This Vanilla planifolia is steam distilled from the absolute in India. is a perennial herbaceous climbing vine that can grow up to 25 meters (82 feet) high and takes up to 18 months to produce its first flowers. The small yellow-green orchid blooms for only a few hours before wilting unless it is naturally pollinated by insects - a rare occurrence - or hand-pollinated by workers.
Aroma: Fermented vanilla beans have a very complex flavour bouquet with more than 250 aroma components. “Bourbon Vanilla" is the term used for high-grade beans of Vanilla planifolia cured and fermented according to the process used on the Bourbon Islands in the Indian Ocean. The Bourbon Vanilla type is characterized by a well-balanced fine and rummy flavor impression without any harsh, woody, burnt or phenolic note.
History: The Totonacs of Veracruz, Mexico are credited as its first cultivators of vanilla bean. In the 1400's The Aztecs showed the Spaniards how vanilla could sweeten their chocolate and perfume their cigars, and the long, dark vanilla beans became part of the Spanish empire's rich colonial trade as early as the middle of the sixteenth century.
Common Uses: Vanilla Absolute is popular for its aphrodisiac properties. It is a comforting, calming oil that promotes love and peace.
Health benefits of Vanilla quoted from "Health Club" online
Studies on vanillin suggest it contains strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties and even cancer or tumour-fighting abilities. Some other health benefits of vanilla include the following.
Increased libido: Since ancient times, vanilla has been regarded as 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 the 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, the 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 treatments for burns.
Coughing: Cough syrups often use vanilla flavoring to mask bitter tastes. Although there is little evidence to prove the effect of vanilla extract on coughing, the mild anesthetic 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 chili 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 anesthetics. These mirroring properties in vanilla may help you fight a toothache and infection.
Constituents: p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether , and traces
of phenoles, phenol ether, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, acids, ester, lactones, aliphatic and aromatic carbohydrates and heterocyclic compounds, and two stereoisomeric vitispiranes [2,10,10-trimethyl- 1,6- and methylidene-1-oxaspiro(4,5)dec-7-ene]
Consistency: Thick and viscous, solid at room temperature. Bottle should be placed in a hot water bath in order for absolute to liquefy.
Colour: Dark brown to black brown paste.
Note: Middle to base
Strength of Aroma: Medium
Blends well with: Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange, Sandalwood, Tangerine, and Ylang-ylang.
Cautions: It is important to note that all absolutes are extremely concentrated by nature. They should not be evaluated in this state unless you are accustomed to the undiluted fragrance. For those trying Absolutes for the first time, we strongly recommend they be evaluated in dilution. Otherwise, the complexity of the fragrance - particularly the rare and exotic notes - becomes lost. Not suitable for candles.
Photo thanks to Hans Stieglitz, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
