Pleasantly fragrant rich vanilla beans are the pods or fruits obtained from a tropical climbing orchid. Mayans used them to flavour chocolate drinks centuries before Spanish first set their foot in Mexico in 1520. This highly prized bean is native to tropical rain forest of Central America and only recently spread to other tropical regions by Spanish explorers.
Botanically the plant is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine belonging to the family of orchidaceae of the genus: vanilla. Scientific name: Vanilla planifolia.
The vanilla plant has unique growth characteristics. It requires supporting tree or pole to grow in height. Matured vine bears deep trumpet-shaped flowers. The flowers open only for one day and are naturally pollinated either by the melipona bee or long beaked humming birds. However, in cultivation, they are hand pollinated and now grown commercially in Madagascar, Indonesia, India, Puerto Rica and West Indies.

There exist 3 main cultivars of vanilla. Vanilla planifolia is the most sought after bean worldwide. The other species include Vanilla pompona and Vanilla tahitiensis (grown in Polynesian islands), although the vanillin content of these species is inferior to Vanilla planifolia.

The unripe pods are harvested when they are 5-8 inches long and turn light yellow in colour. They are then blanched briefly in boiling water, sweated and dried under sun over a period of weeks until they turn dark brown and wrinkled. White crystalline efflorescence which is vanillin, the main essence of vanilla, appears inside in some of superior quality pods.

Health benefits

Vanilla beans are one of the expensive non-pungent spices especially used as flavouring purpose in a wide array of sweet drinks and confectionaries.

Vanilla extract composed of simple and complex sugars, essential oils, vitamins and minerals.

The main chemical components in the beans are vanillin and numerous traces of other constituents such as eugenol, caproic acid, phenoles, phenol ether, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, acids, ester, lactones, aliphatic and aromatic carbohydrates and vitispiranes.

Vanilla drink was thought to have aphrodisiac qualities, however no research studies establishes its role in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

The extract contains small amounts of B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B-6. These B-complex groups of vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism.

This spice also contains small traces of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron and zinc.  Potassium in an important component of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese and copper are used by the body as co-factors for the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. Iron is essential for red blood cell production and as a co-factor for cytochrome oxidases enzymes.

Increased libido: Since ancient times, vanilla has been regarded an aphrodisiac. However, ongoing aromatherapy studies suggest that vanilla may increase sexual desire by boosting testosterone levels in men. A 1970s study also claimed that majority of its participants believed that vanilla had cured their impotency. While there is no concrete evidence to prove this, experts believe that the aroma of vanilla does induce feelings of pleasure and satiation.

Skin disorders: Antibacterial properties of vanillin help cleanse skin problems such as pimples and acne. Moreover, antioxidant properties of vanilla help fight the damage caused by free radicals. It may even help slow signs of aging. The cosmetic industry uses vanilla both for its fragrance as well as anti-aging properties.

Burns: Traditionally, home remedies to heal burns, cuts, and wounds have used vanilla. However, it is perhaps unsafe to use concentrated vanilla extract or essential oil on recent burns. Topical treatments containing vanilla may prove beneficial; however, talk to your doctor before you try any home remedies or natural treatment for burns.

Coughing: Cough syrups often use vanilla flavouring to mask bitter tastes. Although there is little evidence to prove the effect of vanilla extract on coughing, the mild anaesthetic properties may relieve symptoms such as pain from a sore throat or headache.

Toothache: Vanillin found in vanilla falls under the same category of vanilloids that include capsaicin from chilli peppers and eugenols from spices such as cinnamon. Both these active compounds have an effect on the central nervous system. Capsaicin acts as a pain reliever, while eugenols work effectively as topical anaesthetics. These mirroring properties in vanilla may help you fight a toothache and infection.

Antioxidant: Most frequently studied as a component of other substances, vanillin is known for its antioxidant properties. The wide range of potential applications that antioxidant-rich substances have make them important for both research and inclusion in our plant-based preparations. Antioxidants battle free radical damage and repair its effects, which means they make important changes at a cellular level. This implicates antioxidants in everything from mucosal healing to cancer battling to skin rejuvenation.

Antibacterial : In a rare test of actual vanilla oil, researchers evaluated the efficacy of vanilla oil for inhibiting certain bacteria. The testing also evaluated ylang ylang and patchouli oils. For the bacteria in question – a strain of Staph. – vanilla was able to inhibit its development. Essential oils with antibacterial benefits are extremely useful. In today’s age of chemical synthetics and overuse, we find ourselves with more harm than benefit when using commercial antibacterial products. To stop the spread of dangerous bacteria without risking our health is invaluable!

Anticancer: 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 efficacy, we can enjoy using a substance that cancer doesn’t like!

Anti-inflammatory: Also in line with the effects of antioxidants, vanillin is likely to be anti-inflammatory. This effect tends to happen with antioxidant substances thanks to that cellular level repair that takes place. As a non-traditional oil, topical applications are excellent for executing this effect, massaging it deep into the muscles and joints that are inflamed or applying it to skin that is plagued with inflammation.

Antidepressant: Essential oils are often used for their uplifting, antidepressant abilities thanks to their simple applications and quick results. It never ceases to amaze me that simply smelling a fragrance can so quickly and effectively reach and affect the brain!

Vanillin has been studied for its in vitro ability to relieve depression. Tracking markers of depression in mice, researchers were able to determine antidepressant activity with the vanillin compound. While every body is different and nothing should take the place of professional help for depression, news of a new compound that may help relieve depression is always welcome.