Vanilla Bean Body Scrub
Vanilla planifolia

Aromatic Vanilla Memories ~
What is it about the scent of vanilla that seems to evoke warmth, comfort and childhood memories? It is a scent and flavor I have always associated with memories.
Using the aromatic vanilla bean now that autumn is here, I immediately think warming and comforting scents as opposed to some of the more floral ones of summer.
Vanilla beans may easily be incorporated into homemade products not just for eating and drinking but in skin care and fragrance recipes in which the memory evoking scent lingers and lingers.
Green Vanilla Plant and Bean

- Vanilla and Coconut Body Moisturizer
For a tropical scent make this versatile and fragrant rich body moisturizer with warming vanilla and yummy coconut. With no artificial flavors or fragrance it is pure indulgence you can make at home.
Vanilla and Orchids ~
Did you realize that vanilla beans come from the exquisite orchid flower?
Before my interest in utilizing fresh ingredients it was news and fascinating news at that, to me. It is one of things I find so interesting and exciting; it gets the pulse racing, finding some previously unknown facts about all types of ingredients that may be harnessed into healthy beauty solutions. Vanilla is the second most expensive spice after saffron and it is not surprising.
The business of growing vanilla is hugely labor intensive work.
The flowers must be individually hand pollinated by the farm workers who have to meticulously transfer the pollen from the anther to the stigma on the flower.
Apart from this time consuming work, each flower has a very small window of opportunity, it flowers for less than a day meaning that the workers need to check the plantation daily for new flowers before they die.
Once pollinated, it takes 6-9 months for the long green pods to reach maturity and once they begin to turn yellow at the tips, they are ready to be harvested.
The beans are picked and cured on special drying racks in the sun and some drying rooms. As they start to dry they develop their characteristic dark color, intoxicating scent and delicious flavor we all know and love. Indonesia is the largest producer in the world followed by Madagascar and China even though it is native to Mexico they do not produce the same levels for the export market.
Scraping Vanilla
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Do you know what you are putting on your skin? Unfortunately there are many dangers lurking in our cosmetics which can have serious health implications. Here are 9 toxic ones that are commonly found.
Liquid Gold

Benefits of This Body Scrub ~
Making this body scrub could not be easier with these aromatic, nourishing blend of ingredients that are easy on the pocket and healthier with less chemicals, toxins and synthetic fragrance. It also makes an ideal gift considering it has a shelf life of approximately 3 months.
Sugar – the grains of the sugar provide gentle exfoliation of the dead skin cells. We accumulate these continually and removing them is necessary for healthy skin. All subsequent products such as moisturizer and serum absorb into the skin when it is smooth and regenerated. Regular skin exfoliation on the face, lips, hands feet and body are vital and should be part of our weekly regime. If you don’t bother to exfoliate there is really no point applying any creams, lotions, oils or make-up.
Sunflower Oil - This rich nourishing oil is excellent for dry, aged, weathered or mature skins. Rich in vitamins A, D and E it also has a high level of oleic acids, lecithin and unsaturated fatty acids. Sunflower oil is easily absorbed into skin and has a light pleasant odor.
Vanilla Bean – This powerful fruit has a distinctive flavour and scent. It has been used in perfume recipes for many years. Many perfumes actually use synthetic form and not the genuine scent. By using the vanilla pod to infuse products is the best way for obtaining the true scent of vanilla.
Honey – I love honey for the skin - it does everything; so many benefits in one little spoonful. It is a luxurious skin product that will nourish, moisturize and protect while being loaded with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Peppermint Essential Oil – One of the most widely used and versatile essential oils it brings a mild minty freshness to this recipe. It has the additional benefits of being antibacterial, anti-fungal, antiseptic and antimicrobial. Peppermint may be used in a variety of different beauty recipes including lip balm, mouthwash, skin tonic and cooling body sprays. By diffusing this oil into the air can help many ailments from headaches to upset stomachs.
Fresh Minty Flavor

How to Scrape a Vanilla Bean
Vanilla Bean Body Scrub ~
I cup granulated sugar
½ cup sunflower oil
1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
¼ cup raw honey
8-10 drops peppermint essential oil
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
What You Need:
bowl
medium - large glass jar with lid
spoon / spatula
label
Method:
- Add the sugar, vanilla, honey and sunflower oil. Mix together and add 8-10 drops of peppermint essential oil. Mix thoroughly and transfer into your glass container. Secure lid and write your label with product and date.
- This body scrub will last months, at least 2-3 months and may be stored on a shelf in a cupboard or in the fridge.
To Apply:
- Remove a tablespoon (with a spoon and not fingers) of scrub and apply to dampened skin in the shower. NEVER use fingers to remove as any water that inadvertently gets into the scrub may cause bacteria to form and any germs on the hands will be transferred into the scrub.
- Massage in all over the body including very dry areas such as the elbows, heels and knees. Leave for a few minutes and then rinse off in the shower.
- Pat the skin dry and apply a body lotion, cream, butter or oil. Homemade of course!
Need a Scrub? Check Out My DIY Recipes ~
- Lip Scrub Recipe to Recondition Dry Lips
Do you suffer with dry or chapped lips? By doing a weekly homemade lip scrub will help recondition the lips restoring their natural beauty. Often neglected, our lips need help particularly in the winter months so help is on hand. - Homemade Pineapple, Honey and Almond Exfoliating Fac...
Bring a taste of the tropics into your homemade skin care routine with fresh pineapple, sweet almond oil and honey.This gentle exfoliating scrub removes dead skin cells leaving our skin rejuvenated. - How to Make Sugar Facial Scrub with a Tomato
Combining the exfoliating benefits of sugar and the antioxidant rich tomato is the ideal facial scrub to do at home. Exfoliating the skin is essential for soft, glowing and rejuvenated skin. To make this scrub at home only requires these two ingredie - Banana Scrub Recipe
Bananas may be used in a scrub recipe easily at home. Rich in antioxidants bananas are an excellent ingredient in face scrubs, body scrubs and much much more! If soft, smooth moisture rich skin is appealing to you then read on for a couple of great r - Easy Sugar Scrub Recipe
This shows you how easy it is to find suitable ingredients in your kitchen for a sugar scrub. By utilizing what you have there is no need to dash to the store. Beauty solutions at your finger tips! - Exfoliating Foot Scrub Recipe
An exfoliating foot scrub is a treatment all our feet need. Our feet often get forgotten but they need to be kept in tip top condition. A foot scrub is easy to make at home using natural ingredients. - Homemade Lemon and Lime Hand Scrub
This lemon and lime hand scrub is one homemade skin essential suited for men and women. Often neglected our hands will be rejuvenated into being smooth and soft with sugar, olive oil, lemon and lime. - Invigorating Ginger and Lime Body Scrub
A fresh body scrub using ginger, lime, olive oil, cucumber and sea salt to leave the skin super soft, supple, rejuvenated and re-energized. With a wealth of benefits for glowing skin, check it out!
Do you use vanilla beans at home?
Body Scrub Tips ~
Use fine sea salt instead of sugar if you prefer. Saltis more detoxifying than sugar and not as gentle. Avoid using salt if you are particularly prone to sensitive skin.
Sunflower oil may be substituted for sweet almond oil or a carrier oilof your choice.
Instead of peppermint you can use sandalwood, cinnamon, lemon, patchouli, lavender.
Recycle glass jars instead of buying them. Make sure they are well cleaned and sterilized.
I would recommend using organic ingredients to be sure of retaining the highest level of nutrients available.
Make up some silky fragrant vanilla body oil while you have some beans.Check out the recipe below the video, it is easy, quick and so worthwhile after the shower for layering your fragrance and nourishing the skin.
Vanilla and Mint Body Scrub
- Aromatic DIY Gift Ideas Using Vanilla Beans
Simplicity is key for utilizing aromatic vanilla beans as interesting and unique gifts in DIY vanilla extract, sugar and salt. These ideas are perfect for vanilla fans everywhere in 4 easy recipes.
Chopped Bean
Delicious Panna Cotta by vespawoolf
- Vanilla Panna Cotta Recipe
Are you looking for an easy but elegant dessert? Pannacotta is fast and easy to make, yet simply delicious. Dress it up with fresh fruit or chocolate shavings. Why not try panna cotta today?
Vanilla Bean Body Oil –
For an extra indulgence why not whip up gorgeous infused body oil to use after the shower or as massage oil. It also makes a perfect gift for the vanilla lover.
2 vanilla pods
1 cup jojoba oil or sweet almond oil
1 glass jar
1 glass bottle
Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and chop into small pieces. Add these to the glass jar and cover with the jojoba oil. Secure lid and give a good shake. Leave the jar on a sunny window ledge, shaking daily to infuse. Leave for a few months, the longer the better. When strong enough, strain the beans through cheesecloth or a very fine mesh sieve. Bottle up your vanilla oil and enjoy. If you want to use a more concentrated form use an extra vanilla bean.
Food for Thought . . . .
Keeping a supply of vanilla beans on hand is so worthwhile. Homemade body scrubs, body oil, body sprays or perfume are doable with the vanilla bean and more natural ways of introducing this lingering scent from the orchid instead of synthetic fragrance.
Vanilla pana cotta is one of my favorite Italian deserts and Vespa's is pure indulgence on a plate, I guarantee you will not be disappointed! One of the many gorgeous culinary ways to utilize vanilla.
Beauty and Food go hand in hand. As a rule of thumb, if it is good for the body, it is good for the skin.
"Creating health awareness through homemade beauty solutions"
Author Info ~
Information on the author, her bio and full body of works available @ Suzie HQ
© 2013 Suzanne Ridgeway