Vanilla Essential Oil

Vanilla planifolia

Known Uses

Vanilla Essential Oil protects the body from infections and even from some forms of cancer, such as prostrate and colon cancer helping to cure, prevent, or slow down cancer.

A component of Vanilla Essential Oil, Vanillin Hydroxybenzaldehyde, acts as an effective antidepressant and mood lifter. It soothes inflammation in the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, nervous and excretory systems as well as inflammation stemming from fever, convulsions, anxiety, stress, and hypersensitivity to allergens. It has a calming effect on the brain and the nerves that provides relief from anxiety, anger, and restlessness.

Vanilla Essential Oil’s sedative properties lowers blood pressure and has a tranquilizing effect on the brain that aids in getting to sleep. It has been known to help regulate menstruation by activating estrogen. And due to its ability to stimulate the secretion of testosterone and estrogen, it may act as an aphrodisiac.

History

Vanilla comes from a Mexican species of orchid called flat-leaved vanilla (Vanilla planifolia). This plant is native to the hot, wet climates of Central America and Mexico. The Totonac Indians of eastern Mexico first grew vanilla. The Aztecs, who conquered the Totonac Indians in the 15th century, made the Totonac pay tribute to the Aztec kings in vanilla beans. In the early 16th century, the Spanish conquered the Aztecs and brought vanilla beans back to Europe, making it an international product. The word ‘vanilla’ comes from the Spanish word ‘vainilla,’ which is Spanish for ‘little black pod’. Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitensis (Tahitian vanilla) are the only two species of vanilla that are cultivated for commercial use as a flavoring or fragrance. They are grown in Madagascar, Mexico, Indonesia, and Tahiti.

Warning

According to WebMD, vanilla is safe to ingest, but there are potential side effects. Most commonly, skin contact with vanilla can cause irritation, inflammation, or swelling. In rare cases, use of vanilla extract has caused insomnia and headaches. Additionally, pure vanilla extract is an expensive product and is therefore sometimes synthetically produced or adulterated with impure substances. Occasionally, a batch of vanilla extract produced in Mexico is mixed with tonga bean extract, which contains a chemical called coumarin. The FDA has prohibited the use of coumarin in foods since the 1950s. It is important to buy 100% pure Vanilla Essential Oil from a reputable dealer.