I had been contemplating buying vanilla for a while, but the prices were just too high for me. Plant Therapy used to have a vanilla CO2 extract, but it's out of stock. There's a worldwide vanilla shortage, so that might explain it.
About Plant Therapy: On my page about Plant Therapy, you can read more about their company and read my product reviews. I have reviewed other companies and their products as well and you can find those on my complete list.
YouTube: Watch my review and be sure to subscribe to my channel!
Disclaimer: Per FTC regulations, I am disclosing that I use affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the links. It is a way to support my blog at no additional cost to you. You can read more here.
* I personally think that Peru Balsam smells nothing like vanilla. I can't describe the smell except to say, it's not vanilla. Other people swear up and down that it does smell like vanilla. It's very affordable and if you think it smells like vanilla, go for it.
What's an Oleoresin?
It's basically oil and resin. Resin is the sticky substance that you can often find on conifers. The best way for me to describe it would be to say that it's like sap. I'm sure there are technical differences but the idea is similar. An oleoresin is thick and can solidify. I've seen people say not to use it in diffusers since it can clog them, but other people say it's ok as long as you clean it right afterwards. I personally do not use it in my diffuser.
Since it is kind of a semi-solid, it will leave little brown specks behind. Unless you mix it with vodka, such as Everclear. You can see photos at Plant Therapy's blog. I've used it to make body butters and like the looks of the specks, so I don't dissolve it in vodka.
It does not mix with a carrier oil either. It's a great oil to use to make vanilla-infused oils. Aromatics says you'd put a small blob into a container of carrier oil and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least a week. I've seen people say they wait 1-2 months. The longer you wait, the stronger the scent. Then you can siphon or pour off the carrier oil and use it. I've seen people say that you can do it again using the same blob. I'm not sure how many times this would work though, but it's great that it can be re-used!
Product Details
About Plant Therapy: On my page about Plant Therapy, you can read more about their company and read my product reviews. I have reviewed other companies and their products as well and you can find those on my complete list.
***Get $10 off your first order with Plant Therapy by using this link***
YouTube: Watch my review and be sure to subscribe to my channel!
Disclaimer: Per FTC regulations, I am disclosing that I use affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the links. It is a way to support my blog at no additional cost to you. You can read more here.
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| buy it here |
Worldwide Vanilla Shortage
There is a world-wide vanilla shortage so many places have stopped
carrying vanilla, looked for alternatives such as Peru Balsam*, or
prices have gone up through the roof.
* I personally think that Peru Balsam smells nothing like vanilla. I can't describe the smell except to say, it's not vanilla. Other people swear up and down that it does smell like vanilla. It's very affordable and if you think it smells like vanilla, go for it.
What's an Oleoresin?
Since it is kind of a semi-solid, it will leave little brown specks behind. Unless you mix it with vodka, such as Everclear. You can see photos at Plant Therapy's blog. I've used it to make body butters and like the looks of the specks, so I don't dissolve it in vodka.
It does not mix with a carrier oil either. It's a great oil to use to make vanilla-infused oils. Aromatics says you'd put a small blob into a container of carrier oil and let it sit in a cool, dark place for at least a week. I've seen people say they wait 1-2 months. The longer you wait, the stronger the scent. Then you can siphon or pour off the carrier oil and use it. I've seen people say that you can do it again using the same blob. I'm not sure how many times this would work though, but it's great that it can be re-used!
How to Warm Up An Oleoresin Safely
You may have to warm the bottle with your hands or in warm water before
you use it. Do not microwave it or put it on the stove. Warm the water
up, then take the water away from the heat source, and finally add the
bottle.Product Details
Like Edens Garden's OK for Kids, Plant Therapy has a line for kids. This product is not a part of this line. You can buy it here or direct from Plant Therapy and use this link to get $10 off!
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Smell, Use, and Viscosity
It does smell like vanilla, however, I do feel a bit limited by it. I haven't put it into a diffuser, because I'm afraid of clogging it. It was expensive (in my opinion). It's not like blue tansy, boronia, German chamomile, helichrysum, or neroli, but it's more expensive than the citruses I'm used to buying. I think because of that, I'm afraid to use it since I want to save it for a special occasion. I did use it to make body butter and I did use it to make a roll-on with vodka. I would like to make a vanilla-infused oil next. I don't really like the roll-on with vodka because I think it's too thin for a roller ball. I also think that that was a waste of vanilla. I probably could have just used regular vanilla essence for that.
I was surprised to hear that it was often used in sensual blends, since to me, vanilla reminds me of Christmas and has a homey scent to it. It smells warm and reminds me of family. It's also said to promote relaxation and help lull you to sleep.
It's pretty thick and will solidify in cool temperatures. You may have to warm it up before using it. See above for how to do this safely.
I was surprised to hear that it was often used in sensual blends, since to me, vanilla reminds me of Christmas and has a homey scent to it. It smells warm and reminds me of family. It's also said to promote relaxation and help lull you to sleep.
It's pretty thick and will solidify in cool temperatures. You may have to warm it up before using it. See above for how to do this safely.
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Size, Price, and Packaging
I got a 10ml bottle and it is priced pretty fairly, it's less expensive than the vanilla CO2 extract. Use this link to get $10 off! The packaging is standard. It comes with an orifice reducer or Euro
dropper. The oil is thick so you may have to shake, tap, or warm up the bottle.
Would I Get This Again?
I'm not really sure if I would buy it again. I think I need to use it more in body butters and such. Aromatics has a vanilla-infused oil recipe and you can keep using the same vanilla a few times.There is also an ethical concern that I have. With it being so time-consuming and labor-intensive, I just wonder how much of a livable wage people are being paid.
Safety
The shelf life is about 4-5 years. I keep all mine in the fridge to help extend their shelf life. This may cause the oleoresin to get hard and you can simply warm the bottle in your hands for a bit.
Make sure to follow proper dilution guidelines. Click on the button that says "download dilution chart". Do not use undiluted. Patch test before using. Check the max dilution on the label. If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, please contact your caregiver first. Do not use internally unless directed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician. Follow safe essential oil usage; not all people or pets should be exposed to essential oils.
Make sure to follow proper dilution guidelines. Click on the button that says "download dilution chart". Do not use undiluted. Patch test before using. Check the max dilution on the label. If pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor's care, please contact your caregiver first. Do not use internally unless directed by a licensed aromatherapist or physician. Follow safe essential oil usage; not all people or pets should be exposed to essential oils.
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