Jasmine (jasminum grandiflorum)
Location: Jasmine is native to China and India; it is cultivated in Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco and Turkey.
Extraction: Solvent extracted from the flowers.
Colour and Odour: The absolute is a deep reddish brown in colour and has a warm, sweet, exotic, slightly heady aroma with a hint of musky undertones.
Description: A creeping vine with dark green leaves and delicate white flowers growing up to 6 metres in height.
Background: Long used in China as a perfume and for scenting tea. It is fashionable for Chinese girls to wear jasmine flowers in their hair. Jasmine is also important in the Hindu and Muslim traditions, and was introduced by the Moors to Spain. Used in Malaya for fevers. Jasmine is now one of the most expensive perfume ingredients.
Properties: Sedative, uplifting, antidepressant, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac.
Uses
Skin- Good for dry, sensitive skin, especially when there is redness. Jasmine can also increase the skins elasticity.
Reproductive System-Can relieve uterine spasms and menstrual cramps. Can be very useful during child birth.
Emotion-Dispels apathy, listlessness, producing feelings of optimism and confidence. It can be beneficial for postnatal depression.