Aromatherapy uses various plant essential oils to improve physical and psychological well-being. You can enjoy scents by heating oils in an essential diffuser, adding them to gels, lotions. Today we will talk about the classic spice – vanilla.
Calming effect
Researchers at the Cancer Institute in New York tried five fragrances for MRI patients. Of all the most relaxing was heliotropin – an analogue of natural vanilla. With this smell, patients experienced 63% less anxiety and claustrophobia than the control group. These results led to the inclusion of vanilla flavor in the standard MRI procedure. At the same time, the University of Tübingen in Germany confirmed the hypothesis that the smell of vanilla reduces the startle reflex in humans and animals. Due to their soothing properties, vanilla oils are included in bath foams and scented candles to promote restful sleep.
Vanilla is an aphrodisiac
Vanilla has been used as an aphrodisiac since Aztec times, according to the journal Spice Chemistry. Preparations containing vanilla were used in Germany in the XNUMXth century to treat male impotence. Experiments conducted by scientists have shown that vanilla, as well as the smells of lavender, pumpkin pie and black licorice, increase sexual activity in male volunteers. Vanilla flavor is especially effective for elderly patients.
Respiratory effect
The National Center for Scientific Research in Strasbourg found that the smell of vanilla made it easier to breathe during sleep in premature babies. A solution of vanillin was dripped onto the pillows of 15 newborns in the intensive care unit and their respiratory rate was monitored for three consecutive days. Sleep apnea episodes decreased by 36%. The scientists suggested that the smell of vanilla works in two ways: by directly affecting the respiratory centers in the brain, and also by helping babies cope with stress.