Jasmine Benefits & Information
Origin
India
Parts Used
Flowers
Traditional Use and Health Benefits
Jasmine flowers have long been used for their therapeutic and medicinal properties. The beautiful thing about Jasmine flowers is these delicate flowers only open at night, beginning between six and eight in the evening. They are picked in the morning when the tiny petals are closed again.
Jasmine flowers are used in the perfume industry, and they are also used to scent tea. Normally they are mixed with black or green tea until the perfume is absorbed, then this creates a scented tea. However Jasmine flowers have also been used medicinally for thousands of years.
The Jasmine flower plays a role in Ayurvedic medicine. It is known traditionally in Ayurveda to be good for treating intestinal worms. Externally it is used for treating skin diseases including boils, and ulcers. Jasmine is known in Ayurveda to be calming and relaxing. It is taken as a tea internally and used externally in the form of the essential oil in a cream or compress. The essential oil has a tranquilizing and sedative effect.
The Jasmine flower most certainly has a positive effect on the nervous system, as it calms the nerves and stimulates sensuality. It is known to be uplifting, bringing a sense of optimism and calm. Jasmine is an anti-spasmodic and it is known to bring pain relief and reduce muscle spasms. Its also known as a woman's plant medicine and for both these reasons it is often used during childbirth, to bring relief from labour pains.
Jasmine flowers when drunk as tea acts as an anti-oxidant, and is thought to lower cholesterol, have an anti-septic action, and it is uplifting and calming and naturally sweet.
Typical Use
To make a Jasmine tea put 1 teaspoon of flowers per person into the pot, and add hot water. This can be taken 3 times per day. The Jasmine flowers can be mixed very well with Green tea, and in this case put ½ teaspoon of Green tea and ½ teaspoon of Jasmine tea into a pot for each person. Steep for 5 minutes.
Folklore and History
The Jasmine flower has been associated with sensuality, opulence, luxury and the sacred in many cultures. The Jasmine flower symbolizes the mother and the divine feminine in Thailand. The Indonesians and Pakistanis have the Jasmine flower as their national flower, it is also used in wedding ceremonies and as sacred offerings. In Hawaii it is strung into garlands and sung about, and it is strung into the hair of women and girls.
Jasmine is produced commercially for the perfume industry.
Constituents
Jasmin flowers contain alpha terpineol, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyn acid, benzyl alcohil, eugenol, farnesol, gernaiol, jasmone, nerolidol, linalyl acetate, salicylic acid, and vanillin.