To the Chinese, jasmine symbolizes feminine kindness, grace, and tenderness, and is also a means of attracting wealth and romance. In Thailand, jasmine is a symbol of motherhood, and in India, jasmine is used in Hindu religious ceremonies.
Jasmine, also known as summer jasmine, poet’s jasmine, white jasmine, or true jasmine, is the national flower of Pakistan, where it is commonly known as Hameli. The word jasmine comes from the Arabic word “yasmin,” meaning fragrant flower. Jasmine is especially prized by gardeners throughout the temperate world for the intense fragrance of its flowers.
Origin and characteristics of jasmine
Jasminum officinale, or simply jasmine, is a species of flowering olive plant in the family Oleaceae. It is native to northern Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Himalayas, Tajikistan, Nepal, and western China. The species is widely cultivated in many countries. Jasminum officinale is a vigorous, sinuous, showy, deciduous shrub with clusters of starry-white flowers that are the source of its intoxicating fragrance. Jasmine petals are usually arranged in threes in a whorl or are pinnate. The flowers are usually white with a tubular, split calyx with two stamens enclosed in a corolla tube.
Jasmine is a well-known folk remedy for hepatitis in southern China. It has demonstrated antiviral activity in vitro. As a botanical with antiseptic properties, it is used in dermatology.
Jasmine absolute is known as the “King of Oils”. The heavy, sweet aroma is liked by most people. The flowers emit an enticing scent at dusk, so the flowers are picked at night and a small amount of oil is extracted from them. The resulting oil is very expensive, but this concentrated product can be used in very small quantities. The aroma of jasmine is described as calming, but not sleepy. Jasmine is used in aromatherapy for its relaxing properties.
Jasmine Oil and Its Benefits
For centuries, jasmine has been popular for its sweet, romantic scent, which is used in some of the world’s most famous perfumes. It is also used in tea production and is a common ingredient in alcoholic beverages, sweets, and desserts.
Jasmine oil contains health-promoting compounds that have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although it is a popular home remedy used to treat a variety of ailments, from depression to infections, it has historically been better known as an aphrodisiac.
Anti-spasmodic
Jasmine is used as a home remedy to treat spasms in various parts of the body, from stomach cramps to spasmodic coughs. One study found that massaging with diluted jasmine oil was effective in relieving contractions, but further scientific research on this is very limited. In any case, using jasmine oil to massage your muscles certainly won’t hurt and will provide relief from cramping.
Antiseptic
Jasmine oil has been shown to have antibacterial properties. Its antiseptic effects have also been studied and shown to actually fight a variety of bacteria. One study found that jasmine oil exhibited antibacterial activity against a specific strain of E. coli. Another study found antimicrobial activity against a variety of oral microorganisms, including E. coli, L. casei, and Streptococcus mutans. It also acted as an antimicrobial against all types of Candida, the bacteria that causes yeast infections. Jasmine oil can be very effective when diluted when applied to the skin to treat and prevent infections or when used as a rinse for mouth infections such as canker sores.
Scar Healing
The antiseptic properties of jasmine are useful in treating skin infections. Jasmine oil promotes wound healing through its scar tissue-forming effect. According to research, jasmine oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for general skin care and psoriasis. A recent animal study found that jasmine extract accelerated the healing of chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers. It significantly reduced wounds and increased the formation of granulation tissue and new blood vessels. Applying diluted jasmine oil to minor wounds, scrapes, and cuts accelerates healing.
Aphrodisiac
For centuries, the romantic scent of jasmine has been considered an aphrodisiac. It is used as a perfume, and in some parts of India, jasmine flowers are often added as decoration at weddings and in the bedroom of newlyweds to create a romantic atmosphere. Although there is little scientific evidence to support its effects as an aphrodisiac, we do know that inhaling the scent of jasmine, whether through aromatherapy or massage, can improve mood, increase romantic and positive feelings, and boost energy levels. A small study looking at the relationship between scents and sexual response found that jasmine has a stimulating effect on brain waves, which increases attention to sexual cues and increases blood flow to the genitals. Body heat enhances the pleasant aroma of jasmine, so applying jasmine oil to the neck area can help to liven up the bedroom. A few drops of jasmine oil on bed linens and in a warm bath can have the same effect.
Jasmine Oil and Aromatherapy
Jasmine oil is a popular home remedy for its health benefits. Jasmine oil is a favorite aromatherapy oil that has been found to be particularly effective when used in massage. One study was published on the effects of jasmine oil aroma on the central nervous system and mood. When inhaled, jasmine oil affected brain activity and mood, with participants reporting feeling more positive and energetic with increased romantic feelings. Enjoy aromatherapy with jasmine oil by using it as a massage oil, in a diffuser, or by inhaling it directly from the bottle. Jasmine oil has a calming, anti-depressant, and anti-anxiety effect, it gives a feeling of self-confidence and euphoria, making it an excellent remedy for apathy, indifference, and lethargy.
Antidepressant
There is evidence that aromatherapy can reduce depressive symptoms. Research has shown that jasmine essential oil, compared to placebo, increased behavioral arousal. This included a significant increase in blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, and blood pressure. Participants using jasmine oil also reported feeling more alert. It was concluded that the stimulating and energizing effects of jasmine oil may be useful in relieving depression and improving mood.
Sedative
In addition to the well-established evidence that jasmine oil can increase alertness and energy levels, there is also evidence for its calming effects. An earlier study found that the aroma of jasmine tea at its lowest concentration had a calming effect on mood and the nervous system. In a later study, people with generalized anxiety disorder were asked to inhale jasmine oil for 5 minutes daily for 10 days. Jasmine essential oil significantly reduced symptoms of agitation and insomnia, heart palpitations, and irritability.
Reduces menopausal symptoms
There is nothing new about using essential oils to reduce PMS and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Jasmine aroma has been shown, although with limited evidence, to be effective in improving mood and reducing depression. Massage once a week (for eight weeks) or aromatherapy with jasmine oil significantly reduced menopausal symptoms.
Galactagogue
Galactagogues are natural substances in herbs that may help improve lactation. A popular home remedy for this purpose is the jasmine flower – nursing mothers in some parts of India wear strands of jasmine flowers in their hair for this purpose. Some experts believe that the effects of inhaling the scent of jasmine on the brain may be linked to hormonal changes that lead to increased lactation.