We all know that vanilla is used mainly for culinary purposes - as the main ingredient vanilla recipes and the all-time favorite vanilla ice cream as well as to add flavor and aroma to most tasty treats like cakes, pastries, and other beverages. Because of its sweet smelling aroma, vanilla is also widely used as in perfumery. But did you know that vanilla has a welcoming and intoxicating effect to our body’s Central Nervous System?

After curing, the vanilla beans produce an essential oil known as vanillin. The vanillin oil is responsible for the distinct aroma of vanilla that’s sensual and calming and gives vanilla a taste that’s exotic; probably the reason why the Aztec Indians used vanilla as an aphrodisiac and even up to now, it is still patronized as one. Scientific studies show that vanilla has a striking effect to our body’s Central Nervous System by arousing one’s libido. The lusting effect of vanilla to one’s libido is brought about by the production of sexual hormones – estrogen for females and testosterone for males – as stimulated by the brain. Vanilla recipes, like the vanilla smoothie is one good sample of the use of vanilla as an aphrodisiac.

Notice how vanilla is widely used in aromatherapy nowadays? This is because of the fact that vanillin, the essential oil of cured vanilla beans, gives our strained nerves a relaxing and calming effect. At times when you feel angry, anxious or restless, aromatherapy using vanilla essence is a good way to relax your nerves.

Do you ever wonder why it’s nice to eat ice cream, especially vanilla flavored ice cream during times when your feel depressed? Yes, it can be attributed to the sweet and flavorful taste of the vanilla ice cream that for a moment you tend to forget what upsets you. But actually, you owe that good feeling not to the ice cream perse’, but to vanilla. This is because vanilla has an anti-depressant property. It creates a sense of euphoria, making you feel better.

Because of its relaxing and calming effects to the body, vanilla is also used as a mild tranquilizer or sedative. Again, this is because of the vanillin’s effect to our central nervous system, particularly to the brain. So at times when you find it hard to sleep or feel anxious, try applying vanilla scented lotion all over your body or light up a candle that’s scented with vanilla and feel it’s soothing effect.

Now you know that vanilla is not solely intended as spice for vanilla recipes and other cuisine, but also a very good anti-depressant, aphrodisiac and relaxant. Because of the wondrous benefits that it offers, vanilla is indeed one of nature’s valuable gifts.