Aromatherapy Uses for Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine grandiflorum is known as “the king of flowers” and with good reason. It's one of the oldest and most widely used of all scented botanicals. Native to tropical areas of Asia and Africa, it was introduced to Europe in the early 17th century and quickly became the base note of choice for perfumers.

Jasmine blossoms are extremely fragile, must be hand-picked and then processed quickly and without heat to avoid degradation of the delicate volatile oils. In fact, jasmine blossoms are so delicate that jasmine is one of the few essential oils still being routinely manufactured by the ancient process of enfleurage.

Jasmine in Aromatherapy

Jasmine is probably best known as an aphrodisiac. Very little scientific evidence supports this practice but that doesn't stop people in Thailand from sprinkling the blossoms on the marriage bed of newlyweds or aromatherapists in the U.S. from prescribing the essential oil for severe .

Jasmine has long been regarded as a “woman's oil”. Traditional Chinese medicine and the Indian system of Ayurveda both use it extensively. Dr. Christoph Streicher calls jasmine, “hormone balancing”, and recommends that it be massaged into the abdomen to ease the pains of childbirth.

Jasmine is also thought of as a natural antidepressant. Aromatherapists believe that it's especially effective for people suffering symptoms of apathy and fatigue. They believe that jasmine works, in part, by reducing fears and opening up emotional pathways.

Choosing a Good Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasminum grandiflorum, or “true” jasmine, has a heavy exotic scent that isn't at all flowery. Though other species of jasmine are also used in perfumery, J. grandiflorum is the one most perfumers consider the “real” jasmine. It has a dark amber color and a heavy, exotic scent that appeals to both men and women. The scent of jasmine fills the nose with a warm, full sensation. A good jasmine will smell only slightly “floral” and will never smell of solvents.

Jasmine is a considered base note that blends extremely well with other essential oils. Its ability to ground nearly any synergistic blend makes it irreplaceable in aromatherapy. Jasmine blends especially with sweet orange, sandalwood and vetiver.