Miki Tameishi
ITEC Therapist (Aromatherapy, Holistic Massage, Reflexology), IEB Reflexologist, LCICI Japan Champissage trainer, Chakra-Aroma Reiki Master, Hbps Hydrotherapist
I recently placed jasmine flowers in my practice clinic, and the scent permeated the space. It was simply amazing.
Upon arrival, my clients immediately noticed the sweet fragrance, and their faces lit up – what a great start to their visit and experience.
Apart from the fantastic scent, research has shown that jasmine essential oil also has beneficial effects on
- anxiety
- breathing
- cough
- cold
- depression
- restlessness
- insomnia
To learn more about how to apply and enjoy jasmine essential oil in your daily life, we will first start with the history of jasmine, so that we can truly appreciate this amazing flower.
Introduction
Jasmine is known as the king of essential oils, and many have a memory or experience related to the smell of fresh flowers.
In my case, jasmine always reminds me of my Japanese aroma teacher. She told us that jasmine, pronounced Jyasumin, sounds like a ‘good night’ in Japanese (Oyasumi) – this is to help us remember that jasmine is great for helping with insomnia.
Common name: Jasmin, Jessamine, Common jasmine, Poet’s jasmine.
Botanical name: Jasminum grandiflorum, Jasminum officinale.
Family name: Oleaceae.
Extraction methods: Steam distillation of the absolute or solvent extraction.
Parts used: Flowers.
Countries: Native to India and Southeast Asian regions.
Colour: Dark orange to brown.
Odour/smell: Jasmine’s middle to base note is a deep floral, warm, rich and highly diffusive odour. This is an exotic fruity oil with a tea scent undertone.
Properties: Antidepressant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, galactagogue (increasing breastmilk supply), parturient (assisting with birth and labour) and sedative.[1,2,3]
Chemical composition: The major constituents of jasmine are esters, which have sedative, antispasmodic and relaxant effects. They help us to regulate and balance the sympathetic nervous system.
Important note – Linalool has sedative and antispasmodic effects.[4]
Traditional uses
Jasmine’s fragrant flowers have been used since antiquity for personal adornment and religious ceremonies.
In the 15th century, jasmine was cultivated for its fragrant flowers for the gardens of the emperors of China, Afghanistan, Iran and Nepal.
In India, jasmine is known as ‘Queen of the Night’ because the scent of jasmine is more potent during the evenings.
In Europe, jasmine made its first appearance in the 15th century when the Moors brought jasmine flowers back to Spain.[1]
Since then, the importance of the jasmine flower has grown and in the West, jasmine was named ‘Warmth of the womb’ as it was believed that it helps with pregnancy and birth.
Jasmine, in different forms, was also used for
- cough
- cold
- catarrh
- breathing
- contracture
In China, the jasmine flower symbolises the sweetness of women and it was frequently used for
- hepatitis
- liver cirrhosis
- dysentery
- assisting with childbirth[1]
Flowers (fresh of dried) were used for
- conjunctivitis
- dysentery
- skin ulcer and tumour
Dried flowers are also used as an ingredient in Chinese jasmine tea.
Therapeutic uses
A clinical trial found that jasmine flowers were effective for the suppression of puerperal lactation.[1]
This is why, for my clients who are currently breastfeeding, I add jasmine essential oil to the oil massage blend that I use.
Jasmine’s effect on our nervous system
The value of jasmine oil is that it has a comforting effect on our mind, emotional state and behaviour.[1,5]
Jasmine acts best on
- anxiety
- restlessness
- restoring confidence and energy
- depression
- insomnia
Jasmine is especially helpful for emotional dilemmas, particularly when they involve relationships and sex.[1]
Respiratory system and jasmine
Jasmine has antispasmodic and expectorant effects and is excellent for treating or easing catarrh cough.[5]
It also helps with
- calming the cough
- helping with a deeper breath
- relieving bronchial spasms
Endocrine and reproductive system
Jasmine in diterpene alcohol such as phytol and isophytol will promote oestrogen activity that
- promotes ovulation
- helps relieve PMS
- stimulates milk production
- stimulates uterine muscles during childbirth
Jasmine is the preferred essential oil to use during childbirth
As a massage oil, it is used on the abdomen and lower back in the early stages of labour as it will relieve the pain. Also, it helps with the expulsion of the placenta after delivery and aids postnatal recovery.[1]
Jasmine and our skin care
Jasmine has antiseptic properties particularly useful in skin care to make the skin soft and restore elasticity.[1,5]
It also helps with
- dry, sensitive and irritated skin
- dull and oily complexion
- stretch marks (reduction in appearance).
How to use
Jasmine can be used for
- topical application (facial cleanser, toner, facial cream and facial oil)
- massage
- compressing
- bathing
- sauna
- room sprays
- ointment
- Amigel
- inhalation (direct inhalation, aroma diffuser, oil vaporiser)
Other uses
Jasmine flower is used as a fragrance in soaps, toiletries and perfumes, especially high-quality riental fragrances.
The oil and absolute are used in a wide range of food products, alcohol and soft drinks, while dried flowers are used in teas.[2]
Essential oils inhalation instructions
- Tissue or handkerchief – 1 drop
- Water bowl – 1 to 9 drops
- Candle / scented light bulb – 1 to 2 drops
- Vapour – 2 to 3 drops
- Diffuser – 1 to 6 drops
- Humidifier – 1 to 9 drops
Essential oils bath instructions
- Bath – 1 to 8 drops
- Shower – 1 to 8 drops
- Hand bath – 2 to 4 drops
- Foot bath – 1 to 6 drops
- Sauna – 2 drops per 600 ml water[6]
Essential oils massage instructions
Ron Guba generally recommends a dilution from 2.5% to 10% essential oil in different carrier oils.[7]
Robert Tisserand’s table recommends topical percentages and dilution guidelines.[8] See below.
| Purpose of the essential oil mixture | Dilution range |
| Facial cosmetics | 0.2-1.5% |
| Body massage | 1.5-3% |
| Bath & body products | 1-4% |
| Specific problems | 4-10% |
| Pain, wounds | 5-20% |
Essential oil dilution guidelines
Aromatherapy blends
Good combinations for jasmine are
- floral essential oils (chamomile [German and Roman], neroli, lavender, geranium, rose)
- herbal essential oils (clary sage)
- woody essential oils (cedarwood, rosewood)
- spice essential oils (frankincense)
- oriental essential oils (ylang ylang, sandalwood)
- citrus essential oils (sweet orange, grapefruit, bergamot, melissa, lemongrass).
RELATED — Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Insomnia blend (massage and bath)
Apply to the chest.
- Spikenard – 3 drops
- Jasmine – 4 drops
- Sweet orange – 1 drop
- Carrier (vegetable) oil – 10ml
RELATED — Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis)
Lactation promoting blend (massage)
Apply to the breast area in a circular motion.
- Jasmine – 3 drops
- Fennel – 2 drops
- Star anise – 1 drop
- Rose geranium – 2 drops
- Carrier (vegetable) oil – 10ml
Important note – please ensure that before breastfeeding, you thoroughly wash and clean the area where the massage oil was applied.
Stretch mark reduction blend (massage)
Apply to the affected areas.
- Sage – 2 drops
- Jasmine – 2 drops
- Rosewood – 2 drops
- Roman chamomile – 1 drop
- Geranium – 1 drops
- Carrier (vegetable) oil – 8ml
- Rosehip – 2ml
Catarrh cough blend (steam)
Pour hot water into a bowl, add the oil blend (see below) and cover your head with a towel. Make sure to lean over the bowl with your face about 20-25 cm away and your eyes closed.
Take deep breaths through your nose for about one minute, take a break and repeat.[6]
- Jasmine – 1 drop
- Bay laurel – 1 drop
- Rosemary camphor – 1 drop
RELATED — Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Anti-ageing skin blend (lotion)
- Jasmine – 4 drops
- Australian sandalwood- 2 drops
- Petitgrain – 1 drop
- Disper (essential oil emulsifier) – 2ml
- Neroli hydrosol water – 45ml
- Vegetable glycerin – 3ml
RELATED — Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)
Precaution and safety
Jasmine absolute is generally non-irritating, non-sensitising and non-phytotoxic.
However, coniferyl acetate and coniferyl benzoate are allergic components of the Jasmine absolute.[9]
Related Questions
1. Is jasmine essential oil good for the hair?
Yes, jasmine oil contains moisturising properties to prevent hair breakage.
Jasmine oil is light and able to penetrate the hair shaft and cuticle to maintain natural moisture and elasticity.
2. Can you diffuse jasmine essential oil?
Yes. However, it is quite expensive and has a strong scent of flower oil. I would suggest buying jasmine 3% (diluted with jojoba oil) for daily use.
3. What is the best jasmine essential oil?
One of the brands that I prefer is Essential Therapeutics. However, I would suggest that you try different brands, since different companies use different methods of extraction, which will have an effect on the final product and smell.
For more articles on essential oils, please see our page on Natural Medicine.
Miki is a Japanese-born traditionally trained massage therapist and aromatherapy practitioner. She has Japanese expertise, techniques and Western training. Miki has studied in both Asian and Western modalities.
Miki can be found at Herbal Aroma Spa and Wellness shop and LCICI Japan School – NZ. For more information on Miki, please visit HanaAkari.
References
(1) Battaglia, S. (2003). The complete guide to aromatherapy (2nd ed.). The international centre of aromatherapy.
(2) Lawless, J. (1995). Complete essential oils. Element.
(3) Buckle, J. (2003). Clinical aromatherapy (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
(4) Joy, E. B. (2003). The chemistry of aromatherapeutic oils.
(5) Candy, R. (2005). Aromatherapy essential oil in colour. Amberwood publishing Ltd.
(6) Worwood, V.A. (1991). The fragrant pharmacy. Macmillan.
(7) Guba, R. (2006). Aromatherapy and regenerative skin care. The Centre for Aromatic Medicine.
(8) Tisserand, R. (2015). Tisserand institute. https://tisserandinstitute.org/essential-oil-dilution-chart/
(9) Nard Japan (2005). Nard Japan: A dictionary of chemotype essential oils for prescription. Nard Japan.
