COMMON NAME: Vanilla, Oleoresin

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Vanilla planifolia

FAMILY NAME: Orchidaceae

INDIGENOUS COUNTRY: Mexico

COUNTRY OF PRODUCTION: Madagascar, Mexico, Central America, Indonesia, Tahiti

HISTORY INFORMATION: Spaniards brought vanilla back from the Aztecs. Along with chocolate which also came from the Aztecs, hot chocolate and the chocolate bar were born. In Mexico, native birds pollinate the vanilla orchid, but in other parts of the world, this must be done by hand making vanilla a very expensive process. Again the curing or processing of the vanilla is also very time consuming. The pods ripen or ferment after they are taken from the vine and this can take several months. Vanilla is used primarily as a flavoring and as a perfume.

GENERAL INFORMATION: There are several species of vanilla. Mexican vanilla is used primarily for commerce. Tahiti vailla (V. tahitensis) comes from a smaller bean. Vanillon vanilla (V. pompona) is considered an inferior oil. Java vanilla seems to have less vanillin than others, but this can vary. As the beans dry or ferment, vanillin accumulates as white crystals on the surface of the bean. The oil can be a resinoid (oleoresin), CO2 extracted, an absolute, or the new water based vanilla. This is an example of how the oil or scent is developed after curing. Vanilla is very thick after processing. It is thinned with alcohol and this is what some say is adulterating the oil. The addition of alcohol makes the oil dropable and also lowers the cost.

DESCRIPTION OF PLANT: A perennial vine growing to 80ft. with green stems and large white orchid flowers producing green pods which ripen in nine months.

PARTS PROCESSED: Fermented Bean.

PROCESSING METHODS: Solvent extracted - resinoid. CO2 extraction.

COLOR RANGE: Dark brown.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS: Class: Aldehyde. Over 160 identified constituents, levels of vanillin vary.

PHYSICAL ACTIONS AND USES: Aphrodisiac, balsamic, calmative, emmenagogue, nervous sedative. Used for perfume, inducing menstruation, calming emotions, ease tension and anger. Used to reduce stress, promote sleep, uplift mood, strengthen sexual system, help to recall dreams.

MENTAL USES: I have worked hard and I have accomplished much. It is good to reward yourself for work well done.

EMOTIONAL USES: Taken personal and spiritual growth as very important, intense, wanting to be the best person you know how to be TO acknowledge the good work you have done, appreciate self for all your accomplishments, give yourself a pat on the back.

SPIRITUAL USES: When this oil is called for, it indicates that you are doing very well. It signals that you are going in the right direction and you need to take time and acknowledge and appreciate yourself and those in your environment. This oil also signifies that there is much more to do and accomplish so keep going. Think of this as spiritual positive reinforcement.

APPLICATIONS: Aroma lamp, bath, food, inhaler, light bulb ring, liquid candle, massage, mist spray, perfume.

WARNINGS\CONTRAINDICATIONS: No formal testing, avoid in pregnancy with infants and children, thinning agents can cause sensitivity; test before using, appears nontoxic.