Vanilla

Orchids – Orchidaceae.

Pharmacy name: harvested unripe and fermented vanilla fruits – Vanillae fructus (formerly: Fructus Vanillae).

Botanical description. This orchid is a vine with a powerful stem. It rises high into the crowns of trees, where it is fixed by aerial roots. Large flowers are pollinated by bees and hummingbirds. Homeland – Mexico, where it is grown, also in Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Java and Sri Lanka, Madagascar and East Africa.

Active ingredients: vanillin and other odorous components, resins, mucus, tannin, fat and enzymes. It is used as an additive to many galenic products. Previously used to enhance potency. It is mainly used as a spice.