Today’s Spotlight: Background, “Benefits” & Uses for Jasmine Essential Oil

by | Nov 16, 2020 | Aromatherapy

Jasmine Essential Oil:

Jasmine essential oil offers a sweet, floral aroma. The oil is derived from tiny white flowers of the common jasmine plant, also known as Jasminum officinale. The plant originates from Iran. Jasmine essential oil is touted for having several health benefits. Specifically, when used in aromatherapy applications. For example, diffusers or absorption through the skin, via massage. 

 

what is jasmine essential oil

 

Oftentimes, considered a romantic-type scent profile, jasmine essential oil can be found in popular perfumes, alcohol, and other sweets.

The extraction of Jasmine essential oil is different from various other essential oils. Certain types of extraction, like steam distillation, can damage the delicate jasmine flowers. As a result. solvent extraction is the way to extract the oils. 

This process involves putting flower petals in an ethanol solvent. The petals are rotated and left in the solvent to produce fragrance molecules. The distillation of the liquid leaves behind pure jasmine oils and the use of solvents gives a higher yield. Furthermore, keeping the more water soluble components, intact. These would otherwise be lost in distillation.

Touted benefits of Jasmine essential oil include mood boost, aiding in stress and anxiety symptoms, hormonal balance, and as a sleep aide.

 

Uses Of Jasmine Essential Oils:

 

jasmine essential oil benefits for the skin and body

 

  • Face Care: Add jasmine essential oils to your face and body, using carrier oils. A 2017 analysis looked at jasmine oil and it’s abilities to potentially help with various skin conditions. For example, dry complexion, inflammation, oily skin and psoriasis. This same study also reveled that jasmine essential oils can be used for revitalization, oily conditions, and general skin care.
  • Body Care: Add 4 to 5 drops to every 5 ml of your body lotion. However, dosage may depend on your age and overall health conditions. Mix in skin loving oils like jojoba, sweet almond or even avocado oils to name a few. Apply the mixture to your body thoroughly as a massage oil blend.

 

Benefits Of Jasmine Essential Oils

 

Potential to Decreases Menopause Symptoms

 

menopause symtoms

 

For many years, the oil has been believed to help menopause symptoms. However, there doesn’t seem to be ‘extensive’ scientific studies to prove this to be true. 

One study in 2008 used essential oils, including jasmine, in aromatherapy massage over an 8-week period in women. The study suggested (based on data) that massages with these oils may help with relieving specific symptoms such as hot flashes, depression and pain in climacteric women. 

In aromatherapy (like when using an ultrasonic diffuser or car oil diffuser), the inhaled vapors are said to have a positive effect on mood and stress levels. 

When the oils are massaged into the skin and vapors inhaled they can stimulate the limbic system. The limbic system is important for controlling emotions. Thus, is one reason essential oils are believed to help calm the body, boost mood, relieving symptoms of anxiety and stress. 

A massage (using jasmine oils) could be a way to reduce symptoms of menopause when used in adjunct with other therapies.

 

Potential Antiseptic:

 

anti septic properties

 

Jasmine oils have been found to have antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. These properties may help fight against various germs. Oftentimes, this antiseptic property make jasmine a popular oil when discussing it’s use against various forms or strains of infections. For example, E.coli, L. casei & multiple strands of candida, as one study found in 2018.

Certain compounds in jasmine oil (like oleuropein), may help in fighting infections. Furthermore, helping to boost immune function. 

When diluted and applied to the skin or oral infections, it’s suggested to help treat wounds. Unlike some essential oils, jasmine oil has been studied a number of times for it’s anti-bacterial properties.

We do not support any ingestion of essential oils

One assessment in 2008 of current literature, stated that high grade jasmine oils are applied to treat ulcers, & remove corns. The review found that there is some amount of antibacterial activity and mechanism of action of Jasminum sambac, against E.coli. 

 

Potential to Aide in Symptoms of Depression

 

helps with symptoms of depression

 

Jasmine oils have the potential to increase behavioral arousal. A study in 2017, discussed jasmine as being one of the diluted essential oils used in aromatherapy body massage and inhalation, which was used in evaluating depression symptoms. 

There were mixed results for the effectiveness of the five inhalation studies. Two of which showed positive benefits for postpartum women exposed to the aromatherapy inhalation. 

There was also an increase number of reported beneficial effects and improved depressive symptoms shown in studies where massage was carried out in combination with aromatherapy.

 

Potential Aphrodisiac:

 

natural aphrodisiac

 

According to the Journal of Health Research 2012, jasmine oil is a widely used and preferred odor in aromatherapy in Thailand. A study was carried out to examine brain wave changes to examine effects of jasmine oil on central nervous system function. 

The results showed that positive emotions, like feelings of well-being, and romance were increased. Negative emotions like feelings of fatigue, were significantly decreased.

According to some accounts, ancient Chinese culture used Jasmine as a natural aphrodisiac, and fertility booster. Some studies have indicated that jasmine tea is good for the body during pregnancy. 

Could this account for why jasmine is heavily used in perfumes and has been linked to romance? Jasmine oil also has the name “Queen of the night”. 

 

Side Effects of Jasmine Essential Oil

Jasmine is an oil that has been used safely for external use without causing irritation. We don’t discuss nor suggest the ingestion of any essential oil. We discuss them in the form of external applications. It’s always important to follow the recommendation from a healthcare provider before using essential oils for treatment of any ailments.

We do not encourage or support stopping any current treatments or regimens with essential oils without consulting a healthcare expert.

Please be cautious in using any essential oil when pregnant. Always consult a medical expert.

Do not use on children. 

Dilute with a carrier oil, and test a small area of skin before application. If any negative reaction or irritation occurs, stop use immediately and consult with a medical expert.

 

Final Thoughts!

Jasmine oil will most likely continue it’s trend in popularity. If not just for the potential health benefits, but for the shear fact it gives off a lovely aroma, that is universally liked.

Only purchase oils from a reputable manufacture or seller. Like with any discussion on essential oils and effects of aromatherapy, it’s important to research each oil.

Please share your aromatherapy strategies that help you improve your daily life. Be sure to share potential applications or some of your favorite blended oils!

 

Resources

0