- Origin
- North America (Mexico, Central America)
Central America and the Caribbean · Herb · № 222
Vanilla planifolia
Herb · Central America and the Caribbean
Vanilla
Vanilla planifolia
Traditionally attributed effects: gives a feeling of calm and comfort; fragrance.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
External: extract in lip balm, milk bath and massage oil for couples.
Use in traditions
The Totonac of Veracruz were the first vanilla growers; the Aztecs demanded the pods as tribute and flavoured their cacao drink with them. Outside Mexico the plant bore no fruit until twelve-year-old Edmond Albius on Réunion invented hand pollination in 1841. In Mexican folk medicine vanilla was used for stomach ache and as a stimulant. In herbal magic associated with attracting love and abundance, clearing the mind, raising the spiritual vibration, and love.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Sweet, warm scent that many people find comforting.
Preparation and amount
External: a few drops of vanilla extract in lip balm, a milk bath and massage oil (see the recipes).
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Attracts love and abundance, clears the head, raises the spiritual vibration, love, prosperity, lust, energy, mental powers, creativity.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with love, attraction and a clear mind.
Preparation and amount
Vanilla is the fruit of an orchid from Mexico. The Totonac of Veracruz were the first to grow it, and the Aztecs flavoured their cacao drink with it. Outside Mexico vanilla only became possible after twelve-year-old Edmond Albius on Réunion learned in 1841 to pollinate the flowers by hand.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Preparation and amount
Love oil; vanilla pod in sugar.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Herbal oil (oil infusion)Salve and balmSteam and bath