In Sri Lanka Ayurveda medicine is based on the country’s centuries old treasure trove of indigenous knowledge base, natural environment and cultural repertory. According to archeological evidence, human civilisation dates back 30,000 years. Cave men of that age domesticated many wild plant varieties and used them for food and medicines.
Our Vanilla Essential Oil is extracted from the dried and cured aromatic Bourbon Vanilla pods or beans of Sri Lanka. In Sri Lanka, vanilla beans are cured using natural curing methods. Vanilla growers use their experience to cure vanilla beans as a quality product. The main chemical compound in vanilla is Vanillin which emphasizes a flavor and a rich odor. Sri Lankan Vanilla contains 1.50% of vanillin which has a lower level than other regions resulting a gentler flavor and a smokiness.
The aromatic compounds of the vanilla bean cannot be attained by distillation. Vanilla beans cannot tolerate the heat required for steam distillation, and mechanical pressing will not produce any oil. The only way to release the aromatic compounds of the vanilla bean and other delicate plants is to introduce a solvent. Aromatic, concentrated oils from plants derived by introduction of a solvent are referred to as an “Absoluteâ€. Absolutes are similar to essential oils. Both essential oils and absolutes are oils produced by plant matter. To produce an absolute, the plant material is placed into a drum and introduced to a solvent along with gentle heat. The solvent is then removed, which leaves behind a resin known as a concrète or resinoid. This resin is then treated with alcohol to separate the aromatic compounds. An absolute is the most concentrated form of plant material, and may be thicker in consistency than an essential oil produced by distillation.
Uses: Vanilla essential oil (absolute) is mostly used in the fragrance or food industry. It is often used as a base note or fixative. Used in aromatherapy Vanilla essential oil can create a homey, welcoming atmosphere. As the absolute oil is viscous, it may not go through the dropper. It may need to be warmed to aid pourability. Purity: 100% Botanical Name: Vanilla planifolia / Vanilla fragrans Method: Solvent extraction (food grade Ethanol) Plant Part: Beans (pods) Note: Base Aroma: Rich, Sweet, Balsamic Color: Dark Brown Packaging: Amber-colored dropper bottle. Caution: Avoid contact with the eyes. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs. Natural essential oils are highly concentrated and should be mixed with a carrier oil before applying on the skin.
