Health Benefits and Uses of Vanilla

The term Vanilla emanated from the Spanish word known as "vaina", which connotes "little pod or sheath". Vanilla grows and thrives best in a humid, hot weather with moderate rainfall. It grows by climbing or crawling up a tree just like a vine, thus the need for providing it with support if planted. Growing Vanilla tends to cling to the trees or stakes it climbs using its whitish, long aerial roots.

Vanilla planifolia commonly known as Vanilla comes from the long, greenish-yellow seedpods of a fragrant tropical vanilla orchid and is native to Mesoamerica, Mexico and Guatemala. It is a member of the orchid family, the largest and oldest family of flowering plants in the world. It is the only edible fruit of the entire orchid family, which includes approximately 25,000 orchid varieties and over 10,000 hybrids. It grows best in the moist, tropical regions of the world 15-½ degrees to the north and south of the Equator. Only two species, Vanilla planifolia and Vanilla tahitensis are grown for commercial use as a flavoring or fragrance. Vanilla is grown commercially in Madagascar, Mexico, Indonesia, and Tahiti. Vanilla is the most labor-demanding agricultural product in the world that is why it is so expensive. The entire process of vanilla cultivation, pollination and harvesting is done by hand, without using machinery, chemical fertilizers or pesticides. It is the second-most costly spice on earth after saffron. Its complex flavor, impossible to tire of, makes vanilla, decade in and decade out, by far the most popular ice cream and gives every kind of food, from chocolate bars to lobster, richness and depth. Its mysterious fragrance, redolent of its tropical origins, is used by parfumiers for its allure and by hospitals for its deeply calming effect. Once you know its story, you could never call Vanilla plain.

Vanillin is the key chemical compound present in vanilla bean extract that draws out its aromatic fragrance. Vanillin is used immensely as a flavouring agent especially in the beverage, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and perfumery industries.

Vanilla, apart from being a flavoring agent is also a therapeutic herb. Vanilla essential oil is used as a medicinal product to cure many diseases and vanilla beans, powdered or extract, also used in treatment of many medical conditions. Vanilla acts as an antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, antidepressant and aphrodisiac providing numerous health benefits.

Rich in vanillin:

Vanillin is a phenolic plant compound found in vanilla extract and beans. It’s the most researched component of vanilla. Synthetic vanillin is also produced in labs in China, France, and the United States. Vanillin can also be derived from other foods like Rice Bran oil and Clove oil. Research shows that vanillin has several benefits properties, including:

• Antioxidant: Vanillin is known to have powerful antioxidant properties, though these effects have only been studied in test tubes and animals.
• Anticancer: Some evidence suggests that vanillin may have anticancer properties, though research is limited to cell and animal studies.
• Anti-inflammatory: Vanillin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects in animal and test-tube studies.
• Neuroprotective: According to some rodent studies, vanillin may benefit brain health and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.

While these findings are promising, it’s unclear how vanillin affects human health. Studies investigating these potential health benefits have used concentrated doses of vanillin that exceed the amount you’d consumed when using normal amounts of Vanilla extract or bean.

For reference, the vanillin concentration in cured Vanilla beans is 1–2%, while Vanilla extract’s concentration is 0.1–0.2%. So, although vanillin likely offers some health benefits, it’s unclear whether it would deliver any significant benefits when consumed in typical amounts.

Antioxidants in your diet are important because the free radicals that enter your body through exposure to chemicals, the sun and other factors have the potential to cause lasting damage. “Oxidative stress”, the term for this free radical damage, leads to a variety of diseases and contributes to the formation of cancer. Vanillin has been a well-known antioxidant for some time. Interestingly, though, vanillin shows lower antioxidant activity than vanilla extract, which has now gained interest as a useful product in “food preservation and in health supplements as nutraceuticals".

Antioxidants are an immediate defense line against destructive free radicals which interact with and damage cells. At standard levels in which one might add pure vanilla extract in recipes, the vanillin concentration is sufficient enough to protect against oxidation and lipid peroxidation. Coupled together, the two processes result in free radical damage that causes inflammation in the body and potentially cancer battling and diabetes to skin rejuvenation. They are a by-product of natural body processes, though they also show up when we’re exposed to radiation.

Vanilla contains over 250 different chemical compounds that provide flavor and fragrance to the spice. Found in different concentrations depending on where the vanilla bean was cultivated, vanillin is dominant. Some of the compounds found in Vanilla extract and beans have antioxidant effects, meaning they help protect against cell damage. For example, two of Vanilla’s phenolic plant components, vanillin and vanillic acid, have been researched for their antioxidant potential.

Repeated studies support vanillin’s ability to scavenge and bind to free radicals and drastically reduce their numbers. Although other chemical components of pure Vanilla exhibit antioxidant activity, vanillin is the most researched to date. Different studies has been proven that Vanilla essential oil contains a high amount of antioxidant, which is very good for our immune system, its protect our body from free radicals to do oxidative damage to our cells that helps to protect our body from macular degeneration and various types of cancer. Vanilla essential oil is also very helpful for treating cold, cough, fever, etc. The antioxidant properties in Vanilla are from its calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium contents.

While it’s clear that Vanilla extract and vanilla beans contain substances that may offer antioxidant protection, it’s still unknown whether consuming normal amounts of vanilla would offer any antioxidant benefits to humans.

The extract was profiled using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). During the extraction period, major compounds such as vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin, were identified and separated.
The extract and pure standard compounds were screened to ascertain their antioxidant properties using β-carotene-linoleate and DPPH in vitro model systems. Interestingly, the study observed and supported the potential use of vanilla bean extracts as antioxidants.

Vanilla oil is among the essential oils. This oil regenerates cells at the skin level. Delays problems such as wrinkles and aging. It also reduces the chances of diseases such as eczema on the surface as it regenerates the cells.

Consuming Vanilla extract regularly can help us slow down the degenerative process in our body. Moreover, antioxidants also play great role in maintaining beauty. Consume Vanilla extract in moderation, and consult your doctor to ensure that Vanilla extract is right for you. Refresh skin by including Vanilla oil in lotion and other topical treatments. For extra antioxidant power, pair with scavenging superstar Clove essential oil.

Free Radicals:

Oxidation is a natural process in the body that unfortunately results in the release of certain free radicals and toxins that need to be flushed out immediately. Failure to do so will usually result in a variety of health related ailments, including weight gain, bacterial infections and skin disorders etc. Vanilla extract contains a substance called vanillin, which is known to possess mild antioxidant properties that help remove these free radicals from the body, thereby protecting it from a variety of bacterial and fungal infections among other disorders. Vanillin also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help treat a variety of inflammatory disorders in the body.

Vanilla oils are high in antioxidants, including vanillic acid and vanillin. Antioxidants are compounds that play a role in keeping the heart healthy and strengthening the immune system. Antioxidants also limit oxidation, which is a process that can produce free radicals. Free radicals are dangerous because they can damage a cell’s DNA, which could lead to cell mutations. These mutations have potential links to various health issues, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and atherosclerosis. You can obtain the antioxidant benefits of vanilla by consuming them or applying to the skin externally via creams, lotions, soaps, or shampoos.

Free radicals are the cause for tissue damage, cancers of colon or prostrate. This oil prevents the cancer cell growth and also slows down the process of cancer. Vanilla essential oil helps to eliminate free radicals that cause infections and organic malfunctions. It is responsible for the oxidation of living tissues and cells and change DNA structure to cancerous cells. It causes loss of memory, weaken immune system, nervous malfunction, loss of hearing and vision, macular degeneration, mental instability and prone to diseases. It possess an antioxidant properties that helps to neutralize free radicals and prevents from wear and tear, cancer, infections.

Hydrazones:

Pharmaceutical companies use pure vanillin in the production of hydrazones in drugs. Hydrazones are compounds that possess biological activities. Combined with the antioxidant properties of vanillin, pharmaceutical teams design different hydrazones to administer to individuals who suffer from depression, epilepsy, and chronic arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis for example.

Antimutagenic Activity:

The human body is frequently exposed to mutagenic agents. Although mutated turtles turned human sized in reality would probably cause anyone to avoid the very source that triggered the mutation, our habits as a general species seems to convey that such a mutation would be the least of our worries. After all, we know that our bodies are harmed by the many factors that we involve ourselves in daily yet we don’t seemed as concerned with those potentially life devastating effects. Intimately correlated with the ability of Vanilla to act as an effective antimicrobial, vanillin has been shown to reduce the rate of mutations in cells or act as an antimutagenic agent.

Carcinogenic chemicals from cigarette smoke, plastic, pesticide residue on foods, and even molds induce mutations in our cells by causing DNA damage. We also expose our bodies to physical mutagens such as UV-light and radiation. Essentially, we are welcoming mutagenic activity into our cells which cause disease and cancer.

Vanillin was found in one study to affect 64 genes known to cause DNA damage, stress and oxidative damage, apoptosis “cellular suicide”, and cell proliferation. Vanillin is involved in DNA replication and repair which inhibits mutagenic activity. It is therefore classified as a biological antimutagen for its ability to prevent harmful mutations.

One reason why colon cells are highly susceptible to cancer today and is increasingly prevalent is a result of the high turnover rate of colon cells. The higher the speed and frequency in which new cells are replacing old ones, the greater the opportunity for a mutation to occur.

Vanillin has reduced the frequency of mutations in colon cells by 64%. Consequentially, vanillin has also increased the number of genes responsible for the production of a highly effective antioxidant found in cells, glutathione.

Antibacterial properties found in Vanilla make some certain benefits of Vanilla as well. In a test conducted on Vanilla oil to find out its efficiency on inhibiting certain bacteria, the herb was considered able to prevent the development of bacteria.

Nowadays, essential oils with antibacterial effects are extremely useful and appreciated. While it is the period of chemical synthetics and overuse, people may find more harm than benefit from using commercial products, so you can alternatively abuse natural products to stop the growth of dangerous bacteria while not risking your health.

It is recommend soaking a cotton ball with the extract, then applying it to your cold sore about four times per day until you see the sore disappear. You will probably notice a reduction in the inflammation of the cold sore fairly soon after applying for the first time. You can add Vanilla oil to a homemade soap for its pleasant-smelling and powerful antibacterial benefits. In addition, you can pair with citrus to boost a more refreshing blend of scents.

Antimicrobial:

Another functional property of vanilla is its antimicrobial activity. Vanillic acid has been shown to protect the body against bacteria, mold and yeast. For these reasons vanilla is a popular ingredient in herbicides to prevent against disease ridden crops.

Combined with Cinnamon, the vanillin component of Vanilla has a synergistic effect at inhibiting bacteria such as Salmonella, L. monocystogenes and E. coli. These bacteria can be contaminants in food that cause digestive upset, fatigue, muscle aches and more serious symptoms such as convulsions and disease. The combination of vanillin and Cnnamon has a powerful ability to significantly reduce the concentration of harmful bacteria and inhibit its ability to reproduce effectively.

Next time you indulge on a sweetened hot cocoa treat, add a splash of Vanilla and sprinkle in Cinnamon for an additional health perk.

Infections:

Vanilla has been shown to have antibacterial properties. This essential oil counteracts infection and lower fevers. The components such as vanillin hydroxybenzaldehyde and eugenol help to counteract infections. It has a sedative properties that helps to lower fever as well as inflammation in the body.

Cronobacter bacteria can contaminate food during both preparation and processing of food, which can leave many people vulnerable to the effects of this damaging bacteria. The antibacterial properties of vanilla just might be the key to helping protect against harmful bacteria like Cronobacter bacteria.

Prescription Drugs:

As a result of vanilla’s antimicrobial properties, drug manufacturers incorporate these effective compounds such as vanillin into prescription drugs. For instance, trimethoprim is an antibacterial drug manufactured to treat urinary tract infections. If you are prone to UTIs, isn’t it worth it to you to learn if the addition of this into your diet decreases the frequency or may event prevent the occurrence of the problem.

Not only being antibacterial but Vanilla is also anti-inflammatory, which is similar to the effects of antioxidants. This is the reason why it has been popularly used as other antioxidant substances to repair damaged cells.

For centuries, folks are using vanilla to assuage and cut back inflammation caused because of completely different reasons. Vanilla essential oil contains anti-inflammatory properties, which is very beneficial to reduce the pain and swelling. Inflammation is the body's reaction to harmful factors. Some of these reactions, like pain in joints, reddened, hot, or swollen body parts, can become uncomfortable and enlarged. Thankfully, vanillin is a potent anti-inflammatory ingredient that is found in Vanilla.

Not only does Vanilla have the potential to reduce inflammation on a cold sore, but it helps reduce the overall inflammation in your entire body. Inflammation is a serious danger because it’s at the root of most diseases. Fortunately, medical science has begun to recognize the massive impact of chronic inflammation, and it’s considered an emerging field in the health care research field. In addition to removing inflammatory foods from your diet (foods high in sugar, pasteurized dairy and conventional meat are a few examples), you can also incorporate elements into your diet that actively reduce inflammation that may already be present.

Due to the high amount of copper content in Vanilla essential oil, it acts as an anti-inflammatory; studies have been proven that consumption of Vanilla essential oil on a regular basis can reduce various types of inflammation related issues, such as arthritis, gout, Crohn’s disease and other kinds of inflammatory conditions. This effect tends to happen with antioxidant substances thanks to that cellular level repair that takes place. That being said, you should always consult your doctor before using vanilla extract as a treatment option.

If you are a heavy drinker, then you should know that your liver can get inflammation and if you use vanilla extract, then it can reduce this kind of inflammation. This natural remedy is taken into account effective, particularly if you’ve got an alcoholic addiction.

Other rodent and test-tube studies have likewise found that vanillin protects against inflammation-related cell damage. Still, there’s no evidence that consuming vanilla extract or beans reduces inflammatory markers or protects cells against inflammation-related damage in humans. Finally, keep in mind that these studies used concentrated substances from Vanilla products, not pure vanilla products.

Vanilla oil mixed with a carrier oil has been applied to the skin for centuries to decrease inflammation in the body. As non-traditional oil, topical applications are outstanding for performing this effect, massaging it deep into the muscles and joints that are inflamed or applying it to skin that is plagued with inflammation. Typically, inflammation is a good thing. It is merely the body’s response to any outside threat like microbes. However, when it persists due to certain conditions, it can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Thanks to its antioxidant content, Vanilla is a potent anti-inflammatory substance. This makes it a great addition to massage oils to help soothe inflamed or irritated skin. To achieve better soothing benefits of Vanilla essential oil, you should dilute and warm it with a carrier oil such as Coconut, Almond, or Jojoba oil additionally.

Vanillin is a compound of magical properties. It acts as a pain reliever as well as has anesthetic properties. These properties make it appropriate for naturally relieving pain. It helps soothe toothache, pain due to inflammation etc.

The various components of Vanilla have long been studied for its antinociceptive properties. In other words, it helps to desensitize an individual’s perception of pain. Have you ever been told: it’s all in your head? That is because pain is in your head, specifically in your brain, and involves the interaction of both physiological and psychological factors.

It is a genetic disorder that causes red blood cells to compress into a sickle shape, instead of the biconcave discs that they usually are. The biconcave discs are the most conducive to carrying oxygen, so people with sickle cell anemia tend to tire out faster and have a hard time catching their breath.

Vanillin has been shown in initial research tests to take out the sickle shape, so that red blood cells can capture and carry oxygen easily. Although this is still in its infancy, such research does show promise for this antioxidant, and for Vanilla, too.

Historically, Vanilla has been used widely as a way to naturally improve or encourage proper digestion. This is a multi-faceted treatment that targets different senses of the body, including taste and smell. For people prone to nausea, Vanilla offers a sense of respite by calming down the stomach. For others, Vanilla-infused water or tea may help to speed-up digestion or to reduce pain and other symptoms of the intestinal tract. People with conditions such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome have reported the positive effects of Vanilla extract as a natural treatment, although each person responds differently to the use of this herb.

In the book titled The​ Aromatherapy Encyclopedia, ​European physicians popularly used Vanilla to fight s​tomach infections in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The herbal tea from the vanilla leaves provides a calming and soothing effect for the stomach; thereby, helping to prevent diarrhea, cramping, and vomiting.

For many decades, folks are using Vanilla beans for optimizing their digestive system. It doesn’t simply calm stress, but relieve nausea and puking additionally. Vanilla herb tea, is one in every of the favoured natural remedies that instantly soothes gut inflammation and treats different digestion issues like cramping, gastralgia.

Vanilla is a natural substance that is good for digestion. There are many ways done by Vanilla in enhance digestive health. The distinctive aroma of Vanilla is useful to prevent nausea. Another way in preventing gastrointestinal problems with Vanilla is Vanilla tea. Vanilla tea also prevent vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, prevent abdominal cramps,  treat upset stomachs and other digestive issues. Vanilla infused herbal tea can relieve digestive problems. Water boiled with vanilla beans is a traditional remedy for vomiting and stomach upsets. Its rich aroma is effective in easing queasiness.

There are a few ways to take the benefit of vanilla in this case. First, drinking Vanilla infused herbal tea. The second, boiling water and vanilla beans, then drink the decoction slowly. The third, adding a few drops of Vanilla extract to a glass of water and sip it slowly.

Stomach Burning:

It regulates stomach acid and prevents health problems such as indigestion, swelling, and burning. After meals, you can consume a teaspoon in powder form.

Believe it or not, but some people swear that high-quality Vanilla extract helps them to lose weight. For many years, numerous celebrities including many famous television stars, have used different forms of vanilla extract to help them lose weight in an innovating manner. Usually, Vanilla extract is combined with other weight-loss inducing techniques to achieve an optimal result. For example, some people use so-called Vanilla patches as a way to reduce hunger, whereas others perform vigorous exercises to burn calories, and then use vanilla to speed us the process of shedding weight. Naturally, get your doctor's approval before using Vanilla.

As we all know, obesity can lead to various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases. Aiding weight loss is also one of the health benefits of Vanilla extract, which has been proved through certain studies before. In fact, exercise and diet play a very important role in weight losing process, the intake of Vanilla extract will give the users greater benefits indeed. However, there needs more research to substantiate this claim.

In addition to equalization cholesterol level in your body, benefits of Vanilla extracts assist you maintain weight. Some researchers have shown wonderful appetence, suppressing qualities of Vanilla within the recent studies. It stimulates your metabolism for a speedy digestion that helps you reach your weight loss goal.

If sugar contains plenty of calories that can make you gain weight, plenty of artificial sweeteners out there pack in nearly the same amount of calories. Vanilla extract, however, is low on the calorie count and can be used as an effective substitute for sugar in almost everything. The only downside to this is that natural Vanilla extract is expensive while the synthetic variety doesn’t help you too much in losing weight. Although this has not yet been substantiated by research, Vanilla has been found to help encourage weight loss. You might choose to add it to your food or aromatherapy scents.

If you want to lose a few pounds, add some drops of Vanilla extract in water or food. The plant reduces the production of serotonin, the hormone of happiness, which makes the feeling of hunger disappear.

Matabolism:

It’s extracts, with its medicine properties, are helpful to treat metabolism infections like cold and cough. It contains an analgesic substance that forms a coating within the throat once to lukewarm water. It creates a soothing anesthetic result that gently relieves symptoms of a painful and cacophonic cough. Treating your inflammatory disease, vanilla additional eliminates underlying chest infections and health problem.

The benefits of Vanilla also contain the ability to relieve nausea. The reason is that the extract of Vanilla can relieve digestive problems when used as an herbal tea, so it helps calm the stomach when you are suffering from nausea. Studies have revealed that sniffing on Vanilla extract can curb nausea and its symptoms to an extent.

You just have to add a few drops of this extract to a cup of warm water and slowly sip it and breathe deeply. The amazing Vanilla scent and it’s certain compounds will help ease the feeling of nausea. In addition, water boiled pouring into Vanilla beans is also considered as a traditional remedy for stomach upsets including vomiting as its rich aroma is helpful for easing queasiness. In brief, Vanilla extract is a natural nausea medicine indeed. In fact, it is as good as nausea medicine and can effectively substitute it.

It’s the middle of the flu season, and you come up with a sudden cough. What comes to your mind first concerning treatment? Perhaps a calming herbal tea? Or maybe a steam bath? Well, even though these treatments may prove effective, there’s another option that’s also highly recommendable is Vanilla extract.

This sweet treatment works by coating the sensitive tissue of the throat with Vanilla extract, which may create an anesthetic effect that helps to take the edge off of your pain. If you pay attention, you would have noticed that many cough syrups have a Vanilla-base to their flavor. Vanilla extract is put in many different types of medicines and syrups to cover up for the syrup's otherwise bitter taste, along with the fact that it is also known to help combat colds, cough, and other respiratory infections. Its anti-inflammatory properties help protect the throat when added to warm water, providing a relieving effect for a sore throat or a cough. Its antibacterial properties can also help to eliminate the underlying causes of the cough or sore throat. Moreover, the antibacterial properties can kill off any harmful bacteria.

Vanilla, especially on bedding pillows, has been shown to help you breathe easier at night because it promotes relaxation and affects the respiratory center in the brain.

The extract can help to coat the throat when mixed along with lukewarm water and provide a cooling effect to your throat. You can mix this ingredient with other more traditional treatments.

Cold:

Next time you have a cold, try mixing Vanilla extract with warm water for a natural cold remedy. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help you get back on your feet in no time.

Cough:

Cough syrups normally use Vanilla extract as a flavoring to mask their bitter taste. Though additional research is necessary in this regard, the mild anaesthetic properties of Vanilla extract can relieve symptoms such as pain from a sore throat or headache. If cough syrup with Vanilla etract is difficult to find, we can add Vanilla extract to a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of sugar. This medication is especially effective on children, since children like the sweet taste of Vanilla.

If you suffer from cold, cough or any kind of respiratory infection, then you can use vanilla as your natural treatment because it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This extract mixed with warm water will help to coat the throat and also it will give anesthetic effect to your throat. Also it has antibacterial properties which can ease the sore throats and coughs and also they will help you to eliminate the underlying illness or infection.

Fever:

Looking for how to get rid of a fever? While a low-grade fever is a sign your body is fighting infection, vanilla has been a common folk remedy for some time in order to reduce fever naturally. Treating fever is also one of the health benefits of Vanilla extract. In fact, cough syrups usually abuse Vanilla extract to mask the bitter taste as a flavoring. Although more research should be done to make this point clear, the mild anesthetic properties presented in the Vanilla extract can really relieve some symptoms like pain from headaches or a sore throat.

Vanilla Essential Oil has febrifuge properties, due to the presence of Hydroxybenzaldehyde and Eugenol, both these component work against the infection, that bring down the body temperature by advancing sweat and reduce the infection caused by fever. It also helps to bring down the inflammation caused by fever, which makes it also considered as an antiphlogistic.

Stimulates Sense of Smell:

Why do aromatherapists and psychologists combine the inhalation of Vanilla into their practices? Active compounds in it stimulate your sense of smell.

Inhalation of these compounds reaches the bloodstream through the lungs as well as the emotion center of the brain following a complex network of nerves. As a result, the aromatic powers of vanilla stimulate the release of hormones and neurochemicals which promote mental health and an emotional response.

Vanilla Essential Oil is highly rich in antibacterial and antiseptic properties, which is very beneficial to prevent certain types of bacterial infection in our body. Studies have been proven that consumption of Vanilla essential oil can prevent various types of bacterial infection, such as bronchitis, meningitis, and tuberculosis. Beside this Vanilla essential oil contains high amount of antioxidant, which is very good for our immune system, its protect our body from free radicals to do oxidative damage to our cells that helps to protect our body from macular degeneration and various types of cancer. 

Healing Properties:

This is natural antioxidant which can prevent the breakdown of tissues and cells around your body and also the natural body’s regrowth will be stimulated. Also it has antibacterial properties that can lower the stress and it will protect your immune system which means that you will have speeded recovery from illness or injury. Known as an upscale inhibitor, health benefits of Vanilla plays a vital role protecting bodily tissues and cellular functions. It prevents tissues and cells from breaking down and helps your body stimulate the natural growth method.

Vanilla has been shown to lower fevers and even hasten the end of sickness. This might be due to the fact that Vanilla pushes your body to relax, allowing your immune system to do its work without your interference. Your interference might come in the forms of working too much, sleeping too little, and not eating right, all of which tax on your immune system.

When you’re sick, your body will react by trying to let you lie down and sleep. This is your body’s natural reaction to sickness, so don’t fight it. Don’t work or expose yourself to more germs. You can also add Vanilla to your diet or your aromatherapy in order to relax yourself further.

How does Vanilla help support a more healthy heart? One of the active ingredients in Vanilla, vanillin, has been shown to lower bad cholesterol and we all know how notorious cholesterol is as one of the primary causes of heart diseases.

According to several studies Vanilla impacts heart health. It helps you cut back cholesterol level-particularly within the blood vessels, steering you afar from coronary cardiovascular disease. This property of Vanilla benefits those that suffer from chronic heart issues or simply have undergone large operation. Using Vanilla in an adequate amount strengthens heart operate by preventing arterial sclerosis and inflammation. Doctor’s recommended for people who are at high risk of heart attacks and strokes, that can lower the risk of atherosclerosis, inflammation in the arteries.

Protects the Heart (Cardioprotective):

The principal property in Vanilla, vanillin, has proved to be effective in reducing cholesterol. With high cholesterol levels being a leading cause of heart-related diseases, having low cholesterol levels can help adults with Type 2 diabete​s to​ prevent or reverse atherosclerosis and reduce fat.

High Blood Pressure:

Vanilla oil’s sedative effects on the body allow it to naturally lower blood pressure by relaxing the body and mind. High blood pressure is the state when the pressure on the arteries and blood vessels becomes too high and the arterial wall becomes distorted, causing extra stress on the heart. High blood pressure levels can put you at risk for having a stroke, heart attack and diabetes.

Main cause of high blood pressure is stress, by relaxing the muscles and mind, vanilla oil is able to lower blood pressure levels. Vanilla oil helps you to get more sleep, which is another easy way to lower blood pressure levels. Vanilla oil serves as a natural remedy for high blood pressure because it also acts as an antioxidant, so it reduces oxidative stress and dilates the arteries.

Cholesterol Levels:

Nowadays, it is easy to find abundant amounts of junk food around us, in our home, in supermarkets and other establishments and even at school or the workplace. Vanilla extract could potentially contain compounds that may lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. This is due to the presence of the vanillin chemical, which in some cases can considerably lower total blood cholesterol. However, medical science hasn’t fully determined to which extent this remedy works, and more investigation is needed. Consult your doctor to see if this remedy is safe for you. Enjoy vanilla extract with your favorite beverage.

Note that liquid Vanilla extract is treated with alcohol, and it actually considered a liquor due to its 35% alcohol content. Of course, when put into practical use, Vanilla extract is only called for in very small servings, and so it poses no major health concern when incorporated into recipes.

Vanilla Essential Oil is useful for the general population with premenstrual disorder. It provides relief from the conditions, for example, crabbiness, disposition swings, melancholy, body agonies, a sleeping disorder and obesity. It additionally treats night sweats and hot flashes.

Menstrual Disorders:

Since ancient time, Vanilla extract has been used to regulate mentrual cycles. This is important when a couple is having pregnancy program. The regular intake of Vanilla extract is used by women who have irregular periods to regulate their cycles.

Despite using Vanilla on a regular basis, you may not know that its extract is helpful in regulating menstruation. Or in other words, women with irregular periods can use this extract to regulate their cycles. Though there are several medications available on the market essential for the treatment of the problem, you can use vanilla extract in your daily diet as a natural treatment of these slight problems indeed.

It provides a thousand benefits to the menstrual delay and pain which is the fearful dream of women. Boil 100 grams of water from the Vanilla plant sold in transporters and filter. Vanilla tea reduces severe pains by regulating the lunar.

Premenstrual Symptoms (PMS):

Because vanilla essential oil has been shown to boost estrogen production, it can help alleviate symptoms of PMS like bloating, fatigue, and cramps, as well as better regulate emotions. Irregular menstrual cycle, pain, premenstrual syndrome and other menstrual problems can be cured by including vanilla in regular diet. Vanilla is high in magnesium content that controls the production of hormones that boost functioning of neurotransmitters and so reduce PMS related issues of mood changes and depression. Vanilla’s calcium content reduces pain and irregularities in menstrual periods. Drink vanilla extract in water or as a tea to comfort you from menstrual problems.

Vanilla extract is beneficial in the regulation of menstruation. It can be used by women with irregular periods to regulate their cycles. Though several medications are available for the treatment of these problems, slight problems can be cured by making vanilla extract a part of your diet.

Natural Aphrodisiac:

Vanilla has been used as an aphrodisiac since ancient times, especially among Mayan people. The molecular structure of this essential oil is similar to that of human pheromones. These are chemical substances produced and released into the environment by animals. Some researches in aromatherapy show that Vanilla can increase sexual desire by boosting testosterone levels in men. Regular intake of Vanilla is effective in curing impotency. The arome induces feelings of pleasure and satiation. This is also the reason why vanilla is often used in perfume industry, since it can elevate sexual moods.

Although the facts that we now know that Vanilla has mood elevating effects and antioxidants that may help fight aging, the real health benefits of vanilla when it comes to its aphrodisiac history has to do with aroma. Before a Vanilla-specked morsel can hit the tongue, the hypothalamus, the gland that controls memory and emotion, jumps into action, evoking feelings connected with its powerful scent. The benefits of a Vanilla essential oil dropped into warm bath water is, if history is to be believed, that the body will awaken its sensuous inner calling.

Many of the world’s most famous ladies were said to embrace the use of Vanilla based perfume. It is said that Queen Elizabeth I used the unmistakable aroma to scent her boudoir. Famed courtesan Madame du Barry allegedly kept it in her arsenal. But according to Erotic Cuisine, the earliest use of Vanilla as an aphrodisiac was in Mexico, where Vanilla is said to have originated. Mexican Vanilla beans were added to a chocolate drink used as an aphrodisiac. According to Temptations, igniting the pleasure and power of aphrodisiacs, Vanilla is ranked as one of the five most attractive aromas to men.

So you might say that one of the health benefits of Vanilla is the possibility that it will land you a sugar daddy. If you want to try these theories out for yourself, an easy way to start is incorporating more vanilla into your diet. The benefits of Vanilla tea over your standard brew or flavoring your sugar with Vanilla and perhaps dabbing a touch of Vanilla oil behind the ears seem obvious.

Increases Libido:

Vanilla Essential oil is useful for the general population with erectile brokenness, weakness, loss of charisma and frigidity. It empowers the hormone discharge, for example, estrogen and testosterone, which advances sexual excitement and normal sexual behavior. Since prehistoric times, Vanilla has been regarded an aphrodisiac. However, ongoing aromatherapy researches recommend that vanilla help to increase sexual desire by increasing testosterone levels in men.

Vanilla has been considered an aphrodisiac for years, but no research can back the claim up. Might it be because it relieves tension? Or its antioxidant properties can help rejuvenate aging cells? Whatever the cause, the smell of Vanilla might put some zing back in your sex life, so give it a try the next time you need some “encouragement” to get things started in the bedroom.

Cures Impotence:

Curing impotence is another of the health benefits of vanilla. According to the studies before, vanilla essential oil can help patients with impotence, frigidity, erectile dysfunction, and loss of libido relieve their problems. It is because this oil encourages the secretion of some certain hormones such as testosterone and estrogen thereby bringing about normal sexual behavior as well as promoting sexual arousal. In fact, Vanilla extract has been used as an aphrodisiac to boost testosterone levels in men and increase sexual desire. Using Vanilla in any forms is believed to be effective in curing impotency as its powerful aroma can lead to the feelings of pleasure and satiation.

Vanilla extract added to a glass of warm water with a teaspoon of sugar can help to reduce fever and fight infections in children. In addition, the taste may also appeal to children.

As usual with cancer and essential oils, the preface for this discussion is that more research must be executed. Thanks in no small part to its antioxidant ability, though, vanillin and substances that contain it, like Vanilla, are among the oils and compounds considered for anticancer ability. Until we know more specifically how these actions work in the body and the best ways to incorporate them for direct effectiveness, we can enjoy using a substance that cancer doesn’t like.

Preventing and treating cancer are considered as important benefits of Vanilla. The main reason is the presence of up to 200 compounds in this essential oil possessing antioxidant properties that are helpful for almost your problems. In fact, oxidation is known as one of the main causes of your health troubles and diseases because it directly or indirectly leads to many diseases caused by organic infections and malfunctions. Oxidizers that are also called free radicals or actually the waste products of metabolic processes can cause oxidation of living tissues and cells then induce them died or effect on their DNA structure creating cancerous cells. These processes gradually result in a weakening immune system, organic and nervous malfunctioning, macular degeneration, loss of memory, mental instability, loss of vision and hearing, more diseases the body is prone to. Fortunately, antioxidants presented in this herb help fight free radical damages and repair their effects, so they make important changes to a cellular level. Vanilla may decrease the rate at which cancer can spread or may even prevent its occurrence. With the incidence rates of cancer on the rise, much research has demanded the attention of any possible anti-angiogenic agent.

Ethyl vanillin has also been linked to suppressing the activity of a destructive enzyme. This enzyme has been studied for its invasive behavior and role associated with kidney damage and disease such as lupus nephritis and diabetic nephropathy. The ethyl vanillin contained in this therefore shows promising results by preventing the spread of cancer in the kidneys, liver, breast and even lungs. Vanilla also contains properties that enable the body to inhibit angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is the formation of new blood vessels and is also the weapon of choice that cancer cells use in their aggressive spread throughout the body. The description new might have you think this occurrence is a good thing but tumors feed off of the blood supply for nutrients and oxygen.

Due to high amount of antioxidant found in Vanilla essential oil, it is very beneficial for our overall health and also helps to prevent various types of cancer. Antioxidant helps in fighting against free radicals and prevents them to do oxidative damage to our healthy cells, these free radicals are the main cause for various types of cancer, such as colon cancer, prostate cancers, etc. Studies have been proven that consumption of Vanilla essential oil on a regular basis in a moderate way is not only help in preventing cancer, but also helps to prevent the growth of cancerous cell or tumor in our body.

Vanilla contains the antioxidant vanillin, which has been shown to stop the spread of cancerous cells in mice in recent laboratory tests. Vanillin has not yet reached the human test trial stage, so be careful and don’t overdose on that vanilla. Nevertheless, this characteristic of vanillin shows promise! One day, it could be used to slow down cancer, or to keep cancerous cells in one location so that they can be easily removed.

Breast Cancer:

In a study conducted on mice, vanillin essential oil showed antimutagenic activity in order to prevent chemical carcinogenesis. In addition, this oil gives inhibitory effect on cancer cells in vitro and decreases their invasiveness thereby possessing anti-metastatic potential indeed.

Lung Cancer:

In a study, vanillin has shown through recent studies its ability to prevent cell migration of lung cancer cells as the results of hepatocyte growth factor and inhibit angiogenesis.

Prostate and Colon Cancer:

Moreover, the vanilla essential oil is helpful for the treatments of prostate and colon cancer, which depends on its anticarcinogenic property, one of the antioxidant properties. These properties help prevent the growth of cancerous cells then partly slow down and cure these cancers.

Acts as a Relaxant:

Vanilla is widely credited as a calming substance that creates positive associations and evokes feelings of warmth and happiness. Vanilla essential oil provides a calming and relaxing effect on brain as well as nerves. It also provides relief from restlessness, anger and anxiety. That’s one of the primary reasons that it is used in so many bath and body products: it evokes such a relaxing sensation. Also, consuming Vanilla may have similar effects as antidepressants, used as a treatment for anxiety. Common signs of anxiety include insomnia, depression, social isolation, headaches, breathing problems, heart palpitations, panic attacks, and muscle tension.

Stress:

Vanilla Essential Oil contains natural sedative and soothing properties, thanks to the chemical component present in it. Massage of Vanilla essential oil improves the blood circulation in our body that means our body gets the proper amount of oxygen and nutrition; it is very helpful for our nervous system to work properly and fight with anxiety and stress. Studies have been proven that consumption of Vanilla essential oil can reduce the stress hormone from our bond and reduce the chronic stress.

Aromatherapy experts use Vanilla as a relaxing agent. There’s just something about the smell of this popular bean that triggers a relaxation effect on your body, taking out stress, or the perception of stress, so that you can get better and even think straight. Look for a Vanilla oil specially designed for aromatherapy. You can get essential oils for burning, or a well-manufactured soy candle for a soothing, candlelit evening. With some Vanilla in the air, a warm bath, and deep breathing, you’ll find your body all ready to face the next challenge.

Anxiety and Fear:

Many home remedies can give us their best effects through our olfactory sense. Though many of us within the world don’t believe aromatherapy, it’s still one in every of the common practices in several numerous cultures to naturally cut back anxiety and fear. Creating use of exteroception sense to reduce stress level with chemical compound extract is a previous tradition. The robust aroma of Vanilla is thought to possess its direct impact on the nerves that induces calmness and relieves chronic stress. This aromatic spice is helpful for your nervous system. If you suffer from chronic stress or anxiety, then the Vanilla extract is the right choice for you.

Certain neurological research have proved that Vanilla extract have a positive effect on those suffering from depression and anxiety disorders. Vanilla scent is specifically helpful for this purpose. Drinking water or milk that contains vanilla extract helps reduce anxiety in some people.

Depression:

Treating depression is another of the health benefits of Vanilla. According to some neurological studies, the Vanilla extract can give positive effects on people with depression and anxiety disorders due to its very specific and helpful scent. This is the reason why sipping water or milk flavored vanilla helps people reduce anxiety in certain cases.

For example, if you are troubled by depression and someone gives you a Vanilla-flavored beverage or a Vanilla ice cream, your spirits may be lifted after consuming them. By taking something flavored Vanilla, you will start feeling more pleased and satisfied then get into a better mood, which is also considered as one of the best advantages of a powerful aroma of Vanilla. Moreover, the efficiency will be clearer if you take it from real Vanilla though synthetic Vanilla and artificially synthesized vanillin also work as well. And this flavor is so pleasingly sweet and soothing making it suitable for everyone from toddlers to adults.

In fact, essential oils are usually used for their antidepressant and uplifting abilities just by very simple applications but quick results. Just smelling a great fragrance can also quickly and positively reach and stimulate the brain, which is the reason why aromatic spice is believed to help the nervous system. The research has indicated that the benefits of Vanilla also include the ability to alleviate the symptoms of claustrophobia when exposing to its aromatherapy indeed.

You may have heard that the scent of Vanilla has a calming effect. But it turns out the Vanilla smell may just have an antidepressant effect. The smell of Vanilla alone is soothing and relaxing. After all, it is a popular scent for candles, lotion, perfume and other aromatic products.

If you feel stressed out or depressed or even if you are going through PMS, you can simply smell Vanilla essential oil to calm you down. Always keep a small bottle of Vanilla essential oil handy if you frequently get mood swings. Apply it on the pressure points so the smell lingers around you and keeps you calm.

As we all know that essential oils are often used for their uplifting, antidepressant abilities thanks to their simple applications and quick results. Simply smelling a fragrance can so quickly and effectively reach and affect the brain. Nevertheless, extreme depressive feelings should make you consult your doctor as well, not just your cookbook. Talk to a specialist and don’t self medicate.

Mental Health:

Vanilla helps to improve mental health and boost cognitive functions. Its antioxidant property and free radical removing activity boost neural functions, decrease risk of nervous breakdown, prevent nervous damage and improve memory. Frequent consumption of vanilla may actually improve cognitive abilities and mental health.

Inflammation doesn’t affect only your risk of disease. It also seems to be responsible for some forms of mental instability. When the brain is stressed in some way, whether it be from injury, chronic mental/emotional stress, infection or even nutritional deficiencies, it triggers the release of what are known as “pro-inflammatory cytokines”. Cytokines are released by your immune system in response to sickness or other factors, and they come in various forms, including pro-inflammatory. Regular inflammation is a normal bodily function, as your well-created system attempts to rid you of infection or other harm. But when too much of any pro-inflammatory cytokine is released, your body begins to react physically and psychologically, known as “sickness behavior”.

This is seen in some research into depression, where researchers found the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha in much higher quantities in patients diagnosed with depression than those who were not. Therefore, it’s not surprising that vanillin was found to have antidepressant results, as it may be related to its ability to lower inflammation, although that was not mentioned specifically in this study. Not so shockingly, the reaction subjects experienced was on par with their positive reaction to fluoxetine, a common SSRI drug prescribed for depression. Unlike fluoxetine, which has “common” side effects, including strange dreams, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, flu symptoms and impotence, and about a dozen others, vanillin does not exhibit side effects in animal studies.

Its anti-inflammatory properties could also aid in better mental health, because inflammation can lead to an unstable mental state. This occurs when the brain is stressed for a variety of reasons including emotional stress, infection, nutritional deficiencies, and injury. This stress is a result of the release of inflammatory cytokines, causing a “cloudy” brain. With these important benefits in mind, adding vanilla to your diet on a more regular basis could show positive effects both now and in the long run.

I’m a firm believer in using food as medicine without resorting to options like dangerous psychotropic drugs. This is another example of how the plants placed on this planet for our benefit do truly benefit us, without having to endure the many terrifying side effects of unnatural chemicals.

Spiritual Benefits:

We all know how great desserts are. When you’re unhappy, what do you do? Eat chocolate or when you’re extra depressed, a tub of Vanilla ice cream all to yourself. Well, it turns out there’s a scientific basis behind that.

And while the anti-depressant benefits of Vanilla might not work for everyone, its pleasant aroma might sometimes, that’s all it takes to lift your mood.

Enhances Mood:

Vanilla essential oil soothes bodily inflammation and hyperactivity in systems such as circulatory, respiratory, nervous, digestive and excretory systems. It lowers inflammation caused due to fever, anxiety, convulsions, hypersensitivity to allergens and stress. The aroma of Vanilla essential oil helps to enhance mood. It has Hydroxybenzaldehyde that helps to uplift the mood and acts as an antidepressant.

Vanilla works on both a physical and mental level to help you relax. It quiets the mind and relieves tension, so you’re lulled more easily to sleep. When used in a diffuser in the bedroom for a short period of time before bed, the vanilla essential oil can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Improves Sleep Quality:

Vanilla can increase relaxation, decrease tension, and calm the mind. As a result of depression relief, Vanilla essential oil plays an important role in improving a good night’s sleep, which also depends on its sedative and relaxing properties. These benefits can help a person fall asleep easier and stay asleep longer. Long-term sleep deprivation effects can include difficulty concentrating, impaired memory, weakened immune system, decreased sex drive, increased risk for diabetes, weight gain, increased heart disease risk, and reduces coordination and balance. Adding one drop of vanilla extract to a drink can increase relaxation, helping a person fall asleep. Vanilla helps lower the blood pressure and give tranquilizing effects on the brain making it easier to fall asleep. Just a small amount of vanilla extract or essential oil then you will care more about your pillows and dreams.

Regulates Sleeping Patterns:

Because Vanilla is a relaxant, when used prudently, it can help you sleep. And when you sleep regularly, you can regulate your sleeping patterns, instead of falling asleep because you’re stressed or tired, or waking up drowsy but not refreshed. Although the reason for Vanilla’s relaxing abilities has not yet been established, it could still help you ease out of your workday and into a much better state of mind. Couple Vanilla with warm milk and deep breathing. Try out yoga poses to truly help you relax.

Calming:

Have you ever wondered why the most popular scent used in candles, perfumes, and other aromatic items is Vanilla? This constant inclusion is due to the fact that the somewhat exotic scent of vanilla has been proven to have a soothing and relaxing effect. Research has shown that the vanilla extract odor reduces slee​p apnea, a temporary suspension of breathing in both babies and adults alike. This is one of the most profound holistic benefits of vanilla and one that we could all benefit from having in our lives.

Benefit for the Mind:

Vanilla extract and other herbs belonging to the same family contains potent anti-depressant and sedative properties that help stimulate the production of certain neurotransmitters that can soothe the mind. Vanilla extract also contains sleep-inducing properties that would help you combat stress and other mind related disorders arising out of conditions like sleeplessness or insomnia.

Brain Health:

The scent of vanilla can directly have an impact on the brain which induces calmness. Thus it acts as an excellent remedy for people have anxiety and chronic stress issues in life. This is the best and natural remedy which can have an effect through our olfactory sense. Some research suggests that certain compounds found in Vanilla, including vanillin and vanillic acid, may support brain health. They may also have neuroprotective properties, meaning that they may protect your nervous system.

Other test-tube and animal studies have similarly demonstrated vanillin as a promising neuroprotective agent. Yet, there’s no evidence that a diet high in Vanilla extract or Vanilla bean promotes brain health or protects against cognitive decline in humans, but it also shows that vanillin, and consequently, Vanilla could be vital not just in controlling the multiplication of cells, but in keeping aging cells healthy as well.

The benefits of Vanilla extract or essence extend to your skin as well. It is used as an ingredient in several skincare products like body lotions, lip balms, body butters and creams to impart fragrance. Vanilla oil contains huge amounts of vitamins in complex B such as niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), riboflavin (vitamin B2) and vitamin B6, which are often used to keep hair and skin healthy. B vitamins can decrease age spots, prevent wrinkles, fine lines, clear acne, and limit free radical skin damage. Vanilla oil is found in various skincare products, such as lip balms, body butter, creams, and body lotions. The antioxidant properties of Vanilla help to protect your skin from damage caused by environmental pollutants and toxins. The niacin, thiamin, and pantothenic acid found in Vanilla essential oil help promote skin health, keeping skin clear of acne and fending off free radical damage. It can also help prevent wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots.

You can make a scrub on your own to revive your skin with Vanilla and some additional ingredients. All you have to do are slicing 5 open Vanilla beans as a way to scrape out them, adding them along with 2 drops of Vanilla essential oil and 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixing them all, and applying it onto your face. In addition, you should massage the skin for a few minutes before rinsing off with warm water and splashing some cool water on your face.

Skin Aging (Wrinkles):

The benefits of vanilla on the skin also include the ability to prevent aging. Vanilla is wonderful source of antioxidants which prevent and reverse skin damage caused by free radicals. It helps to slow down signs of ageing like fine lines, wrinkles and age spots, memory loss due to lost neuronal connections, and macular degeneration because of aging eye cells. You can counteract this by consuming Vanilla, which has the antioxidant vanillin. In addition, it has been very widely used in the cosmetic aspects because of its aroma and anti-aging benefits. As a result, with regular use, it gives your skin a smoother, softer texture. Besides, the presence of retinol, niacinamide, or hyaluronic acid in Vanilla makes it suitable to slow down aging signs, such as wrinkles that can gradually appear underneath the eyes and the mouth.

Applying raw Vanilla beans infused with organic oil imparts a great chocolaty fragrance besides making your skin smooth and soft.

Brightens Skin:

Vanilla has numerous applications for the skin: it can help clear up acne, it can treat blemishes, and it can also brighten the skin. Vanilla extract does so by working to reverse skin damage. Vanilla is full of powerful antioxidants that pamper and nutrify the skin. Another idea is to create a natural face mask made of ground-up Vanilla beans and sugar to detoxify and exfoliate the skin.

Acne:

Acne is another common skin disease that will increase your struggle with variety of beauty product to indicate their miracles on your face. People who suffer from acne can feel uncomfortable. Sometimes, treating acne can be a colossal nightmare for those who struggle with it daily. Thankfully, Vanilla extract has antibacterial ingredients that make it difficult for pimples and other related face infections to thrive. It also contains essential v​itamins​ like Vitamin B6, Vitamin B6, and pantothenic acids to maintain healthy skin. The oil extract fights against the underlying conditions of acne; thereby, increasing the healing process. It can also clear out scars and brighten the complexion.

Many treatments exist that aim to alleviate, manage, and even wholly cure acne of different parts of the body, especially the face. However, few are aware of the benefits that Vanilla extract has for the sensitive skin of the face. Vanilla extract contains certain antibacterial elements that can help to treat the skin and to win against any pimple. These properties will eliminate the underling infection and also they will speed up the healing process of your skin. Also it can help you to reduce the appearance of scars that can happen from this condition. It works by cleansing the skin of impurities and oils, thus clearing up acne. However, Vanilla extract or essential oil should not be applied directly to recent burns, which had better be consulted by your doctor thoroughly before taking or talk to your dermatologist to see if Vanilla extract is suitable for you, some people may experience irritation as a result.

Regular application of Vanilla extract with carrier oil  like Coconut oil, Argan oil, or Olive oil helps cleanse the skin, reducing the occurrence of pimples and acne.

Wounds:

Since ancient times Vanilla extract is used for healing wounds. Its anti-inflammatory properties can calm inflamed areas on the skin. It is considered a great home remedy for wound healing. Note that the direct use of Vanilla extract on open wounds and burns should be avoided. Vanilla extract should be mixed with carrier oil such as Argan, Coconut, Mineral or Olive oil can be applied on wounds and cuts.

Burns:

One of the traditional uses of Vanilla is its use in treating burns. You must not use concentrated extracts of Vanilla or the essential oil directly on fresh burns. Topical treatments containing vanilla extracts might be helpful. Better you consult a doctor before you carry on with home remedies for burns.

Never use Vanilla essential oil undiluted just like other essential oils. You can mix Vanilla essential oil with Coconut oil or Olive oil and apply it on the burns several times a day until you see improvement.

Another great benefit of Vanilla is that it can also help you to get increases healthier hair. It is often included in hygiene and beauty products because of its many effects on the hair and skin. Many hair product manufacturers and medicinal product companies understand this fact, so the producers include Vanilla in their ingredients. Again, we have antioxidants to thank for that. Not only does it help to prevent damages to the hair follicles, but it is also said to help with the reparation of damaged cells. Thus, promoting healthier, more luscious locks.

There’s a reason some shampoos and hair products contain vanilla. It has a significant effect on your hair. Aside from helping repair cells, it also helps prevent damage to our hair follicles. This promotes healthy hair growth and delays hair loss. If you suffer from frequent hair loss, applying its essential oil in a carrier oil of some kind can measurably strengthen the hair and induce blood flow to the scalp, encouraging growth and more aesthetically pleasing hair. With it’s oil on your counter, now not does one ought to worry concerning issues like broken hair or hair loss. The room ingredient conjointly contains a slew of beauty edges and is employed wide as an important hair treatment product round the world.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy the benefits of vanilla is through making your own extract. Simply steep high-quality Vanilla beans in a 40% alcohol for a day or two. Your very own Vanilla you can use to promote a healthier you.

Applying Vanilla essential oil on split ends or massaging it on the scalp are the effective ways in which you can eliminate split ends and strengthen your hair. It enhances blood flow that improves hair growth, creating your hair longer and shinier.

Hair Growth:

If you have problems with hair loss or hair is thin and damaged, regularly apply Vanilla extract or essential oil on your hair and you will notice how your hair will become stronger and healthier. The quantity of oil that you use depends upon your hair texture. This will make your hair softer, fuller and shinier besides imparting an amazing scent.

Both carrier and essential oils help in promoting hair growth. These oils can be combined with Vanilla essential oil for a hot oil treatment. To begin with, detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb and rinse it thoroughly with warm water. After this, warm ¼ cup of any carrier oil such as Virgin Olive, Jojoba, Almond or Coconut oil on high heat for about 30 seconds. Add 10 drops each of lavender and vanilla essential oils to it and mix thoroughly. Applying this on your hair from the roots to the ends, massage your scalp in circular motions for 2 to 3 minutes. Ensure to apply it along the full length of your hair strands, concentrating more on the dry ends. Fasten your hair with a hair clip and wrap a warm towel around your head. Leave for 15 minutes. Then again wrap a warm towel for another 15 minutes. Wash off with a mild shampoo.  This will enhance the hair growth and also provide your hair a pleasant fragrance.

Strengthens Hair:

People who suffer from hair loss or frequent split ends should apply vanilla essential oil in carrier oil because it will induce the blood flow to the scalp and it will strengthen the hair. This means that it will grow your hair but also it will be beautiful and healthy.

Softens Hair:

Aside from the multiple beauty benefits of vanilla extract for the skin and body, it can also work wonders for hair. Besides softening it, it makes hair silky smooth and naturally strong. You shouldn’t apply Vanilla extract directly onto the hair, instead you should mix it with other ingredients to create a pasty substance that safely treats the hair. Some popular ingredients for this purpose include Olive oil, Coconut oil, and other similar products. Apply The desired mixture onto the hair for up to 15 minutes and rinse with shampoo. Repeat as needed.

Silky and Shiny Hair:

Improving the hair health and making hair silky are other benefits of Vanilla. It is advised to mix Vanilla oil with other ingredients as a hair mask to make your hair smooth, silky, and shiny.

Melt about 4 oz. Shea butter in a boiler. After it has fully melted, add 5 drops of Vanilla essential oil and 2 tablespoons each of Almond, Jojoba and Castor oils. After cooling, blend this mixture until it achieves a softer consistency. You can apply this mixture on your hair for 10 to 15 minutes and wash off with a mild shampoo. This will make your hair soft and manageable without making it sticky. This mixture can be stored at room temperature or refrigerated for future use.

Split Ends:

Vanilla essential oil has moisturizing properties that seals in the moisture in your hair and keeps it from getting dry and splitting. It also closes the hair shafts that tend to develop into split ends if not treated.

To use Vanilla essential oil for split ends, simply take a little amount of oil maybe 4-5 drops of your palms and rub it on the ends of your damp hair after hair washing to seal in the moisture.

Adding a few drops of Vanilla extract in water as mouthwash can help fight toothache and maintain healthy mouth cavity. So it can be used to treat toothache and also to fight infection.

Toothache:

Vanillin contained in vanilla is similar to capsaicin in chili peppers and euganols in spices such as cinnamon. This compound has a positive effect on the central nervous system. Capsaicin is an effective pain reliever while euganols act as topical anaesthetics. Vanilla possesses both these properties which help fight toothache and infection, helping you get to the root cause of the problem without suffering from the same magnitude of pain as you would normally.

Vanilla essential oil has anti-inflammatory properties that reduces the inflammation in the gums around the tooth thus reducing toothache. It also has anaesthetic properties that helps reduce the pain.

To use Vanilla essential oil for toothache, simply take a little amount of this oil on your finger and apply it on the aching tooth and on the gums. Massage for some time and leave it overnight.

Hepatoprotection:

This was proven by the tremendous reduction in serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. The results show that the ethanolic extract of Vanilla planifolia has hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Repels Mosquitoes and Bugs:

For a natural pest-deterrent, just mix a tablespoon of vanilla extract with a cup of water and pour into a spray bottle. Spritz it on exposed skin to ward of those irritating mosquitoes, flies and even ticks. 

Aromatherapy

It goes without saying that vanilla has a sweet, inviting aroma that puts stress and anxiety to ease. That’s why many people recommend vanilla extract as a healthy option for performing aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a form of therapy that uses good smells or scents to produce certain beneficial effects on the body and mind. This form of therapy functions as a result of our olfactory sense. Vanilla extract may affect the brain by creating a sense of peace and calm, thus helping to reduce stress levels. Moreover, due to its affordable cost and availability, vanilla extract is one of the most convenient aromas.

Highly Versatile

Because Vanilla is called for in many recipes, including quick bread, cakes, cookies, granola, and more, most people have a bottle of vanilla extract in their kitchen. Plus, pure Vanilla beans and Vanilla bean powder, ground, whole Vanilla beans can be a unique and flavorful addition to many dishes.

Here are a few ways to use vanilla products in your kitchen:

• Add a dash of Vanilla bean powder to smoothies.
• Sprinkle Vanilla bean powder or a few drops of Vanilla extract into coffee drinks.
• Use Vanilla extract in baked goods like cakes and cookies.
• Add Vanilla bean to this recipe for homemade banana nice cream.
• Use Vanilla bean powder in pancake and waffle mixes.
• In addition to Vanilla extract, whole vanilla beans, and vanilla bean powder, you can also purchase Vanilla paste. The paste is made from Vanilla beans, Vanilla extract, and natural thickeners.

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pure Vanilla extract must contain 13.35 ounces (378 grams) of Vanilla beans per 1 gallon (3.78 L) of liquid (31). If you’d like to use natural Vanilla extract, look for products that contain only Vanilla bean extract and alcohol.

Reduces Added Sugar Intake

Using Vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder in foods and beverages could help reduce your added sugar intake.

This suggests that adding Vanilla to sweets may reduce the need for added sugar.

Do you know that Vanilla, which is indispensable for desserts, has benefits for human health? The calming effect of Vanilla, especially tea, soothes digestion problems. What are the benefits of Vanilla tea? How to use Vanilla oil? We have explored the other benefits of vanilla, for which very few people know.

Vanilla, the homeland of the Pacific coast of the equator, was first used in Mexico. Vanilla, which has a great place in the cosmetics and food sector with its pleasant smell, has been used in alternative medicine when it is learned over time. It is produced in greenhouse and botanical gardens in our country. However, there is not much consumption area. The most commonly used area is dessert. Acid stabilizer to relax the stomach. Processed sugars cause serious harm to the body. Vanilla is used as an alternative sugar for most health. Shampoo, shower gel, hand soaps, and skin creams are added as raw materials. French Edmond Albius invented Vanilla powder for the first time. It is also a natural medicine for coping with psychological health problems such as stress and depression. When it sniffs for five minutes, it calms the nerve cells and reduces the intensity of emotion.

The scientific name of Vanilla is Vanilla planifolia. It belongs to the family of Orchidaceae. It is believed that this natural herb is native to the Mexico and Central America, but now it is also cultivated widely all over the world for domestic and commercial purpose. Strictly speaking, there’s no such thing as a vanilla essential oil. That’s because the extraction process for vanilla essence is different than the process for extracting essential oils, which are created through an expeller, steam distillation, or cold-pressing. Vanilla bean pods can’t be used in any of these extraction methods, so technically, there is no pure vanilla essential oil. Vanilla essential oil contains high amount of Vitamin C, apart from this oil high amount of chemical components, such as capric acid, acetic acid, furfural, eugenol, vanillin hudroxybenzaldehyde and isobutyric acid. Three main kinds of vanilla are used in Vanilla essential oil:

• Oleoresin: A semi-solid resin extracted from vanilla bean pods using a solvent. This doesn’t completely mix with carrier oils, so there is often a residue in products.
• Absolute: A concentrated, thick substance also extracted using a solvent. This can easily blend into body products.
• CO2 Extract: A concentrate extracted from vanilla bean pods using high-pressure carbon dioxide that dissolves easily in carrier oils. This is the only one of the three that can be diffused.

Vanilla essential oil is derived from the fermented Vanilla beans by solvent extraction method. This essential oil has warm, sweet, comforting and complex aroma. Vanilla plant bears Vanilla Planifolia as its scientific name. It has several names such as Common vanilla, Mexican, Reunion vanilla and Bourbon. It possess the vital components such as Capric Acid, Acetic Acid, Furfural, Eugenol, Vanillin Hudroxybenzaldehyde and Isobutyric Acid.

Vanilla essential oil has many health benefits which can be attributed to its properties as relaxing, tranquilizing, sedative, antidepressant, febrifuge, anticarcinogenic, aphrodisiac and antioxidant substance. This essential oil is extracted by solvent extraction of a resinous substance obtained from the fermented Vanilla beans. These beans come from Vanilla plants which is a creeper that mainly grows in Mexico and neighboring countries. Most flavors which are including vanilla, actually are not derived from the proper vanilla at all. These flavors are synthesized from hydrocarbons. This essential oil blends well with Sandal Wood, Lavender, Chamomile, Jojoba, Neroli, Lemon and Orange essential oils. Vanilla essential oil can help to regularize menstruation by activating certain hormones such as estrogen.

Due to various types of vitamin, minerals and nutrients, present in the Vanilla essential oil it has lots of health benefits. Among that some of the health benefits of Vanilla essential oil include improving the digestive health, prevent the risk of cancer, improves the circulation, improves immune system, removes anxiety and stress, improves skin health, has anti-inflammatory activity, enhance sexual arousal and prevents premenstrual syndrome.

Extract:

Know what it takes to make vanilla extract? Alcohol, Vanilla beans, and time. The alcohol extracts the flavor compounds from the vanilla bean, then the extract ages to develop more complex flavors. The method is flexible, the extraction time can last days or months, and the aging time can also vary. We love a flexible method, but not too flexible, some Vanilla extracts include sugar, corn syrup, and coloring. Keep an eye out for additional ingredients that might not be so necessary.

Flavoring:

Natural vanilla flavoring is an alcohol-free, glycerin-based product. It is more commonly used in commercial settings, but if you look hard enough you’ll be able to find some to use at home. Cooks Illustrated notes that the consistency is “viscous and a little slick” and that its flavor is sweet. The vanilla flavor it imparts is milder than what you would get from using traditional vanilla extract, so it might not be worth the effort of tracking it down. If you’re looking for an alcohol-free vanilla flavoring, try Vanilla powder.

Paste:

Vanilla paste is actually a mixture of vanilla extract and Vanilla seeds with some sugar added. It’s a very suitable product if you use a lot of vanilla, or don’t like scraping vanilla beans. One thing to be aware of is how much sugar is added to the product, some Vanilla pastes are 40% sugar and more like jam, which might mean you’ll want to adjust some components of a recipe (or you could just spread a little on slices of buttered toast). Heilala vanilla paste is only 5% sugar and is a safe bet for baking, a teaspoon is equivalent to one vanilla bean. We’ve used it in the test kitchen with great results.

Powder:

Vanilla powder is dried extract with a cornstarch base. It can be used just like vanilla extract, in equal amounts, and won’t discolor frostings or other color-sensitive recipes. Just mix it in with your dry ingredients.

Synthetic Vanillin:

You may encounter products that contain synthetic vanillin, which isn’t vanilla at all, this stuff comes from industrial by-products like wood pulp. Synthetic vanilla flavoring is certainly less expensive, but the flavor is flat compared to the real deal. Some might say “you get what you pay for".

Traditional Uses of Vanilla:

• Vanilla beans are used as aphrodisiac, carminative, emenagogue and stimulant and has been claimed to reduce or cure fevers, spasms and caries.
• It is used to lower stress by promoting relaxation.
• It also balances emotions.
• Aroma of Vanilla help ease nausea.
• Drinking water boiled with Vanilla beans is a traditional remedy for nausea, vomiting, and stomach upsets.
• Vanilla may prove effective in soothing inflammation as well due to its antioxidant properties.
• Neurological research reveals that Vanilla extract may prove useful in treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
• Sniffing a few drops of Vanilla extract is known to provide stress relief.
• Vanilla pods have been used as drugs against nervous diseases and hypochondria.
• It is helpful for the patients with high blood pressure, anxiety and loss of libido.

Culinary Uses of Vanilla:

• Vanilla is sold and used as dried fermented beans, vanilla extract, vanilla essence, vanilla powder and vanilla oleoresin.
• Vanilla is used in the food industry in dairy products, followed by beverages, baked goods and confections etc.
• Vanilla is often used as a background note or flavor enhancer to round out the flavor profiles of many products.
• Main application of natural vanilla is for flavoring ice creams and soft drinks.
• Vanilla is an important flavor component in colas and is also used in cream sodas, root beer, some fruit beverages, tea and coffee.
• Vanillin or Vanilla flavors are used in many alcoholic beverages, such as whiskeys, cordials and cocktails, to round out and smooth the harsh edges of the alcohol.
• Vanilla is used as a kitchen spice for domestic use.
• Vanilla is extensively used in the flavoring of chocolate, ice-cream, cakes, biscuits, sweets, candies, dry pastries, puddings, gruels, sauces, syrups, milk-based sweet drinks and other confectionary.
• Another popular product is vVanilla sugar which is used for butter puddings, bread, crème brulée, sugar glazed fruits and other desserts.
• Vanilla sugar is prepared by adding a pierced vanilla pod to sugar in an air-tight container.
• Vanilla pods are often used whole (being split and the tiny seeds scraped into the mixture) to infuse flavor into cream and custard based sauces.
• Vanilla is used as flavoring in medicinal syrup and tobacco.

Other Uses of Vanilla:

• Vanilla is also used in pharmaceutical products, perfumery, air-fresheners, incense, candles, house-hold, baby and personal care products, aromatherapy and as aroma for tobacco and alcoholic beverages.
• Apart from flavoring food products Vanilla is widely used as an odor maskant for paints, industrial chemicals, rubber tires and plastics etc.
• It is used as insect repellent.
• Vanilla is not only used as a flavor in foods and beverages, but also in perfumes.
• Vanilla has many industrial applications such as a flavoring for medicines.
• Spiders don’t like Vanilla. Use whole vanilla beans to drive away those eight-legged creatures.

Uses of Vanilla Essential Oil:

• Massage with the infusion of Vanilla oil (10 drops) to the feet, neck, stomach and chest in order to relax mind and body. It provides relief from PMS cramps, muscle aches and anxiety.
• Inhalation of 3 to 5 drops of Vanilla oil or adds 5 to 10 drops of oil to warm water for improving sleep.
• About 2 to 3 drops of oil could be added to the lotion or face wash that helps to promote skin health.
• The burns and wounds could be soothed by rubbing 2 to 3 drops of Vanilla oil to the affected area.
• It is used to lower stress by promoting relaxation.
• The fatigue, stress and anxiety could be relieved by adding few drops of Vanilla essential oil to the bath water.
• For healthy and shiny hair, add few drops of essential oil to the shampoo.
• The acne could be cured by wiping the affected area by adding vanilla essential oil to the cotton ball..
• It is helpful for the patients with high blood pressure, anxiety and loss of libido.

Anticarcinogenic:

The anticarcinogenic property of the vanilla essential oil comes from the antioxidant property of this oil. Oxidants or free radicals can damage tissues and also they can cause certain types of cancers, such as those of colon and prostate. There are some components of vanilla essential oil which curb the growth of cancerous cells, which can help to slow down, prevent or cure cancer.

Antidepressant:

If you are feeling alone or depressed, then you can take a Vanilla, flavored drink or Vanilla ice cream cone, then drink/eat it and you will notice that your spirits are lifted and the depression will be gone. You will start to feel satisfied, pleased and get into a much better mood. This is one of the best properties of vanilla’s powerful aroma. This property is far more effective when it comes from the real vanilla, but the artificially synthesized Vanillin Hydroxybenzaldehyde or synthetic vanilla works as well. The flavor alone is pleasingly sweet and soothing so every single person can enjoy in it. Vanillin Hydroxybenzaldehyde is a component of the vanilla essential oil which is an effective mood lifter and antidepressant.

Antioxidant:

This property of the vanilla essential oil can take care for most of your problems. You may not know, but the oxidation is one of the biggest causes behind our health troubles and diseases. This is directly and indirectly responsible for many different diseases which are caused by infections and organic malfunctions. This essential oil has antioxidant property which can neutralize free radicals and it will protect your body from infections, wear and tear and even some forms of cancer.

Aphrodisiac:

The systematic administration of the vanilla essential oil to patients who suffer from loss of libido, frigidity, erectile dysfunction and impotence can help them to relieve of these problems. This can stimulate the secretion of certain hormones like estrogen and testosterone which can help bring about the normal sexual behavior and this can promote sexual arousal.

Febrifuge:

This essential oil can effectively reduce fevers by fighting infections. This essential oil has components such as Vanillin Hydroxybenzaldehyde and Eugenol which can fight against infections. Also it is sedative, which means that it can reduce the inflammation from fevers, so this is also considered as antiphlogistic.

Relaxing:

Vanilla essential oil has calming and relaxing effect on the brain and the nerves and it will give you a relief from the restlessness, anger and anxiety.

Sedative:

Vanilla essential oil soothes your body in innumerable ways. It can soothe all types of hyperactivity and inflammation in the systems of your body, including excretory, nervous, digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems. It can reduce inflammation stemming from fever, as well as stress, anxiety, convulsions and hypersensitivity to allergens.

Tranquilizing:

This essential oil can help you to have good night sleep. This is possible because it has relaxing and sedative properties. It can lower your blood pressure and also it has tranquilizing effect on your brain which can make hard to keep your eyelids open. A small amount of vanilla essential oil can help you to have good night sleep.