Jasmine Oil

Jasmine is native to India and Western Asia. There are many species of Jasmine, up to 42 species have been recorded in India alone. We like the grandiflorum for its combination of floral, deep notes and smooth character. (If you are interested in a lighter, sweeter Jasmine, try the Sambac variety.) This Jasmine absolute is an orange-brown, viscous liquid with an intensely rich, warm, floral scent and 'tea-like' undertone. It is an oil that brings a lightness and happy feeling to those who use it.

This is an expensive oil and is very potent. It is best to dilute before using; a little will go a long way. We like jojoba oil as a carrier for a true Jasmine essential oil perfume, or used in a blend of other oils. As a minor component it mixes well with most other oils, though we find it should be measured drop by drop, as Jasmine can easily overpower other aromas.

Jasmine has been nicknamed 'Queen of the Night' and 'Moonlight of the Grove'; for centuries, women have treasured it for its seductive, beautiful fragrance. Jasmine oil is uplifting and stimulating for times of hopelessness and nervous exhaustion. It helps reduce anxiety and apathy, and can increase excitability when worn as a perfume.

Jasmine oil may be beneficial for dry, greasy, or oily skin. It may help with eczema when caused by stress, frigidity, labor pains, laryngitis, lethargy, menstrual pain and problems.
Origin of jasmine oil

Jasmine is an evergreen, fragile, climbing shrub, that can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) high and has dark green leaves and small white star-shaped flowers, which are picked at night, when the aroma is most intense.

An experienced picker can pick 10,000-15,000 blossoms per night.

Originally from China and Northern India, it was brought to Spain by the Moors, with France, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Turkey currently producing the best essential oil.

The name Jasmine is derived from the Persian word 'yasmin'. The Chinese, Arabians and Indians used it medicinally, as well as for an aphrodisiac and for other ceremonial purposes.

In Turkey, the wood is used for making rope stems and jasmine tea is a Chinese favorite (but Jasminum sambac - Arabian jasmine - is normally used for this) and in Indonesia it is used as a popular garnish.

Extraction

Jasmine oil starts it journey as a 'concrete', which is made by solvent extraction, after which an 'absolute' is obtained from the concrete, by separation with alcohol. The essential oil is then produced off the absolute by steam distillation.

1,000 lbs of flowers yield approximately one pound of liquid concrete, which yields 0.2% aromatic molecules.

Chemical composition

There are well over 100 constituents found in jasmine oil, but the main chemical components are benzyl acetate, linalool, benzyl alcohol, indole, benzyl benzoate, cis-jasmone, geraniol, methyl anthranilate and trace amounts of p. cresol, farnesol, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, eugenol, nerol, ceosol, benzoic acid, benzaldehyde, y-terpineol, nerolidol, isohytol, phytol etc.

Precautions

Jasmine oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, although some people do have an allergic reaction to the oil. Due to its emmenagogue properties it should not be used in pregnancy. Using too much of this oil could impede concentration, as it is a deeply relaxing oil.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of jasmine oil are anti-depressant, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, cicatrisant, expectorant, galactagogue, parturient, sedative and uterine
It is a valuable remedy in cases of severe depression and soothes the nerves, producing a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria, while revitalizing and restoring energy.

Jasmine oil facilitates delivery in childbirth: it hastens the birth by strengthening the contractions and at the same time relieves pain. It is effective in post-natal depression and promotes the flow of breast milk.

Because of its deeply soothing and calming nature, jasmine oil helps with sexual problems such as impotence, premature ejaculation and frigidity.

It has a very beneficial effect on the respiratory system, by soothing irritating coughs and helping with hoarseness and laryngitis. It furthermore helps with muscle pain, sprains, and stiff limbs.

Jasmine oil tones dry, greasy, irritated and sensitive skin, increases elasticity and is often used to assist with stretch marks and to reduce scarring