- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Himalayas and South Asia; grown in India, China and South-East Asia. Jasminum sambac and Jasminum officinale
- Sanskrit
- Mallika
- Other names
- Arabische jasmijn
Asia · Herb · № 126
Jasminum officinale / J. grandiflorum
Herb · Asia
Jasmine
Jasminum officinale / J. grandiflorum
Best known as a fragrance and in jasmine tea; jasmine aromatherapy is used for relaxation. Medical claims are unproven.
Safety notes
Fragrance extracts may cause skin allergy; always dilute. Yellow jessamine (Gelsemium) is a different, highly toxic plant.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Natural skin and hair care: Always check the temperature of the oil before the compress touches the skin.
Preparation
Flowers to scent tea; absolute (fragrance extract) in perfumes and diluted massage oil. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
In India jasmine flowers are worn in the hair and offered in temple rituals. Jasminum sambac is the national flower of the Philippines (sampaguita) and Indonesia (melati). In China green tea has been scented with jasmine for centuries.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Flowers aphrodisiac, astringent, bitter, relaxing, calming, mildly pain-relieving, promote milk flow; oil antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, uterine tonic.
Preparation and amount
1–2 drops of oil in massage oil for anxiety, insomnia and depression, or (in almond oil) for impotence and frigidity; flower tea for infections, fever and urinary tract inflammation, with lemon balm as a calming tea; cool compress on the forehead for sunstroke and headache; jasmine tea for diarrhoea.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Anthelmintic, decongestant, diuretic, promotes menstruation, cooling; leaf compress on ulcers and skin diseases, flowers suppress milk production (when a breast abscess threatens), oil against foul-smelling nasal and ear discharge, for weak eyesight and mouth complaints.
Preparation and amount
Decoction 56–112 ml; compress of dried leaves; crushed flowers on the breast; essential oil.
Natural skin and hair care
Attributed effects
Sweet, floral scent that people find relaxing; used in skin care for dry, sensitive skin.
Preparation and amount
External: jasmine oil in a toner for sensitive skin and dried jasmine in a warm massage compress (see the recipes).
Caution: Always check the temperature of the oil before the compress touches the skin.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Attracts abundance, deepens spiritual connection, lets go of fears, feeling loved, love, meditation, spirituality, harmony, prosperity, attraction, calm.
Herbal magic and rituals
Attributed effects
In herbal magic associated with love, dreams and a deeper spiritual connection.
Preparation and amount
In South and Southeast Asia jasmine is the flower of feasts and prayers: in India women wear jasmine garlands in their hair and they are offered to the gods, in Indonesia melati is a national flower at weddings, and in China jasmine scents tea.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Relaxing (love tea).
Preparation and amount
Perfume ingredient; in love tea (rose petals, lavender, jasmine), peace and love oil, spring bath.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)Herbal oil (oil infusion)Compress, poultice and pasteSteam and bath