Jasmine as an Herb

(Jasminum officinale)

The Jasmine, or Jessamine (the name derived from the Persian Yasmin), botanically belongs to the genus Jasminum, of the natural order Oleaceae, which contains about 150 species. About forty of these are cultivated in our gardens today.

The roots of several species of Jasminum have had various ill-defined uses in medicine as 'a proven plant' in the homoeopathic sense.

Medicinal Uses for Jasmine

Jasmine tea is drunk for its calming affect, especially after dinner, as well as for its aphrodisiacal qualities.

Jasmine oil is used in massage as it is soothing to the skin, and reported to be an aphrodisiac. It is used in aromatherapy to treat depression and nerve conditions, and as a massage oil for menstrual cramps, as well.

A palatable syrup can be prepared from the flowers:

'as an excellent medicine in coughs, hoarsenesses and other disorders of the breast, an infusion of five or six ounces of them picked clean from the leaves, in a quart of boiling water, being strained off and boiled in a syrup, with the addition of a sufficient quantity of honey.' Green, in his Universal Herbal (1832)

As essential oil is distilled from Jasmine in Tunis and Algeria, but its high price prevents its being used to any extent.

An oil made by boiling the leaves of Eastern Jasmine is used to anoint the head for complaints of the eye, and an oil obtained from the roots is used medicinally to stop the secretion of milk.

Folklore

In Borneo it is the custom among the women to roll up Jasmine blossoms in their well-oiled hair at night.

Culinary

The flowers are intensely fragrant and are traditionally used for scenting tea.

Many people simply enjoy the taste of a hot cup of jasmine tea during cold weather. People find the taste pleasant and a nice alternative to teas made from pekoe blends.

Caution

Jasmine is sometimes used in aromatherapy during labor to help ease the labor; however, Jasmine should not be consumed during pregnancy.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.