Vanilla Beans – Medicinal value

Vanilla Beans – Medicinal value

 

The long, slender black fruits of Vanilla planifolia are the vanilla “beans” that are one of the most recognized and popular flavors in the world. The vanilla extract we use in cooking comes from the vanilla orchid vine.It does help to improve digestion. Vanilla is often used to flavor less palatable herbal medicines.

Vanilla is an aromatic stimulant, with a tendency towards the nervous system. It has also been regarded as an aphrodisiac. It has been employed as a remedy in hysteria, low fevers, impotency, etc. Vanilla contains high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are valuable for reducing free-radicals in your body, which are the waste products from normal as well as harmful metabolic processes. 

Excess free radicals may cause diseases, including cancer. Extract from vanilla beans involves a long process of fermentation and filtering. However, both the pod and extract contain essential B-vitamins such as niacin, panthothenic acid, thiamin, and riboflavin and small amounts of minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc. Polyphenols found in the vanilla plant include vanillin, the chemical compound, which produces the strong aroma. Vanillin contains strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and even cancer or tumor fighting abilities. Vanilla extract from the vanilla bean comes pre-packed and ready to use. 

This concentrated version has a longer shelf life than the fresh beans or dried pods. Sniffing a few drops of vanilla extract is known to provide stress relief. Infact, neurological studies reveal that vanilla extract may prove useful in treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. Digestion problems maybe relieved by taking vanilla infused herbal tea. Drinking water boiled with vanilla beans is a traditional remedy for nausea, vomiting, and stomach upsets. The aroma of vanilla may help ease queasiness.

Vanilla may prove effective in soothing inflammation as well due to its antioxidant properties. The supplement industry is also tapping into the medicinal properties of vanillin. While oral intake proves to be less effective since vanillin cannot stand the acidic properties of the stomach, pills or powders designed to withstand stomach acids are becoming popular.