Author: Ivana Dragica |
Vanilla – Healing properties graced by an irresistible aroma |
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Vanilla is one of the most famous and most appreciated, but also one of the most expensive spices.
Although mostly used as a spice, its healing properties are being continually discovered.
This has made vanilla increasingly popular in the field of natural medicine.
Aromatic vanilla beans are the fruits of climbing orchid that grows in tropic forests of Central America.
There are 150 varieties of vanilla, but only two of them are used today – Bourbon and Tahitian vanilla.
The Totonacs, ancient people of South America, held it in high regard as a cure for poisons, pulmonary diseases and syphilis. It was a part of many herbal remedies.
Up until the middle of the 19th century Totonac people were the biggest vanilla producers in the world.
Hernan Cortes was the first to introduce vanilla to Europe in 16th century.
After saffron, vanilla is the most expensive spice and it is especially appreciated for its wonderful aroma.
Contents and healing properties
The key ingredient in vanilla bean is vanillin.
There are also numerous traces of other compounds such as eugenol, phenol, phenol ether, esters, lactone, aliphatic and aromatic carbohydrates and vitispirane.
Vanilla extract contains small amounts of niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamine, riboflavin and pyridoxine, all belonging to the B-complex.
It also carries minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc.
Although vanilla hasn't been extensively researched, vanilloid found in vanilla is similar to capsaicin found in chilli and to eugenol found in clove - compounds with proven healing properties.
Vanilla helps treat acne and other skin disorders. It alleviates flu symptoms and can also be used against morning sickness during pregnancy.
Vanilla wraps provide instant relief in cases of toothache and burns. It is believed that vanilla can also help in case of irregular menstruation cycles.
Nutritionists assume that vanilloid has mild anti-carcinogenic properties.
Vanilla’s healing properties
- acts as a natural antioxidant
- helps with skin problems
- soothes stress and anxiety
- enhances libido
- helps with digestive problems
- alleviates morning sickness during pregnancy
The power of the vanilla aroma
The vanilla aroma can itself have a powerful impact on human mind inducing both relaxation and stimulation.
During one research, smelling vanilla helped 70% of seriously ill patients by making them calmer and allowing them to better cope with stressful situations.
Mayans held it in high regard as an aphrodisiac and a German study conducted in the 18th century showed that vanilla is a natural cure for erectile disfunction.
Those aphrodisiac properties were confirmed in recent studies in which vanilla was discovered to be the best aroma for libido enhancement.
If you are undergoing stressful situations or you just want to increase your libido, carry around a vanilla bean and smell it if needed.
You can also use vanilla to make an eco-friendly air freshener. Mix one spoon of vanilla extract with water in a bottle and spray it all over your home.
Vanilla in cosmetics
Vanilla is frequently used in cosmetics due to its irresistible aroma and calming effects.
It is used in all sorts of cosmetic products, mostly in perfumes and crèmes.
Antibacterial properties of vanilla help with the treatment of acne and pimples.
Its antioxidant properties protect the skin against free radicals that damage tissue.
Vanilla in cuisine
Vanilla is one of the most popular aromas in the world and is mostly added into desserts such as ice-cream, cakes, chocolate, coffee and sometimes sauces.
You can use a vanilla bean twice. Just wash it and dry it after the first usage. Keep it in a hermetically sealed container or on sugar , which will then adopt the vanilla aroma.
Use real vanilla because it is the only one that has that special aroma and healing properties. Note there are numerous products on the market that contain artificial vanilla aromas.
When you buy vanilla beans make sure that they are black-brown in color and that they are shiny and supple.
The highest quality vanilla comes from Mexico and Madagascar Bourbon Islands, while Indonesian and Tahitian vanilla are considered to be lower quality.
Home-made vanilla extract
Ingredients:
- two horizontally cut vanilla beans
- one glass of vodka
Preparation:
Close the aforementioned ingredients into a glass container and leave it in a dark place for two months.
Occasionally shake the container. Extract is ready after two months.
Keep the extract in a dark place in a tightly sealed glass container.
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