Vanilla: The Seed of Happiness

By David Crow, L.Ac.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of studying natural healing systems such as

Ayurveda and aromatherapy is the endless variety of plants and fragrances that one

meets along the path. A person could spend a lifetime studying just one of these

plants (and some do), and still not know everything about it. This month we feature

a common spice known to all, but one with many intriguing secrets.

In my hand, between my thumb and index finger, I am gently holding a vanilla

bean. It is a dark brown color identical to a rich chocolate, the similarity of their

hues revealing the love they have for each other. The skin of this pod is slightly

oily and smooth, almost sweaty, and very human-like except for tiny narrow

grooves that run the length from the stem to the tip.

This particular specimen is about eight inches long and a quarter inch wide; it

might easily be mistaken for a worm. Its texture is leathery and tough yet rubbery

and soft. Rolling the pod between my fingers, it gives the feeling of being hollow.

Curious, I gently peel the pod in half, to reveal a layer of an even darker

brown-black substance, moist and viscous, apparently consisting of

near-microscopic seeds in a gelatinous mass. Overcome with temptation (is it the

effect of the fragrance?), I scoop out a small portion of this vegetable caviar and

place it on my tongue; the seeds are crunchy, like grains of sugar.

There is something slightly erotic about this bean, and I suspect that its sensuous

skin, tantalizing aroma, and succulent flavor are affecting the neurochemistry of

my perception. It is, after all, a seed pod, a reproductive organ of a jungle orchid,

whose name is derived from the Spanish translation of the Latin word vagina. It is

also, according to the mythology of the ancient Totonacs who first cultivated the

vine in the jungles of Mexico, the incarnate daughter of the fertility goddess.

Overcome with love for a handsome Totonac youth, Xanat transformed herself into

an orchid, wishing to bring happiness and pleasure to all humanity. Ever since, that

sattvic desire has been bearing exotic fruits in the form of a precious spice, second

only to saffron in monetary value.

Plant mythologies frequently contain important clues that scientists later discover

about the biochemical nature and therapeutic benefits of a species. As might be

suspected, imbibing the nectarous yoni-flower of the fertility daughter's love has

been observed to produce amorous results. This was how Montezuma enjoyed it

with his royal concubines, sipping a rich, nourishing, exhilarating, and

aphrodisiacal brew of cacao, vanilla, chilies, and honey known in the Aztec tongue

as xocolatl. It must have pleased Cortez, though it failed to soften his heart, as it

was one of the treasures he took back to Europe after destroying the Aztec

kingdom.

In the story of the vanilla orchid, like many other plants, the sacred and the erotic

are entwined. It is a serpentine vine with red flowers that produce fruit nine months

after being pollinated by a hummingbird, yet it is also the incarnation of a female

Bodhisattva. It arouses passion and enhances sensual pleasure, yet according to

aromatherapist Mindy Green, the reason we love vanilla is because it is the closest

in flavor and fragrance to mothers milk. Rose is also like this, being a fragrance

associated with spiritual purity yet also a sensual aphrodisiac, and sandalwood as

well. Transcending this apparent paradox, the plants offer us teachings and

medicines for healing the painful schism we imagine between the two realms.

And what better way to relax the mind's dualistic tensions than to nourish the body

with pleasurable euphoria, gentle relaxation, improved digestion, and sublime

wakefulness, all at once? Rich, full, mysterious, and powerful, vanilla produces a

wide range of effects on people, stimulating some with enhanced mental powers

and increased virility, while soothing others with tranquility. Modern medical

research has found the fragrance to be comforting to patients during times of stress

and anxiety, such as lying in claustrophobia-producing MRI chambers. Over the

years its most common use as a medicine has been for relieving an upset stomach

and calming nervousness; it is being used effectively for nausea during

chemotherapy and for morning sickness during pregnancy. Wearing vanilla essence as a

natural perfume or using vanilla-infused body oils has proven helpful in

reducing sweet cravings. It would not be surprising if vanilla were found to have

pheromone-like effects, considering its exotic origin.

The more we know about plants, the more our appreciation for them increases. The

next time you see a vanilla bean, perhaps you will be tempted to take it home.

Gently hold it in your hand, savor its tantalizing aroma, and remember that it is the

fruit from the flower of a goddess, given out of her love and desire for us to be

happy.

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