Vanilla is the name of a plant genus that belongs to the orchid family. There are more than a hundred species of vanilla, which are characterized by their long stems, their large flowers and their capsule-shaped fruits.
Vanilla fruits are used to flavor and flavor various foods and beverages. Pod-shaped, this fruit that houses thousands of seeds can reach 25 centimeters in length. Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla tahitiensis, and Vanilla pompona are the species commonly used to make vanilla flavoring. They are chocolates, ice creams, soft drinks and sweets with vanilla flavor or aroma. Coca-Cola is actually a drink that includes vanilla flavoring.
Perfumes from famous brands like Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Chanel and Cartier also have vanilla as one of their ingredients. It should be noted that some fragrances use natural vanilla and others, a synthetic aroma that mimics the fruit of the plant. Here are some of the medicinal properties of vanilla: * It is a natural tranquilizer, as it has important calming properties. For example, its scent is used in aromatherapy to relax and stimulate patients. The volatile compounds responsible for this property are benzaldehyde, coumarins, limonene and eugenol. Vanilla is ideal for treating anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia and even to complement slimming diets; * Thanks to some of the compounds mentioned in the previous paragraph, phenol and salicylic acid, vanilla also acts as a natural pain reliever. This makes it a perfect supplement for muscular and headache cases, and also to treat indigestion that leads to stomach pain; * It works effectively to reduce fever and this property has been exploited for decades. The secret of its febrifuge action lies in its components, among which salicylates, benzoic acid, eugenol and salicylic acid stand out; * Vanilla is also very useful to complement treatments for fibromyalgia and rheumatic diseases, thanks to the combination of its aforementioned relaxing properties with anisic acid, considered a natural antirheumatic; * Helps strengthen the digestive tract and improves the functioning of your organs, thanks to the fact that it contains catechins and has a laxative effect and properties that stimulate the production of bile. For these reasons, vanilla is indicated in the treatment of heartburn, biliary insufficiency and gastritis. It is worth mentioning that it should not be ingested if one of the symptoms is diarrhea, since it can enhance it;
* It is rich in acids and antiseptic and antibacterial substances, so it is usually indicated in the treatment of bad breath, among other diseases of similar origin. Eugenol, tannins, and vanillin, anisic, malic, and benzoic acids are some of the main components of vanilla’s antibacterial action. In several South American countries, a long sponge cake whose dough is flavored with vanilla essence is known as vanilla. This cake is also called soletilla, savoiardi, template, gingerbread or tongue cake. It is common to take advantage of the consistency of these biscuits to absorb liquid, it is used for direct consumption (introducing vanilla in the mate cocido, for example) or in some preparation (as in the case of tiramisu). Like other similar products, it allows the preparation of a dough with a minimum of work, and that makes dough times and melts easily with the rest of the ingredients. Finally, “Vanilla sky” is the title of a film directed by Cameron Crowe that was released in 2001. The film is an adaptation of a 1997 Spanish film.
