The term vanilla is often associated with something commonplace, yet pure vanilla — a dried, cured “bean” from a vine-like plant in the orchid family — is far from ordinary. In fact, the global vanilla market was valued at $510 million in 2018, with expectations to grow to approximately $735 million by 2026, according to Zion Market Research.
The vanilla plant originated from a region in southern North America and Central America called Mesoamerica, encompassing areas like Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. The earliest known cultivators of vanilla are believed to be the Totonac people from what is now Veracruz, Mexico, with the Maya civilization being the first to incorporate vanilla into a beverage, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
Due to European conquests, the vanilla plant eventually reached Europe and later Madagascar. There, a novel pollination method facilitated its global spread. Vanilla soon became a staple ingredient in desserts, perfumes, and medicines. Nonetheless, growing vanilla plants demands expertise, leading to costs that can exceed $300 per pound. Consequently, less than one percent of the vanilla flavoring in an estimated 18,000 products actually comes from real vanilla beans. Instead, much of what is consumed is likely a synthetic replication of the vanillin compound found in vanilla plants, as per Smithsonian Magazine.
How pure vanilla extract provides temporary tooth pain relief
Once vanilla seeds — or pods — reach full maturity, producers soak the pods in alcohol to extract the vanilla flavor, producing pure vanilla extract, according to Reader’s Digest.
Though primarily used in culinary applications, health experts note that the alcohol content makes pure vanilla extract a useful home remedy for tooth pain. 1Dental explains that pure vanilla extract is effective in alleviating tooth pain from cavities, receding gums, and abscesses due to its antiseptic and analgesic properties. Moreover, an active ingredient in vanilla extract, eugenol, has pain-relieving properties and is frequently used in dentistry.
To temporarily relieve tooth pain, apply a small amount of vanilla extract to a cotton ball and hold it against the affected gum area for several minutes. Reapply and repeat as necessary throughout the day to further reduce the pain. Alternatively, you can apply the extract to your fingertip and gently massage the affected gum area. Additionally, the aroma of vanilla may provide comfort, as noted by Mission Bend Family Dentistry.
While pure vanilla extract may help numb the pain, it will not address the underlying cause of your dental issue. If the pain persists, it is important to consult a dentist promptly.
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