Health benefits of Jasmine

Jasminum officinale, known as the common jasmine or simply jasmine, is a species of flowering plant in the olive family Oleaceae. The plant is native to the Caucasus, northern Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Himalayas, Tajikistan, India, Nepal and western China (Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang (Tibet), Yunnan). The species is also widely cultivated in many places, and is reportedly naturalized in Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, Algeria, Florida and the West Indies. It is also known as Summer Jasmine, Common jasmine, Jasmine, Jessamine, Poet’s jasmine, White jasmine, True Jasmine, downy jasmine and night blooming jasmine, and is particularly valued by gardeners throughout the temperate world for the intense fragrance of its flowers in summer. This delicate, fragrant flower is also known as the “Queen of the Flowers”.

The name Jasmine is derived from the Persian word Yasmin, meaning “Gift from God”, with its flower held highly sacred in India and the Himalayas. Specific epithet means sold in shops. In India Jasmine is considered the essence of mystery and magic, Indian women use it to scent their hair and call it “moonlight of the grove.” Jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan and the sacred flower of Kama, the God of Love. On the day before a wedding, the bride to be wears a garland of jasmine and roses around her neck as sensual symbol of her purity and passion. In the symbolism of flowers Jasmine signifies purity, simplicity, modesty and strength. The plant is also the national flower of the Philippines and has an international reputation with many nicknames such as Maid of Orleans, Belle of India, and Duce di Toscane. The intoxicating scent of the flowers is most powerful in the evening and is said to be even stronger during a waning moon.

Jasmine Facts

Plant Description

Jasmine is a sprawling, somewhat twining, vigorous, bright, deciduous shrub or climber that normally grows about 10 to 15 feet tall. Some may reach 25 feet in height by attaching to the nearby structures. The plant is found growing in shrubberies, forests, valleys, ravines, thickets, woods, along rivers and meadows. The plant prefers deep, well drained fertile soil and kept cool to help it settle. The plant has green, smooth stem that is slender and nearly square-shaped on the cross-section and become woody and light brown with age, devoid of leaves. Young twigs with foliage are green, glabrous (or weakly pubescent), angular or fluted.

Leaves

Leaves are opposite and pinnate. Leaflets are ovate and pointed, upper surface slightly pubescent, especially on midrib and margins, lateral leaflets acute or apiculate, sessile or sub-sessile, the upper pair is sometimes with broad connate bases, terminal much larger, ovate or lanceolate, acuminate. They are arranged alternately or opposite on the branches.

Flowers and Fruits

Flowers measure approximately 2.5 cm in diameter. The flowers form in cymose clusters but can also be solitary on the branchlets ends. Each flower bears approximately 4 to 9 petals, 1 to 4 ovules and 2 locules and 2 stamens with small filaments. The calyx has a bell shape while the bracts are ovate or linear in shape. Flowering normally takes place from June to September.  Fertile flowers are followed by black berries.

Health benefits of Jasmine

Jasmine has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. In southern and southeastern Asia, jasmine flowers are worn by women as hair decorations. Lotions made from jasmine flowers are applied in skin problems like sunburns and rashes. The juices of the flower are said to restore the skin’s moisture and elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and giving the skin a healthier look and feel. Let’s take a closer look at few of the health benefits of Jasmine

1. Good for Cardiovascular Health

If you have cardiovascular problems, consuming a cup of jasmine tea on a regular basis can do good help. Catechins in jasmine are shown to prevent LDL-oxidation. This is when the “bad” cholesterol (or LDL) in the arteries are inflamed after they are oxidized. This inflammation in the arteries and veins further leads to strokes and heart attacks. However, the catechins in natural jasmine tea hinder the oxidizing process; thus, decreasing the cholesterol and pressure levels.

2. Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a common disorder in modern society, the focus on prevention has increased as well. Fortunately, there is scientific proof that drinking jasmine tea may help to prevent cancer by targeting free radicals.

Jasmine tea consists of high levels of antioxidants that help to eliminate free radicals in the body. Free radicals are caused by pollutants in food and the environment and can cause irregularities in cells that have been linked to neurological diseases and cancer.

3. Boosts Immunity and Fights Fever

The medicinal uses of jasmine are well-documented. Active compounds found in Jasmine are linalool, benzoic acetate, indole, jasmon, salicylic acid, alkaloids. In natural medicine, jasmine is used to enhance the immunity of the body as well to fight fever.

4. Treats Constipation

Sulaiman et al., report that the flowers, roots and leaves of jasmine plant can be used for preparing herbal medicines for treating and preventing constipation and flatulence.

5. Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the inability of the human body to regulate or produce insulin. Genetic factors and lifestyle choices or a combination of the two are the leading causes of diabetes.

Drinking jasmine green tea can help to control or prevent diabetes by regulating insulin levels. Research conducted by BMC showed the antioxidants in green tea leaves lowered blood glucose levels in diabetic mice. This shows potential for people who suffer from blood sugar spikes or low blood sugar throughout the day.

6. Treats Stress

In Chinese medicine, the flowers are brewed to prepare herbal teas. The Jasmine tea is known as sanpin cha in Okinawa, Japan. The tea is known to be useful in the treatment of anxiety, stress, sunstroke, and other infections.

7. Enhances Digestion

Richness of antioxidants in the jasmine flower help in interacting with the gastric enzymes thus boosting digestion, relieving flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. It also functions to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and has been found to eliminate harmful bacteria and AMA toxins from the body.

8. Cure Dysmenorrhea and Amenorrhea

Jain et al., report that jasminum species can be used for treating dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea. Dysmenorrhea is known as painful menstruation involving abdominal cramps while amenorrhea is a health condition marked by an abnormal absence of menstruation.

9. Treats Insomnia

Conversely, Jasmine (consumed as a tea or used in essential oil form) has sedative effects on the nervous system, soothing and relaxing tense and jangled nerves. Like many herbs, it appears to have adaptogenic qualities that can either up-regulate or down-regulate the nervous system as required. The sedative compounds found in this herb have been found to promote peaceful sleep, help to induce sleep in insomniacs and regulate erratic or irregular sleep patterns.

10. Improves Immune System

Like most teas, jasmine tea has high levels of inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to boost the immune system and protect against the common cold and influenza. Healthy immune system can also fight more severe illnesses and infections, making it extremely important to keep immune health at optimal levels. Jasmine tea also has large amounts of vitamins and minerals that boost immune health.

Drinking a cup of jasmine tea can help soothe an upset stomach and delivers vital fluids that are needed to beat a cold or flu quickly. The fragrant aromas can also help you relax and make you feel better when you’re under the weather.

11. Antioxidant Properties

Borar et al., report that methanolic leaf extract of jasmine has antioxidizing ability. As a result, it is suitable for inhibiting oxidation. It also helps to remove potentially damaging oxidizing agents in a living organism. Furthermore, Dubey et al., assessed the antioxidant activity and phytochemical properties of the aqueous extract of Jasminum officinale leaves.

12. Heals Injuries

Jasmine is also used in the treatment of cuts and wounds. The most important use is in the form of aromatherapy, which is used in candles, incense, etc. Fragrance can induce feelings of positivity in human mind. Body massage done with jasmine oil not only lifts your spirits but also gives relief from pains and aches.

13. Reproductive Health

Jasmine essential oil has a long history of use for gently nurturing women through each stage of their reproductive lives. With natural hormone balancing properties, it has been shown to improve symptoms of PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), menopause, and act as an “emmenogogue” (a substance that stimulates or increases menstrual flow). The emmenogogue property of Jasmine oil regulates menstrual cycles and provides relief from painful periods.

This gentle essential oil can also help to ease childbirth.  It has been found to strengthen contractions and lessen the time it takes to deliver a baby. Women who use Jasmine essential oil post-natally have experienced faster recovery times and a shorter post-natal period. Furthermore, the antidepressant qualities of this oil can be helpful in combating post-natal depression.

14. Wound Healing

Leaves can be decocted and used for treating and healing wounds. Jasmine flowers and leaves can be squeezed and applied as a poultice on wounds, cuts and sprains to seize bleeding and ease healing.

15. Otorrhea Treatment

Otorrhea or ear pain or ear drainage is a health condition marked by inflammation of the external or middle ear or both. Jasmine oil can be dropped into the affected ear for tackling otorrhea.

16. Alleviates Aches and Pains

Jasmine green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce aches and pains related with arthritis or joint pain. Research conducted by the American College of Rheumatology showed that the epigallocatechin gallate in green tea leaves could block painful inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis without negative side effects

17. Overcome shortness of breath

Jasmine flowers also can be used for overcoming shortness of breath. Take 20 jasmine and washed, then boiled three cup to two cups of water and add a little salt. After that, filtered and taken twice a day morning and afternoon.

18. Eyewash Solution

Jasmine flowers can be soaked overnight in water and used as eyewash. Dried flowers can also be decocted and used as eyewash during swelling, inflammation and reddening of the eye.

19. Weight Loss Aid

Losing weight can be hard, so having a little extra support on your side can make all the difference. Jasmine tea has been shown to aid in weight loss by speeding up metabolism thanks to its use of green tea leaves. Faster metabolism means your body can process nutrients and macronutrients (like fat and protein) quicker, leading to weight loss.

20. Rheumatism Treatment

Jasmine flowers can be soaked in alcohol extract or oil and then used for treating rheumatism.

21. Treats Gallstones

Sabharwal et al., agree that the juices from Jasminum sambac Linn leaves can be used for treating gallstones. Jasmine leaves can also be soaked in cold water and consumed for treating gallstones.

22. Cures Oral Problems

Leaves are used in the treatment of mouth diseases such as tooth pain, infection in gums, etc. Apart from this, it assists in the treatment of headaches, skin rashes, corns on the feet, increasing sperm production, etc.

23. Overcome colitis

Jasmine flowers can also cure colitis. Take a handful jasmine and wash them, then boil three cups of water until the remaining one cup. After that, filter and taken twice a day.

24. Overcome Dengue

Jasmine leaves can also heal dengue fever. Take 7 leaves of jasmine, 1.25 grams of leather back and wash them properly, then boiled three cups of water until the remaining one cup. After that, filtered 8 glasses a day for three days.

25. Overcome inflammation of the kidneys

Jasmine leaf can also cope with kidney inflammation. Take 15 grams of dried jasmine leaves, then boiled in two cups of water to the remaining half. After that, filtered and taken twice a day on a regular basis.

26. Improves Cognitive Functioning

Jasmine is an ancient and traditional remedy to increase the functioning of the brain. The powerful antioxidants and polyphenols present in this scented flower improve the brain activity and helps in the secretion of mood-enhancing neur

otransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It also encourages memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Hence, it can be considered as a brain booster and is extremely beneficial in treating psychotic conditions like depression, insomnia, and ailments like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Traditional uses and benefits of Jasmine

• Leaf juice is applied to corns and ear discharges.
• Root is used in the treatment of ringworm.
• Flowers are aphrodisiac, antiseptic, antispasmodic, galactogogue and tonic.
• Essential oil is used in the treatment of depression, nervous tension, impotence, frigidity, menstrual disorders and weak digestion.
• Jasminum officinale is a folk medicine used for the treatment of hepatitis in south of China.
• Powerful antioxidants present in Jasmine are useful against the breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer and skin cancer.
• Fragrance of Jasmine provides relief from tension, anxiety and alleviates the symptoms of pain and headache.
• It helps in reducing the levels of bad cholesterol from the body.
• It keeps the heart health and prevents the occurrence of heart attack and heart diseases.
• Regular consumption of Jasmine tea is useful in treating Diabetes.
• It contains Catechin which helps in the quick burning of fat and makes the body slim and energetic.
• It is effective in fighting against bacterial infections and viral infections.
• It helps in curing influenza, dysentery and cholera.
• Jasmine tea maintains the gastrointestinal health and protects the stomach and the intestinal lining and makes the digestion easy and cures indigestion.
• It kills the mouth bacteria and prevents tooth decay. It rinses the mouth and cures the problem of bad breath.
• It is an effective remedy for the person suffering from hypertension. It relaxes the nervous system and normalizes the blood pressure.
• Jasmine increases the skin elasticity and softens the skin. It restores the moisture of the skin and reduces the occurrence of wrinkles.
• Body massage with Jasmine oil relaxes the body.
• It treats the conditions like sunburn and skin rash.
• Aphrodisiac action improves the mood and enhances the sexual desire.
• An infusion of jasmine tea is known to be beneficial in treating fevers, urinary inflammation, and other infections.
• Jasmine tea can also be administered as a tincture to treat cuts and scrapes.
• Compress using jasmine flowers can be useful for headaches and strokes.
• Jasmine juice is useful for treating corns.
• Various skin conditions including sun burn and rashes can be treated by apply jasmine in lotion form.
• Scent of jasmine is said to be useful in treating depression, in particular postpartum depression and emotional depression.
• Leaves can be chewed to help with ulcers or eruptions in the mouth.
• Jasmine has been made into lotions to aid in skin problems such as sunburns and rashes.
• Jasmine is known to “cool the blood” so it is heavily used for sun exposure burns or burns from other heat sources in China.
• Jasmine has also been linked to helping with sexual problems, such as impotence, as an aphrodisiac. It is said to have a “seductive” scent that can increase sensuality.
• Paste of the root of Jasmine is applied as face pack to improve the complexion.
• Fresh, tender leaf of the plant is chewed to relieve pain due to dental carries, mouth ulcers and in weak gums.
• Decoction of the leaf is used for gargling in case of gingivitis and mouth ulcers.
• Paste of the root of jasmine is applied over forehead to relieve headache.
• Oil prepared from root is applied over the affected area in sciatica, facial paralysis and general debility.
• Oil prepared from root and flower of the plant is applied over the scalp in case of dizziness, vertigo and headache.
• Few drops of oil prepared using leaf of jasmine plant is poured inside the ear to relieve earache and pus discharge from the ear.
• Paste from the leaf, root and flower is applied over the affected area of skin diseases like scabies and itching.
• Oil prepared using the leaf of Jasmine plant is applied over the area affected with open wound to heal it.
• Fresh juice of the flower is dropped into the eyes to treat conjunctivitis and other eye disorders.
• Paste of the root of the plant is applied over the bladder area to relieve difficulty in micturition and dysmenorrhea.
• Paste prepared from the root of the plant is applied over the penile region in cases of erectile dysfunction.
• Cold infusion prepared from the flower of jasmine is given in a dose of 40-50 ml to treat fever.
• Perfume of the flower obtained through distillation method is commercially used.
• It is also used traditionally for the treatment of urinary tract infections, depressant, sedative, mild anesthetic and astringent.

Ayurvedic Health benefits of Jasmine

• Urinary Tract Infection: Prepare a decoction of the leaves of Jasmine. Strain. Drink one cup a day.
• Conjunctivitis: Boil 6 to 7 flowers of Jasmine in 250 ml of water. Strain out the decoction and wet out a cotton by putting it in strained water. Now clean your eyes with the cotton. Do this procedure thrice a day.
• Hyper lactation: Jasmine Flowers help in reducing Milk secretions. Prepare a paste of Jasmine flowers and apply it on the breasts until the secretion stops.
• Constipation: Prepare a decoction of Jasmine flowers, roots and leaves in one cup of water. Strain and drink it. It cures Constipation.
• Skin Diseases: Prepare a decoction, made of Jasmine roots and one cup of water. Strain and drink it.
  It is a good remedy for Skin Diseases particularly Scabies, Ringworm, Leprosy and Acne.
• Gastrointestinal Disorder: The decoction prepared of Jasmine plant cures Gastrointestinal Disorders particularly Stomach Ache, Dysentery and Diarrhea. Prepare a decoction of Jasmine flowers, leaves and roots in one cup of water. Strain and drink it.
• Antilithic: Jasmine flowers decoction help in preventing the formation of Kidney Stones and provides relief from the symptoms of Kidney Stones. Prepare a decoction of Jasmine flowers in one cup of water. Strain and drink it.
• Headache: Jasmine leaf paste when applied on the forehead provides relief from Headache. OR: You can even prepare a decoction of Jasmine leaves in one cup of water. Strain and drink it.
• Rheumatism: Soak Jasmine flowers in Castor Oil and gently massage with this oil over the affected area daily.
• Wounds: Make a poultice of Jasmine flowers and leaves. Apply it on the Wounds, Cuts and Sprains to stop bleeding and facilitate healing.
• Aphrodisiac: Make a poultice of Jasmine flowers and leaves. Apply it over the pubic areas. It acts as a sexual stimulator.
• Peptic Ulcer: Prepare a decoction, made of Jasmine leaves and one cup of water. Strain and drink it.
• Aphthous Ulcers: Take equal amount of dried leaves of Indian Barberry, Jasmine, Licorice, and Chebulic Myrobalan. Grind them to make powder. Again sieve the powder to get fine powder. Take 1 tsp. of the powder and add same quantity of Honey. Mix well to make paste. Apply it over mouth ulcers.
• Sallow Skin: Take 30 ml Wheat Oil, 4 to 5 Sunflower, 20 gram Crushed Turmeric Root, 20 gram Euphorbia Hypericifolia, 30 gram Aloe Vera Gel and 4 to 5 Jasmine Flower. Put all ingredients in a grinder. Grind them together. Store in a glass bottle. Use it as face pack twice a week. It removes dead cells and gives you spotless skin.
• Urinary Problems: Make a decoction of Virginia Snake root, Jasmine and Plantago. Take twice a day.

Culinary Uses

• Flowers are eaten or used to flavor or scent tea.
• An essential oil from the flowers is used as a condiment in various foods, especially Maraschino cherries but also baked goods, ice cream, sweets, chewing gum etc.
• Dried flowers of jasmine are used for the preparation of jasmine tea. Blend of jasmine and green tea is very popular and often consumed type of tea in Asia.
• Syrup made of jasmine flowers is used as flavoring agent in the food industry.

Other Facts

• An essential oil from the flowers is used in perfumery.
• The flowers are picked soon after opening each morning and used fresh for oil extraction.
• It is also the National flower of Pakistan.
• Essential oils extracted from jasmine have application in the industry of perfumes and cosmetics. They are used in the manufacture of soap, lotions, shampoos and creams.
• Jasmine symbolizes happiness, deep affection and elegance in China.

Typical Dosage When Used

The appropriate dose of jasmine depends on numerous factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not sufficient scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for jasmine.

Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

What level of dosage for jasmine depends on multiple factors including age, overall health, etc. Particular dosages are usually not issued for jasmine. Generally speaking, since any product containing jasmine is typically very potent, do not take more than you want. Only start using jasmine in small amounts, and increase the amounts if the patient feels it is necessary.

Take note that using jasmine in a massage context requires no dosages at all. In fact, it is doubtful whether the concept of doses is even applicable to jasmine at all.

Method of brewing Jasmine Tea

Most jasmine tea bags and loose leaf varieties will come with instructions on how to brew since the process can vary depending on the tea. Temperatures and steeping times are the most likely components to change when using different jasmine teas. In general though, you should use the following procedure:

Step 1: Prepare Tea Leaves

If you are using a tea bag, you can jump to the next step. For loose leaf tea varieties, generally use about 2 grams for every 8 ounces of water. 

Step 2: Boil the Water

Jasmine tea is best brewed with pure or filtered water to allow flavors to develop properly. Aim for a water temperature between 160 F and 180 F. Since jasmine tea is made using true teas, boiling the water too hot can result in a bitter taste.

Step 3: Steep

Jasmine tea should be steeped for anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes depending on how the tea was produced. It’s useful to keep the lid on a teapot or tea vessel during steeping to keep heat inside.

Precautions

• The oil can cause irritation in some people if used too frequently or in high concentrations.
• Jasmine is also an emmenogogue and therefore should not be used during pregnancy.
• It should not be used internally. People with hypersensitive skin may have to dilute it to prevent irritation.
• Jasmine is not good if you are suffering from migraines. The strong scents of jasmine can worsen it.

References:

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=503238#null

https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Jasminum+officinale

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/115017

http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b559

https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/j/jasmin06.html

https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=JAOF

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jasminum_officinale

https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1638/#b

http://en.hortipedia.com/Jasminum_officinale

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?20668

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-351433

https://worldoffloweringplants.com/jasminum-officinale-common-jasmine/

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/IASOF

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