Jasmine Oil

Oil properties

Jasmine essential oil has a sweet, exotic and rich floral smell and the oil is deep orange-brown in color.

The species Jasminum grandiflorum (a.k.a. royal jasmine, Spanish or Catalonian jasmine or jati) is also used for essential oil extraction, but our 20% blend is made from Jasminum officinale.

Origin of jasmine oil
Jasmine is an evergreen fragile climbing shrub that can grow up to 10 meters (33 feet) high.

It 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 day.

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

The name Jasmine is derived from the Persia 'yasmin'. The Chinese, Arabians and Indians used Jasmine medicinally, as an aphrodisiac and for ceremonial purposes.

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

Extraction

In manufacturing, Jasmine oil is produced as a 'concrete' by solvent extraction, and an absolute is obtained from the concrete by separation with alcohol, and an essential oil is 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

The main chemical components of Jasmine oil are: Benzyl, Nerol, Terpineol, Linalyl acetate, Methyl anthranilate, Jasmone and Farnesol.

Precautions

Jasmine oil is non-toxic, non-irritant and generally non-sensitizing, although some people do have an allergic reaction to the oil.

As Jasmine oil is used to ease labor as well as an emmenagogue, it should not be used during pregnancy.

It can impede concentration, so should be used with care.

Therapeutic properties

The therapeutic properties of Jasmine oil include: anti-depressant, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic, antiseptic, stimulant and emollient.

Uses

It is a valuable remedy in cases of severe depression. It soothes the nerves and produces a feeling of confidence, optimism and euphoria. It revitalizes and restores energy.

Jasmine oil facilitates delivery in childbirth: it hastens the birth by strengthening the contractions and at the same time relieves the pain.

It is effective in post-natal depression and promotes the flow of breast milk.

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

In the respiratory system it also soothes irritating coughs and helps with hoarseness and laryngitis. It helps with muscle pain, sprains, and stiff limbs.

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

Summary

Jasmine is a very valuable oil and is used for severe depression, for childbirth, sexual problems, on the respiratory tract, for muscle pain and for toning the skin.

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