Sourcing Vanilla The vanilla plant is native to Mexico, the Caribbean, northern South America and Central America, but can be grown in tropical regions around the world. doTERRA Madagascar Vanilla Absolute is sourced from beans from Madagascar. Each vanilla plant takes 3-4 years to begin producing vanilla beans - each flower only produces one bean. The vanilla flower blooms only one day per year and must be hand-pollinated in the morning: if it is not pollinated during this short window of time, it will wilt and there will be no vanilla bean to harvest later. The beans are harvested by hand from the vine when they are still green. The beans then go through a time-consuming and labor-intensive process to allow them to fully develop their aroma and flavor. The first extraction is done by CO2, also known as supercritical fluid extraction. The beans are ground into small pieces, then placed in a pressurized vessel where components are extracted by injecting pressurized CO2. This CO1 extra is then washed with a natural alcohol to remove the waxes and some nonvolatile components to create the absolute. We combine this absolute with FCO (Fractionated Coconut Oil) and the result is this precious bottle of oil. Thousands of people, most of whom are women, are employed to cultivate and care for the vanilla plants. The vanilla plant farms are a major economic contributor to rural communities in Madagascar. The Vanilla Spice Madagascar vanilla essential oil, scientifically known as Vanilla planifolia, is considered the world’s finest vanilla with a rich, delicious, vanilla orchid and vanilla bean scent. Vanilla is one of the most expensive spices in the world because it is so labor-intensive to produce. Vanilla plant flowers are hand-pollinated, and the bean pods are ripened, dried, and conditioned to create their distinctive flavor and aroma. Primary Benefits of Madagascar Vanilla oil Traditional practices around the world have found a number of wide-ranging therapeutic uses for vanilla oil, including as an aphrodisiac and to aid with gas relief. Studies have shown that both the flavor and aroma of vanilla can offer some health benefits. Calming and relaxing Sleep and respiratory aid Simulate the growth of tissues Boost the immune system Common uses of Madagascar Vanilla oil Madagascar vanilla essential oil can be used in many ways to create a delicious and relaxing aroma. Many times included in other products such as candles, soaps, lotions, reed diffusers, bath salts, bath bombs, lamp rings, incense, sachets, oil warmers, and potpourri. Place a few drops of the essential oil to a dryer ball or clay jewelry to freshen up the room, car, laundry or office space. Common Applications Apply a drop with a carrier oil to the face to help fight breakouts, reduce scars as well as brighten the complexion. Apply over the abdomen to promotes healthy digestion, reduce gut discomfort, cramping, stomach-ache and diarrhea. Diffuse to boost the immune system response or mix with in a warm tea and sip to help coat the throat and provide a soothing effect. Also help to lower stressors on the body Aid weight loss – vanilla can support your weight loss goals due to its natural appetite-suppressing qualities Research shows that vanilla has a calming effect on newborns born prematurely who smell vanilla before and during a blood test. The smell of vanilla also lessens crying in newborns. Smelling vanilla can have calming effects and reduce startle reflexes and also provide some relief from sleep difficulties due to poor respiration. Rich in antioxidants, vanilla can help prevent the breakdown of cells and tissues in the body and stimulate the body’s natural regrowth. Strengthen the hair and induce blood flow to the scalp promoting hair growth. What does Madagascar Vanilla smell like? Madagascar vanilla has a rich, soft and delicious aroma that is hard to put down after just one whiff. It's aroma is long lasting, mouthwatering and inviting. Where to purchase doTERRA Madagascar Vanilla doTERRA Madagascar Vanilla essential oil