Vanilla
Profile
| Latin Name | Vanilla planifolia |
| Chinese Name | Not Known |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Note | Slow |
| Aroma | <Strong> Sweet, Vanilla-like |
| Color | Amber |
| Parts Distilled | Resin |
| Regions | Comoro Islands, East Africa & Central America, Indonesia, Madagascar, Mexico |
| Taste | Sweet |
| Nature | Slightly Wanning |
| Affinity | LR/KI |
| Major Chemical Constituents | Vanillin (~1-3%), Aldehydes |
| Skin Type | Mature Dosage: 2% dilution |
TCM Categories
Functions
- Nourish the Hun of the Liver and the chi of Kidneys - to release pent-up frustration, anger, and resentment; strengthen the will to gain confidence
Indications
Specific Protocols
- 6% dilution of Vanilla (20%), Frankincense (40%), and Vetiver (40%) for Yin Wei Mai.
Actions
- Emotional cathartic
- Flavoring
Contraindications & Cautions
- None
Additional Comments
- Vanilla is often used just to flavor food rather than for its therapeutic functions.
From Class
- Remission blend (ylang ylang, vanilla, vetiver, frankincense, violet): Ylang ylang (~60%) nourishes yin and relaxes the liver; vanilla (~20%) tonifies spleen/stomach; vetiver, frankincense and violet share ~20%; no top note needed when not expelling. (Yuen)