Vanilla aromatica / Vanilla / Orchidaceae (Orchid family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Tlilxochitl, Vanilla , Vanilla aromatica, Vanilla fragrans, Vanilla planifolia.

Description

Vanilla is a genus of orchids native to Central America. Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world. It is also the second most expensive spice after Saffron, due the extensive labor required to grow the seed pods used in its manufacture. Regardless of its high cost, Vanilla is widely used in both commercial and domestic baking, perfume manufacture and aromatherapy.

Scent

Vanilla has a complex floral aroma depicted as a "peculiar bouquet" and a flavor described as "pure, spicy and delicate" by author Frederic Rosengarten, Jr. described in The Book of Spices.
Psychologists and medical researchers were aware of our positive reactions to the scent of Vanilla long before perfume makers recognised its potential. In experiments where an odour universally regarded as "pleasant" is required, vanillin has been a standard choice for decades.(3)
A curious fact is that recently scientists have shown that a single gene that codes for one odor receptor determines whether someone perceives the pheromone androstenone (a key component in male sweat) as odorless, smelling like urine or sweet Vanilla.(4)

Aromatic Properties

The fragrance of Vanilla generates a sense of well-being and a feeling of relaxation. Its message of good temper and joy is antidepressant. Its aroma is euphoric and comforting, it attenuates bad temper and irritability, it loosens the tensions, diminishes insatisfaction and frustration, giving a sense of physical satisfaction related to the oral phase of the first infancy. For this reason the scent of Vanilla helps also to dominate nervous hunger, often caused by an affective emptiness, making us revive the primordial emotion of the totally satisfied baby after feeding. In fact, the aroma of Vanilla produces a beneficial regression, awaking in us the inner child. The fragrance of Vanilla also has a subtle aphrodisiac effect.

Contents

Natural Vanilla is an extremely complicated mixture of several hundred different compounds. Though there are many of these compounds present in the extracts of Vanilla, the one predominantly responsible for the characteristic flavour and smell of vanilla is known as vanillin.

Historical

The first to cultivate Vanilla were the Totonac people, who inhabit the Mazantla Valley on the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the present-day state of Veracruz. According to Totonac mythology, the tropical orchid was born when Princess Xanat, forbidden by her father from marrying a mortal, fled to the forest with her lover. The lovers were captured and beheaded. Where their blood touched the ground, the vine of the tropical orchid grew.
In the fifteenth century, Aztecs from the central highlands of Mexico conquered the Totonacs, and the conquerors soon developed a taste for the Vanilla bean. They named the bean "Tlilxochitl", or "black flower", after the mature bean, which shrivels and turns black shortly after it is picked. After they were subjected to the Aztecs the Totonacs paid their tribute by sending Vanilla beans to the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan.
Vanilla was completely unknown in the Old World before Columbus. Spanish explorers who arrived on the Gulf Coast of Mexico in the early sixteenth century gave Vanilla its name. The word Vanilla derived from the Spanish name of the spice, vainilla, a diminutive of vagina, perhaps motivated by the sheath-like shape of the fruit. Spanish conquistador Hernàn Cortés is credited with introducing both the spice and Chocolate to Europe in the 1520s. Attempts to cultivate the Vanilla plant outside Mexico and Central America proved futile because of the symbiotic relationship between the Tlilxochitl vine that produced the Vanilla orchid and the local species of Melipona bee; it wasn't until 1837 that Belgian botanist Charles Francois Antoine Morren discovered this fact and pioneered a method of artificially pollinating the plant. Unfortunately, the method proved financially unworkable and was not deployed commercially. In 1841, a 12-year-old French-owned slave by the name of Edmond Albius, who lived on Isle Bourbon, discovered the plant could be hand pollinated, allowing global cultivation of the plant.(1)(2)

Plant Description

Vanilla is a short-lived, tropical perennial orchid vine that can grow up to 10m. It grows in low mountain rainforests, humid lowlands, savannahs and prairies. Native to the tropical forests of Mexico, it is now cultivated in many other parts of the globe, such as Brazil, Honduras, Java, Africa, and the West Indies. This climbing vine has a thick, succulent stem, and entire, thick, smooth, bright-green, pointed leaves, 12-25cm long, and 5-10cm broad. They grow in a zigzag pattern clinging to the bark by aerial roots formed by each leaf node. The flowers are produced in axillary bunches of 8 or 10. They are yellowish-green with a yellowish-orange labellum and about 10 cm in diameter. Vanilla flowers all year round but blooms mainly from January to May. The fruit is a pendant pod, 12-25cm long, 3cm or more in circumference when fresh, and contains myriads of minute seeds. These pods, when properly cured and dried, are the Vanilla of commerce.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Norway

References

(1) Vanilla, Wikipedia
(2) Vanilla, Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
(3) The Smell Report - Vanilla, Social Issues Research Centre
(4) The Scent of a Man, Scientific American

Wooden Mini Cabinets

Wooden Mini Cabinets

Wooden Mini Cabinets

Cananga odorata / Ylang Ylang / Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ylang Ylang, Cananga odorata, Macassar oil.

Description

Ylang Ylang essential oil is distilled from the beautiful flowers of the tropical Cananga odorata (Perfume Tree). The tree is planted everywhere in the tropics because of its highly fragrant flowers. Ylang Ylang, meaning "the flower of flowers" has a rich floral, exotic, sweet, oriental, feminine fragrance that is said to have many beneficial properties. The essential oil is widely used in making high quality perfumes, in massage oils and in aromatherapy. One of the most famous perfumes that draws heavily on Ylang Ylang is "Chanel No.5".

Scent

Ylang Ylang has a rich, heavy, floral, exotically sweet odor that has several effects. It is refreshing and calming, but also sensual, seductive and exiting. The fragrance is reminiscent of Jasmine, because of its floral and sweet odor. Perfume-note: Base to Middle.

Aromatic Properties

The scent of Ylang Ylang, like Jasmin and Rose, has long been considered an aphrodisiac. This explains its popularity in the use of making perfume. The fragrance is both stimulating as also relaxing. It is said to release tension, lift depression and generally stabilize mood swings. It relaxes and calms exited emotional states. It minimizes feelings of anger, fears and frustrations, while it fosters feelings of love, security and serenity. Ylang Ylang is recommended by many practitioners in treating sexual disorders, especially when related to stress. Ylang Ylang arouses sensuality, creates erotic and euphoric moods, and induces deep relaxation. Women in the tropics have also used Ylang Ylang in a mixture with coconut oil, for a nice hairtreat.

Contents

Linalol, farnesol, geraniol, geranial, benzyl acetate, geranyl acetate, eugenol, methyl chavicol, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, farnasene.

Synergic Combinations

Blends very well with all citrus oils like Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Tangerine and also Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Palma Rosa, Vetiver, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and for excitement, with Black Pepper.

Historical

The Perfume tree was introduced in the 19th century to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Madagascar and Comores by the French. The Comores are called the "Perfume Isles" because, by now, they export 80% of the worlds supply of Ylang Ylang essence. Madagascar is the other major world producer. Ylang Ylang has a long history of use for erotic uses. In middle-eastern cultures women used the fragrance to create a sensual atmosphere in the harems.
In Indonesia the blossoms were thrown on the beds of just married couples, as an aphrodisiac. Ylang Ylang has also a history of being used in the most exquisite perfumes, for example Chanel No.5.

Plant Description

The Cananga Odorata is a South Asian member of the Custard Apple family (Annonaceae). Tall and evergreen, the "Perfume Tree" produces large yellowish flowers on downward drooping branches, all year round. The exquisite star-shaped flowers are gathered shortly after sunrise in either early summer or autumn. After picking they go through a steam distillation process, which lasts several days. The essential oil is extracted in three phases. In the last phase, the oil is the most strong in scent, this is called the third grade. Approximately 1,7 kilo of flowers go into a small bottle of 5ml. The oil is mainly yellow to neutral in color. Peculiarly, when the blossoms of the tree grow in the wild, their scent is not so strong. The more tender care they receive, the more fragrance they will spread.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cananga odorata - Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry
Cananga odorata - Wikipedia

Cananga odorata / Ylang Ylang / Annonaceae (Custard Apple family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Ylang Ylang, Cananga odorata, Macassar oil.

Description

Ylang Ylang essential oil is distilled from the beautiful flowers of the tropical Cananga odorata (Perfume Tree). The tree is planted everywhere in the tropics because of its highly fragrant flowers. Ylang Ylang, meaning "the flower of flowers" has a rich floral, exotic, sweet, oriental, feminine fragrance that is said to have many beneficial properties. The essential oil is widely used in making high quality perfumes, in massage oils and in aromatherapy. One of the most famous perfumes that draws heavily on Ylang Ylang is "Chanel No.5".

Scent

Ylang Ylang has a rich, heavy, floral, exotically sweet odor that has several effects. It is refreshing and calming, but also sensual, seductive and exiting. The fragrance is reminiscent of Jasmine, because of its floral and sweet odor. Perfume-note: Base to Middle.

Aromatic Properties

The scent of Ylang Ylang, like Jasmin and Rose, has long been considered an aphrodisiac. This explains its popularity in the use of making perfume. The fragrance is both stimulating as also relaxing. It is said to release tension, lift depression and generally stabilize mood swings. It relaxes and calms exited emotional states. It minimizes feelings of anger, fears and frustrations, while it fosters feelings of love, security and serenity. Ylang Ylang is recommended by many practitioners in treating sexual disorders, especially when related to stress. Ylang Ylang arouses sensuality, creates erotic and euphoric moods, and induces deep relaxation. Women in the tropics have also used Ylang Ylang in a mixture with coconut oil, for a nice hairtreat.

Contents

Linalol, farnesol, geraniol, geranial, benzyl acetate, geranyl acetate, eugenol, methyl chavicol, pinene, beta-caryophyllene, farnasene.

Synergic Combinations

Blends very well with all citrus oils like Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Tangerine and also Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Palma Rosa, Vetiver, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, and for excitement, with Black Pepper.

Historical

The Perfume tree was introduced in the 19th century to the Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius, Madagascar and Comores by the French. The Comores are called the "Perfume Isles" because, by now, they export 80% of the worlds supply of Ylang Ylang essence. Madagascar is the other major world producer. Ylang Ylang has a long history of use for erotic uses. In middle-eastern cultures women used the fragrance to create a sensual atmosphere in the harems.
In Indonesia the blossoms were thrown on the beds of just married couples, as an aphrodisiac. Ylang Ylang has also a history of being used in the most exquisite perfumes, for example Chanel No.5.

Plant Description

The Cananga Odorata is a South Asian member of the Custard Apple family (Annonaceae). Tall and evergreen, the "Perfume Tree" produces large yellowish flowers on downward drooping branches, all year round. The exquisite star-shaped flowers are gathered shortly after sunrise in either early summer or autumn. After picking they go through a steam distillation process, which lasts several days. The essential oil is extracted in three phases. In the last phase, the oil is the most strong in scent, this is called the third grade. Approximately 1,7 kilo of flowers go into a small bottle of 5ml. The oil is mainly yellow to neutral in color. Peculiarly, when the blossoms of the tree grow in the wild, their scent is not so strong. The more tender care they receive, the more fragrance they will spread.

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Cananga odorata - Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry
Cananga odorata - Wikipedia