Balance and Grounding: How Vanilla’s Warmth Can Transform Your Blends

Hello Friend!

As I sit by the fire, wrapped in a cocoon of warmth and flickering light, my mind drifts to a place of deep calm where everything feels just right. I want to linger in this feeling, capture it, and share it with others. Then, a familiar idea stirs—vanilla.

This cherished scent perfectly embodies contentment with its gentle sweetness and quiet complexity. Each time I approach vanilla, it’s as if something beautiful is about to unfold, a secret waiting to be revealed. Its aroma invites us to pause, breathe deeply, and connect with a moment of peace. Vanilla has a certain magic, offering comfort with a hint of mystery that beckons us to explore its many layers.

As you know, I love teas and the art of blending to create something that reaches us on a deeper level. Vanilla is my secret ingredient, a hidden note in many creations, like a cherished passage in a favorite book. Each time I work with it, I feel like I’m stepping into a secluded garden of quiet beauty and revelation. After all, vanilla comes from the exotic orchid, an unassuming flower with complexity within its delicate petals.

This Creamy Vanilla, Mint & Hibiscus Chicory Latte combines vanilla's gentle sweetness, hibiscus's bright tartness, and a hint of mint with the rich, roasted notes of French chicory. It's a caffeine-free indulgence balanced with warming spices and creamy milk, perfect for cozying up and savoring each sip.

Ingredients:

1. 1 vanilla bean, split open

2. 1 tbsp dried hibiscus petals

3. 1 tbsp dried peppermint leaves

4. 1 tbsp dried lemon verbena (optional)

5. 2 dried clove buds

6. 1–2 strips orange peel (optional)

7. 1 small cinnamon stick (or ½ tsp ground cinnamon)

8. 1 rounded tbsp organic French chicory root

9. 12 oz water + 12 oz milk (such as oat, almond, or coconut milk)

10. Honey or maple syrup to taste

11. Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine the hibiscus, peppermint, lemon verbena, clove buds, orange peel, cinnamon, vanilla bean, and chicory root in a teapot or heatproof jar.

2. Pour 12 oz boiling water over the ingredients and let steep for 10–15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, heat 12 oz of milk until warm, then froth if desired for added creaminess.

4. Strain the tea into your favorite mug, add the warm milk, and sweeten it with honey or maple syrup to taste.

This infusion becomes even more decadent with a dollop of whipped cream on top, adding a rich, velvety layer to the warm, spiced tea. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you want to indulge in a little extra sweetness.

Notes of Discovery

The Allure of Vanilla: Why & How to Use It in Your Blends

In this week’s blog, I share my profile of vanilla. We’ll delve into the plant’s history in Mesoamerican ceremonies, its chemistry, and why it’s the second most expensive spice in the world (second only to saffron). 

We’ll also explore its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and the profoundly comforting effect it has for body and mind.

If you’re not sure how to incorporate vanilla into your blends, you won’t want to miss this blog. You’ll learn 3 of the most popular vanilla products and how to choose the ideal one for your blending needs. (Some dissolve more readily in water-based blends, while others dissolve in lipids—carrier oils and butters.) 

Read the Entire Blog! Click here!

Product Spotlight

Vanilla-Infused Jojoba Oil

Let’s talk about vanilla-infused jojoba oil—a luxurious product crafted in-house at Aromatics International. The Aromatics team adds a small dollop of thick, syrupy Madagascar vanilla oleoresin (Vanilla planifolia) to a jar of pure jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis) from Israel. The vanilla is allowed to infuse for several weeks. This process captures vanilla’s soft, creamy sweetness in a lighter and more versatile way than vanilla absolutes or CO2 extracts.

The result is a beautifully subtle and nourishing oil that absorbs easily into the skin, making it a perfect base for body oils, massage blends, and natural perfumes. The infusion also enhances the skin-loving properties of jojoba oil, known for its ability to mimic the skin’s natural oils and provide lightweight hydration. 

Whether used alone or blended with other essential oils, vanilla-infused jojoba oil adds an elegant, grounding touch to any aromatic creation. Learn more or add it to your collection.

Here is the link:
Vanilla Infused Jojoba Oil

Aromatic Creations

Roses & Resin Citrus Blend

This week’s Aromatic Creation captures the perfect balance between romance and depth, making it ideal for those quiet, reflective moments when you want to feel held by both the earth and the air. It weaves together the delicate floral notes of Rose Otto, the sweet, slightly floral brightness of Red Mandarin, and the grounding depth of Frankincense, all anchored by the warm sweetness of vanilla-infused jojoba oil. 

Recipe for 10 ml Roller Bottle:

• 10 ml vanilla-infused jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis)

• 2 drops Rose Otto essential oil (Rosa × damascena) or Rose absolute

• 2 drops Red Mandarin essential oil (Citrus reticulata)

• 2 drops Frankincense essential oil (Boswellia carterii)

Instructions:

1. Fill your 10 ml roller bottle with vanilla-infused jojoba oil, leaving room for the essential oils.

2. Add essential oils.

3. Cap the bottle and gently roll it between your palms to blend.

4. Apply to pulse points or wrists to enjoy a beautiful floral, citrus, and resinous scent.

Find the recipe ingredients here

From The Vine

Question on Vanilla

Question: A common question: Why does vanilla evoke such a sense of comfort and warmth in blends?

Answer: Vanilla's magic lies in its unique combination of sweetness and depth. Its rich, warm aroma has long been associated with feelings of comfort, security, and even love.

This is why vanilla is such a beloved ingredient in aromatherapy. It can gently uplift the spirit while grounding and calming the mind. Whether you’re working with vanilla CO2, absolute, or infused oils, each form of vanilla brings a soft yet powerful presence to any blend.

Aromatherapy Oils

Aromatherapy Events

Aromatherapy Courses

Aromatherapy Membership

Aromatherapy Community