Last month I told you about Lavender, my favourite oil, well indulge me again while I tell you about my second favourite, Jasmine.

A single kilogram of oil is extracted from about 8 million flowers, which are handpicked before dawn – the reason jasmine oil is so expensive.  It is grown in France, Egypt, Morocco, India and Italy.

The “king of flower oils” has long been used in love potions so powerful was its reputation as an aphrodisiac.  The flowers are a popular garnish in Indonesian cooking and in Turkey, the wood is used in making rope stems and Jasmine tea is a favourite beverage in China.

We have to thank the conquering Moors for bringing the plant to Spain and Jasmine has been prized, above all, for its scent which is romantic, rich, exotic and makes all smell it feel better. It has long been used in toiletries and appears in most of the great, classic perfumes for its sensual note.

Each essential oil contains “properties” and Jasmine is no exception. It is considered an antidepressant, an antiseptic, an aphrodisiac, a sedative, a parturient (helps in childbirth), a galactagogue (helps increase milk production in breast feeding Mums) amongst others.

Most essential oils also have contra-indications or “precautions” and Jasmine has several. It should not be used in pregnancy until about to give birth and it will then it hastens delivery by strengthening the contractions yet relieving pain at the same time.  Its overuse could disturb the bodily fluids especially phlegm and the “narcotic” like properties may impede concentration. The old adage “less is more” is definitely useful to remember when using any essential oil.

Jasmine is calming to the nerves and warming to the emotions (feel good factor). It is a boon to people in the “helping professions” – restoring energy and generally revitalising.  It is good for females in that it soothes menstrual pain and is helpful in vaginal infections generally.  The importance of Jasmine on the male reproductive systems is linked to its reputation for increasing the number of spermatozoa, thus reducing infertility.

Jasmine is also a boon to the respiratory system as it helps to regulate and deepen breathing by relieving spasm of the bronchi as well as having a calming action on irritating coughs.

It is a luxurious but highly effective balm and tonic for dry and sensitive skin and a blend with Mandarin and Lavender increased skin elasticity and is often used to soften stretch marks and scarring (cicatrisant).

It blends best with Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Orange, Mandarin, Melissa, Neroli, Palmarosa, Rose, Rosewood and Sandalwood.

Until next time, stay healthy and happy.
Sue

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