4 reasons to smell like vanilla

Fact: vanilla is a delicious ingredient. Especially when baked into a cupcake or used to flavour ice cream.

What you might not know about this wonderfully mouth-watering stuff is that it has quite a few other impressive abilities as well – you know, besides making a milkshake taste great.

Discover why you’ll want to be stocking your bathroom and dressing table with vanilla-scented everything.

#1: Vanilla resurrects memories of food. Boys love food

It’s true. Vanilla has long since been a favourite for men everywhere thanks to its creamy, mouth-watering aroma. This is mostly due to the fact that smelling it reminds boys of food and instantly makes them feel excited. The soft, musky aromas are also said to rate highly with the fellas as it’s warm and comforting. Seriously, who knew they were telling the truth when they said the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?

#2: It’s a natural aphrodisiac

It’s long been rumoured that vanilla is one of the most natural aphrodisiacs you can come across. The sweet scent is said to help in cases of sexual dysfunction or loss of libido and can work to stimulate your senses and in turn, your sex life. The frequent use of vanilla oil in body massages can do wonders, as it creates a euphoric effect that sets a sensual mood.

#3: It improves your mood

Yep, it’s calming too! If you’re feeling overwhelmed, angry or irritable, vanilla can help to make you feel normal again.  Vanilla has also been recognised as one of the best anti-depressants on the market, with only a few drops of vanilla essence needed in a bath to experience all over relaxation and a happier state of mind.

#4: It’s can be used to treat anxiety

According to the results of a 1991 study* at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, Vanilla aromatherapy can effectively relieve symptoms of anxiety. The study found that patients exposed to vanilla aromas experienced less agitation, anxiety and fear than patients who did not smell the fragrance. As a result of these findings, the cancer center began including vanilla fragrances in their patients' preparations for MRIs.

Our favourite vanilla-scented goodies:

Palmolive Body Butter Body Wash Heavenly Vanilla

Evodia Vanilla Addict Roll On Fragrance

Taylor of London Creamy Creamy Vanilla Orchid Body Spray

Jo Malone Vanilla & Anise Cologne

Urban Rituelle Flourish Organics Vanilla Soy Wax Candle

* Study reported by Juniper Russo, Yahoo Contributor Network

Stockist: Kissing Elixir Love, $22, kitcosmetics.com.au

Which vanilla-scented product would you most like to try and why?