(((reddragon)))

This is not at all strange -- it is very wise.
I did a few quick searches on 'aromatherapy' and 'vanilla' and found that natural vanilla has been proven to reduce anxiety. Sloan-Kettering (big cancer hospital in NYC), did a study that showed having vanilla for patients to smell while getting an MRI significantly reduced their anxiety.

(And, I will add that when working with things like this, it is important to use the real thing, and not just a fake-vanilla scent. Which, or course, you already know. )

Finally, meditation is a great tool to quiet the mind and find some peace. It sounds like your instincts to self-heal are right on.