elegant
Vanilla CO2 captures the essence of pure vanilla in its most versatile, natural form. The gentle CO2 extraction process preserves a full range of aromatic compounds, giving this oil a beautifully complex, true-to-bean scent that is lighter and easier to work with than the more concentrated oleoresin.
Calming Vanilla Dream Body Oil
Ingredients:
8 drops Lavender essential oil (Lavandula angustifolia)
5 drops Vanilla Bourbon CO2 (Vanilla planifolia)
3 drops Sandalwood essential oil (Santalum album)
1 fl oz (30 ml) Sweet Almond oil (Prunus amygdalus dulcis)
Directions
Blend all ingredients in a dark glass bottle and shake gently to combine. I use a pipette or carefully drip the Vanilla CO2 into my blend.
Use as a calming body oil before bed to soothe the mind and encourage restful sleep.
Why This Blend Works
The light, warm embrace of Vanilla CO2 pairs beautifully with calming Lavender and grounding Sandalwood. As a carrier, almond oil helps the scent linger while providing skin-loving nutrients.
2. Vanilla Oleoresin: Rich & Concentrated
Vanilla oleoresin is a thick, aromatic extract brimming with the essence of vanilla bean, giving blends a deeply rich and luxurious scent. While its molasses-like texture makes it unsuitable for dissolving in carrier oils, it works beautifully in water-based applications or oil infusions. Please note that this blend includes a higher concentration of bergamot, which, while phototoxic on the skin in high amounts, is perfectly safe for use as a room spray.
Mood-Lifting Vanilla & Citrus Room Spray
Ingredients:
5 drops Vanilla oleoresin (Vanilla planifolia) (small dollop using a toothpick)
15 drops Sweet Orange essential oil (Citrus sinensis)
10 drops Bergamot essential oil (Citrus bergamia)
1.75 fl oz (52 ml) Chai Spice Hydrosol
120 drops (5 ml) Solubol/dispersant
Directions
In a spray bottle, add the vanilla oleoresin and hydrosol. Let the vanilla dissolve. Add essential oils and Solubol. Shake well before each use. Spray in rooms or on linens for a comforting and refreshing aroma.
Why This Blend Works
The citrus oils bring uplifting brightness, while vanilla’s warmth adds a cozy, grounding note, making this blend perfect for creating an inviting atmosphere.
3. Vanilla-Infused Jojoba Oil: Soft & Nourishing
Vanilla-infused jojoba oil captures vanilla’s warmth within a nourishing, stable base. Perfect for use directly on the skin, this infusion works wonderfully in balms, body butters, or even as a standalone perfume oil.
Silky Vanilla Body Butter
Ingredients:
2 fl oz (60 ml) Vanilla-infused jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis infused with Vanilla planifolia)
1 oz (28 g) Shea butter (Butyrospermum parkii)
1 oz (28 g) Cocoa butter (Theobroma cacao)
3 drops Ylang Ylang essential oil (Cananga odorata) (optional)
Directions
Gently melt the cocoa butter in a double boiler. Add the Vanilla-infused jojoba. Once this is melted, remove from heat and add the shea butter. Stir with a glass stirring rod until melted and the oils and butter are well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add Ylang Ylang oil if desired. Place in the freezer for 15–30 minutes, then whip with a hand mixer, immersion blender, or stick blender until the texture is light and fluffy. Store in an 8 oz (240 ml) glass jar (or smaller jars) and use as a luxurious moisturizer.
Why This Blend Works
The deeply nourishing butters and jojoba oil provide rich hydration, while vanilla’s warm scent creates a comforting, indulgent experience. Ylang Ylang adds a delicate floral note, enhancing the natural warmth of vanilla.
My Take Away
Vanilla is a gentle companion—quietly present, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. Working with its many forms has deepened my appreciation for how a single plant can express itself in varied, beautiful ways. Each version of vanilla holds a different kind of magic, allowing us to infuse our blends with the unique essence that each day or moment calls for.
When I reach for vanilla, it’s like a little ritual, a way to center myself. It reminds me of the power of small, intentional choices—how something as simple as a familiar scent can ground us, bring peace, and even spark joy. I hope that as you explore these recipes, vanilla will become as meaningful to you as it is to me, adding a touch of warmth and wonder to your practice.
