Vanilla is included in perfumes, food and pharmaceutical products, but it also has medicinal properties that relieve certain ailments such as: fever, stomach ailments, spasms, etc. It belongs to the Orchidaceae family, which is where vanilla extract comes from. Here you will know the benefits of vanilla tea , ingredients and side effects.
Its origin comes from Central America and north of South America. The pioneers in its cultivation were the Totonac Indians who lived in Mexico about 1,000 years ago. Currently its cultivation occurs throughout the world, being its main producers Madagascar and Indonesia.
Vanilla pods have no taste or smell, but when they are processed they produce chemical and enzymatic reactions that generate their characteristic flavor and smell. Vanilla species have their own quality and uses. For example, Pompona Vanilla is used in the production of perfumes, Planifolia and Tahitensis have stronger aromas and are used mostly in cooking.
Vanilla Tea Benefits
Vanilla extract has a number of properties that make it useful in both the food and nutraceutical industries. Among the benefits of vanilla tea are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypolipidemic and antimicrobial.
- Vanilla tea is considered anxiolytic, because it increases the levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are hormones that produce well-being. For example, in a blood draw, inhaling its aroma produces tranquility.
- Help sleep. The smell of vanilla stimulates the sense of smell, so in the healthy adult this has a positive influence on achieving sleep at night.
- It’s painkiller. The vanillic acid contained in vanilla has been investigated for a long time, because according to preclinical studies it has therapeutic agents.
- Protects brain cells. The power of vanilla tea inhibits the action of chemical agents such as ethanol, potassium bromate and carbon tetrachloride, which cause brain toxicity. There are studies that determine that it decreases neurological deterioration in the spinal cord.
- Control glucose and cholesterol. Experiments done with mice showed that vanilla reduced glucose and bad cholesterol levels.
- Regulates digestion. Drinking vanilla tea can relieve gas, prevent diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pains.
All of the above was evaluated in experiments where vanilla was the active principle. However, it cannot be concluded that consuming regular amounts of this spice will result in all of these benefits.
To make the most of its aroma, you should choose branch vanillas, preferably those of ecological production, those that are whole and come in glass tubes. Although they can be found in powder.
Vanilla tea benefits. Recipes
Let’s see some recipes that include vanilla tea and of which also take advantage of certain benefits.
chai tea with vanilla
For many years, chai tea has been a very popular drink and one of the favorites of many. Some of the benefits of vanilla chai tea are: it helps activate energy, thanks to caffeine, improves digestion, relieves nausea, keeps the immune system strong, etc.
Ingredients:
- 5 tea bags of your choice.
- A liter of water.
- A teaspoon of liquid vanilla.
- Two cinnamon sticks.
- 10 cloves.
- A pinch of black pepper.
Method of preparation:
- Boil in a pot with water: vanilla, cloves, cinnamon and pepper.
- Once weed, we removed from the heat and added the tea bags.
- We leave the preparation covered so that its ingredients finish releasing their aromas.
- You can add lemon or orange peel if you want some citrus notes.
Strawberry Vanilla Tea
This is another of the recipes that are obtained with the vanilla. We must also bear in mind some of the benefits of strawberry and vanilla tea : it treats gastric, liver and kidney problems, inflammation of the mucous membranes, etc.
Ingredients:
- A tablespoon of ground vanilla.
- A cup of strawberries.
- ½ cup of mint leaves.
- ½ liter of water.
- A spoonful of sugar.
- Ice cubes.
Method of preparation:
- Combine all the ingredients and blend them.
- Serve in glasses with ice and drink!
cinnamon and vanilla tea
Some of the benefits of cinnamon and vanilla tea are: it improves digestion, it is calming, antipyretic, aphrodisiac and antidepressant.
Ingredients:
- A cup of boiling water.
- An orange tea bag.
- Two tablespoons of milk.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Method of preparation:
- Boil the water and add it in a cup with the tea bag for 3 minutes.
- Remove the bag.
- Add milk, vanilla, cinnamon and if you prefer to sweeten, add honey.
Properties of other recipes that involve vanilla can be taken advantage of, for example, the benefits of vanilla and caramel tea that involve energy, improve performance and delay the feeling of fatigue. Or also, the benefits of green tea with vanilla that reduces anxiety, helps to lose weight and produces a feeling of well-being.
vanilla tea side effects
Regarding the use of your essential oil, it is best to consume it naturally and externally. As for the tincture, it can be ingested. If the person suffers from skin irritation, its use should be ruled out.
On the other hand, some of its essential oils have negative effects on neurons, so it is not recommended for people with neurological problems, such as Parkinson’s disease. It is also not recommended for people who suffer from gastritis or irritable colon.