Who doesn’t enjoy the irresistibly sweet aroma of vanilla? Not only does it smell great, but its use in various baked dishes can give a pleasant taste for hungry foodies. Surprisingly, vanilla is also full of healthy properties that help to boost overall health. It has plenty of antioxidants as well as antibacterial elements that make it a suitable option for various skin and hair ailments. It can also be used to help the immune system improve its defenses.
Treats Acne
Many treatments exist that aim to alleviate, manage, and even wholly cure acne of different parts of the body, especially the face. However, few are aware of the benefits that vanilla extract has for the sensitive skin of the face. Vanilla extract contains certain antibacterial elements that can help to treat the skin. It works by cleansing the skin of impurities and oils, thus clearing up acne. Talk to your dermatologist to see if vanilla extract is suitable for you; some people may experience irritation as a result.
It Brightens Skin
Vanilla has numerous applications for the skin: it can help clear up acne, it can treat blemishes, and it can also brighten the skin. Vanilla extract does so by working to reverse skin damage. Vanilla is full of powerful antioxidants that pamper and nutrify the skin. Moreover, vanilla extract also works as a natural anti-aging treatment; you can apply some on the skin to reduce the presence of wrinkles, as well as fine lines. Another idea is to create a natural face mask made of ground-up vanilla beans and sugar to detoxify and exfoliate the skin.
Softens Hair
Aside from the multiple beauty benefits of vanilla extract for the skin and body, it can also work wonders for hair. Besides softening it, it makes hair silky smooth and naturally strong. You shouldn’t apply vanilla extract directly onto the hair; instead, you should mix it with other ingredients to create a pasty substance that safely treats the hair. Some popular ingredients for this purpose include olive oil, coconut oil, and other similar products. Apply The desired mixture onto the hair for up to 15 minutes and rinse with shampoo. Repeat as needed.
Rich in Antioxidants
Regarding the raw health benefits for the body, vanilla extract contains ample amounts of antioxidants. One of the most potent antioxidants found vanilla extract includes vanillic acid which can help to reduce the body’s fragile tissues from free radicals and toxins. However, you should be aware that the quality of the vanilla extract used influenced the number of antioxidants. Some lower-quality extracts may not even have any antioxidants, so be sure to look for suitable products. Consume vanilla extract in moderation, and consult your doctor to ensure that vanilla extract is right for you.
Anti-Inflammatory
Some anti-inflammatory properties can be found in vanilla extract. Therefore, this ingredient may be helpful for individuals with inflammatory conditions. That being said, you should always consult your doctor before using vanilla extract as a treatment option. Many studies, including one by the European Journal of Pharmacology, have found that vanilla extract could even protect the liver, and animals showed lower inflammation as a result of vanilla extract consumption. To see if this remedy works for you, you should try consuming small amounts and closely follow your symptoms.
Good Cholesterol
Nowadays, it is easy to find abundant amounts of junk food around us; in our home, in supermarkets and other establishments and even at school or the workplace. Vanilla extract could potentially contain compounds that may lower the levels of cholesterol in the body. This is due to the presence of the vanillin chemical, which in some cases can considerably lower total blood cholesterol. However, medical science hasn’t fully determined to which extent this remedy works, and more investigation is needed. Consult your doctor to see if this remedy is safe for you. Enjoy vanilla extract with your favorite beverage.
Aromatherapy
It goes without saying that vanilla has a sweet, inviting aroma that puts stress and anxiety to ease. That’s why many people recommend vanilla extract as a healthy option for performing aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is a form of therapy that uses good smells or scents to produce certain beneficial effects on the body and mind. This form of therapy functions as a result of our olfactory sense. Vanilla extract may affect the brain by creating a sense of peace and calm, thus helping to reduce stress levels. Moreover, due to its affordable cost and availability, vanilla extract is one of the most convenient aromas.
Weight Loss
Believe it or not, but some people swear that high-quality vanilla extract helps them to lose weight. For many years, numerous celebrities including many famous television stars, have used different forms of vanilla extract to help them lose weight in an innovating manner. Usually, vanilla extract is combined with other weight-loss inducing techniques to achieve an optimal result. For example, some people use so-called vanilla patches as a way to reduce hunger, whereas others perform vigorous exercises to burn calories, and then use vanilla to speed us the process of shedding weight. Naturally, get your doctor’s approval before using vanilla
Aids Digestion
Historically, vanilla has been used widely as a way to naturally improve or encourage proper digestion. This is a multi-faceted treatment that targets different senses of the body, including taste and smell. For people prone to nausea, vanilla offers a sense of respite by calming down the stomach. For others, vanilla-infused water or tea may help to speed-up digestion or to reduce pain and other symptoms of the intestinal tract. People with conditions such as Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome have reported the positive effects of vanilla extract as a natural treatment, although each person responds differently to the use of this herb.
Alleviates Respiratory Symptoms
It’s the middle of the flu season, and you come up with a sudden cough. What comes to your mind first concerning treatment? Perhaps a calming herbal tea? Or maybe a steam bath? Well, even though these treatments may prove effective, there’s another option that’s also highly recommendable: vanilla extract. This sweet treatment works by coating the sensitive tissue of the throat with vanilla extract, which may create an anesthetic effect that helps to take the edge off of your pain. Moreover, the antibacterial properties can kill off any harmful bacteria. You can mix this ingredient with other more traditional treatments.