Is vanilla essence bad for you?

I don't know about artificial vanilla... but if you want, you can make you own with vanilla pods and vodka. If you have access to a good spice shop, you can even choose a specific kind of vanilla. This way, you know exactly what in your essence!

Here is a recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-vanilla-extract/

I've only heard bad things about artificial vanilla extract is that it may contain coumarin.

A thread I found on the subject: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchentable/msg0116484529474.html