Do you love the sweet, creamy scent of vanilla? And did you know that it is actually a type of orchid that comes from southeastern Mexico?! Its aroma has accompanied humanity for some 900 years, both in cooking and in beauty care. Not only is its scent soothing, but its natural ingredients have beneficial effects on our skin. Come and walk with us in the footsteps of vanilla and discover its magic for beautiful and healthy skin!
Black flower
Vanilla is a type of orchid that comes from southeastern Mexico. As one of the few representatives of orchids, it produces a fruit called a vanilla pod and is the only orchid with an edible fruit! The first to cultivate it were the Totonacs, from whom, after their conquest, the powerful Aztecs learned to cultivate and use it. The Aztecs called it “tlilxóchitl” or “black flower” and were the first culture in history to mix cocoa and vanilla in their drinks. The mixture was very similar to our “hot chocolate”, but they called it “xocolatl”. It is said that the Aztec emperor Montezuma said that xocolatl was “a divine drink that builds endurance and fights fatigue. A cup of this rare drink allows a man to go all day without eating.” The Spaniards, who were not used to its smell, initially called it a drink for pigs!
Bourbon or Mexican vanilla
After Cortez's conquest of the Aztec Empire (1519) and his return to Spain, the culinary magic of this aromatic fruit was also revealed. As Europeans expanded around the world, vanilla cuttings were transplanted to other tropical regions to see where they could thrive. Although they grew, they did not bear fruit. Belgian botanist Charles Morren concluded that the reason was the Mexican melipone bee, which lives nowhere else in the world. This bee was the only source of pollination for the vanilla orchid. And here began the practice of hand pollination. The Bourbon Islands (now Reunion, the name “Bourbon” derives from the last French royal dynasty), controlled by the French and located near the tip of Madagascar, proved to be the most suitable area for growing vanilla. Until the end of the 19th century, Mexico still held the first place in world vanilla production. Today, however, more than 70% of the world’s vanilla is produced in Madagascar.
Natural or synthetic vanillin
Vanilla is very expensive, due to the labor involved, just like true rose oil. It needs an average year-round tropical climate of around 25 degrees to grow. The first flowers appear after 2-3 years of cultivation. The flowers are yellow-green, and must be hand-pollinated within 24 hours of blooming. If pollination does not occur, the flower withers and falls off. The most important component of vanilla, which creates its typical aroma, is vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), which, despite its clumsy chemical name, is relatively easy to synthesize. Vanillin can be made from petrochemicals; from lignin, a by-product of the wood and paper industry; and from eugenol, a component of clove oil. It can even be produced from castoreum, a molasses secretion from the anal glands of beavers!
From vanilla bean to floral water
After the harvest, the process of processing and transforming vanilla begins. The vanilla pods go through a series of steps that stop their ripening and activate the enzymes that create the characteristic aroma. They are then slowly dried in the sun or in special drying rooms until they are dark brown and soft. Once dried, the pods are sorted and packaged. Some are sold whole, others are ground or processed into vanilla extract or absolute (essential oil), hydrolate (flower water). The process of transforming vanilla requires patience and expertise to preserve its delicate aroma and excellent taste.
Fragrance and aromatherapy
Vanilla has a sweet, warm and delicately floral aroma. Its scent is often described as sweet, creamy and slightly woody. Vanilla evokes notes of caramel, chocolate and cream and a calming sensation that makes it popular in desserts and scented products. In aromatherapy, its sweet and warm aroma is used to Vanilla floral waters a oil absolute used for nervousness and anxiety. Famous aromatherapist Valerie Worwood includes vanilla among the scents that simply disperse sadness. It can help relieve feelings of anxiety and bring the body, mind and spirit into balance, especially in difficult times. It has uplifting and aphrodisiac effects. Its magical scent will transport you to exotic lands where time passes at its own pace. Some scientific research suggests that vanilla, with its positive effects on mood, stimulates the production of serotonin, or the hormone of happiness.
Beneficial effects of vanilla on the skin
Vanilla is rich in antioxidants that prevent skin damage caused by free radicals, helping to slow down signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. Its flower water and absolutes are widely used in the cosmetic industry not only for their wonderful aroma. It is rich in anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects and is therefore also suitable for the care of problematic skin. Vanilla flower water deeply hydrates the skin and regenerates it. It is used as a traditional remedy for healing burns, wounds and cuts. This potential is also demonstrated by scientific study from 2023 published in the Journal of advanced pharmaceutical technology and research. Another interesting fact is a 2017 study investigating the effect of vanillin on psoriasis.
DIY practical care tips
Vanilla-pink body scrub
2 tbsp cane sugar
1 PL almond oil with 1 a drop of rose oile
2-3 crumbled pink flowers
1 tbsp. vanilla floral waters
Mix all ingredients into a thick paste. Apply to damp skin in the shower. Rub into skin in gentle circular motions, then rinse with water. Lock in moisture with your favorite oil based on your skin type.
Vanilla-honey facial mask
2 tbsp thick natural plain yogurt
1 tablespoon of honey
1 tbsp ground oatmeal
1 tbsp. vanilla floral waters (amount depends on the density of the mixture)
Mix all ingredients into a paste. Apply to cleansed skin. Leave on for 15-20 minutes. Then rinse with lukewarm water. Tone the skin with flower water and then apply your favorite facial oil whether serum.
Relaxing vanilla bath
Add 2-4 tablespoons of vanilla flower water to a warm bath. The warm bath will help release the vanilla scent and your body and mind will feel pleasantly relaxed.
DIY aromatherapy for a good mood
The aromatic vanilla pod is also used to make a treasure trove of perfumery and aromatherapy. vanilla absolute, which is a great helper during difficult days, sadness or nervousness. It combines very well with citrus essential oils, or, conversely, warming oils, which you will certainly appreciate in the winter months.
Prepare these simple scents. Drop the essential oils into a diffuser or aroma lamp and enjoy your relaxing moments!
Refreshing vanilla
3 drops oranges
2 drops lemon
2 drops cedar
2 drops vanilla
Soothing vanilla
3 drops vanilla
2 drops bergamot
2 drops cedar
Warm vanilla
2 drops vanilla
3 drops oranges
2 drops cinnamon
Meditation Vanilla
2 drops vanilla
2 drops balsam of Peru
1 drop clove
Sources:
S. Catty - Hydrosols The Next Aromatherapy, 2001.
Lydia Bosson - Hydrosol Therapy, 2019.
L. & S. Price – Understanding Hydrosols: The specific Hydrosols for Aromatherapy, 2004.
VA Worwood - The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion, 1997.
Sinsuebpol C, Burapapadh K, Chowjaroen V, Changsan N. The radical scavenging activity of vanillin and its impact on the healing properties of wounds. J Adv Pharm Technol Res. 2023 Apr-Jun;14(2):99-104. doi: 10.4103/japtr.japtr_631_22. Epub 2023 Apr 13. PMID: 37255868; PMCID: PMC10226704.
Cheng HM, Chen FY, Li CC, Lo HY, Liao YF, Ho TY, Hsiang CY. Oral Administration of Vanillin Improves Imiquimod-Induced Psoriatic Skin Inflammation in Mice. J Agric Food Chem. 2017 Nov 29;65(47):10233-10242. doi: 10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04259. Epub 2017 Nov 14. PMID: 29073354.
Aveda Hair: Benefits of Vanilla, 24.4.2014
Mr. Raina: History of Vanilla
To Rodella: Vanilla History
R. Rupp: The History of Vanilla, National Geographic, 23.10.2014.
