Magical and Medicinal Uses of Vanilla

Gender: Feminine
Planet: Venus
Element: Water
Powers: Love, Lust, Wealth
Magical Uses and History: Vanilla, which is derived from three species of orchids that produce a fragrant cured fruit, has a long and rich history in Central and South America before it became widely popularized through colonization. Records indicate the first civilization to use vanilla or xanat (nectar of the gods) was the Totonac peoples of eastern Mexico who used it for medicinal and religious purposes. According to legend, Tenitzli III and his wife, which in some stories is the fertility goddess Xanat, were blessed with a beautiful daughter. She was so beautiful that her parents decided she could not marry just anyone and instead dedicated her life to Tonoacayohua, the goddess of crops and subsistence. She grew up in the temple, spending her time bringing offerings to the goddess. It was during one of her trips from the forest that a young man, in some recounts a prince while in others a commoner, caught sight of her and instantly fell in love. Each day the young man returned to watch the princess walk through the forest until one day she stumbled upon his hiding spot. Upon meeting him, she fell in love and desired to be with him. This is where many stories begin to differ. According to one legend, the princess, in a fit of despair at not being able to be with the man she loved, transformed herself into the orchid with a sensuous flavored fruit to express the depths of her love. In other stories, the young lovers ran off together and were later found and killed by the priests of Tonacayohua. Their still-beating hearts were removed and taken back as an offering to the goddess while their bodies were thrown into a ravine. Shortly after their deaths, a strong bush and later a dainty orchid bloomed where their blood had been shed and when the flowers died, a sweetly perfumed pod was left behind. No matter the story, vanilla is deeply associated with love and passion and therefore can be used in love spells and rituals, recipes, incense, and more, especially if you are looking to ignite passions.

When the Aztecs conquered the Totonac people in the 1400s, they claimed vanilla for their own. It was used almost exclusively by Aztec nobility and in ceremonial rituals where it was combined with cocoa and honey, a drink known as xocolatl or the first hot chocolate. In 1518, Cortes landed off of the Mexican Gulf Coast where he was welcomed by the Aztecs. During their first meeting, Aztec emperor Montezuma shared xocolatl with Cortes and the Spanish conquistadors who were enthralled that such a small pod added such flavor and aroma. They nicknamed vanilla vainilla, Spanish for "little pod," and took it back home with them where the vanilla and cocoa mix became a favorite among the Royal Court and nobility. As such vanilla is associated with wealth, largely due to its difficulty to grow, and therefore can be used in wealth and money spells to 'sweeten,' especially when combined with honey.

Medicinally, vanilla, both scent and flavor, helps reduce stress and anxiety, boosts happiness, and promotes hair growth. Use vanilla in spells to bring happiness and health or in glamour spells and rituals.

Vanilla can be used in a number of spells including:

    Love Spells
    Money Magic

    Healing Spells

    Passion Spells

    Happiness Magic

    Glamour Magic

Medicinal Uses: Vanilla is naturally rich in vanillin, a phenolic compound that is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective. It can be used to boost your immune system, reduce sugar consumption, treat psoriasis, and reduce stress. Vanilla is naturally relaxing, having been shown to reduce the startle reflexes and even sleep apnea in adults and reduce crying in infants. It is this calming relaxation that many rely on to soothe an upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, and even vomiting. Its also considered a mild aphrodisiac and therefore can be used to boost sexual desire.

Preparation and Dosage: Internally, vanilla can be taken as an infusion or tincture and is best combined with cinnamon in both cases, although it can be taken alone. To create an infusion, combine 1/4-1/2 inch of vanilla bean split lengthwise with 1 cup water. Simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. You can also use vanilla-infused tea leaves for similar benefits. As a tincture take 2-3 drops daily.

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