We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Culinary

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Jasminum Officinale?

By N. Phipps
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,492
Share

A charming Chinese native, jasmine (Jasminum officinale), or poet’s jasmine, is a flowering evergreen vine or shrub. The plant has been well-known since ancient times for its sweet scent, which is especially strong at night. Jasmine oil is commonly used in perfumes, cosmetics, creams, soaps, and shampoos.

While Jasminum officinale essential oil may be popular, it can also be expensive. Since the delicate flowers cannot be distilled like other essential oil extracts, a more vigorous extraction process is required. Furthermore, numerous flower petals are necessary for only a small amount of oil. In fact, it takes thousands of jasmine flowers to obtain just one fluid ounce (30 ml) of essential oil.

The more extensive method of chemical extraction, which is known as enfleurage or fat maceration, results in a higher absolute concentration. The longer process allows fat to absorb the flower’s aromatic compounds and is repeated for several days until it thoroughly saturated. Once the fat becomes saturated, the scent is extracted from the fat with alcohol rather than the Jasminum officinale flower. The increased concentration provides a more potent aroma.

In addition to the aromatic blooms, jasmine is also highly regarded for its medicinal benefits and use as an herbal remedy. The plant is used as a relaxant, astringent, sedative, and analgesic. Jasmine oil is frequently used in aromatherapy for emotional health and stress relief. As massage oil, Jasminum officinale is thought to be an aphrodisiac, warming and relaxing the body. It is also believed to alleviate menopausal symptoms and relieve both menstrual pain and that associated with childbirth.

Taken as tea, jasmine is a known sedative. It is good for treating mouth ulcers, coughs, hoarseness, and laryngitis. Jasmine tea is effective for treating fevers, infections, and anxiety. The tea is also thought to be helpful for calming stomach complaints. Ointments of Jasminum officinale are oftentimes used for treating pain and inflammation. Jasmine has been used for the skin as well, increasing elasticity.

The root and leaves of Jasminum officinale have been used in many cultures. Common treatments include that of headaches, insomnia, and nervous disorders. The flowers can be used as compresses for minor cuts as well. Jasmine is also useful for alleviating pain associated with joints and bones as well as muscle spasms and sprains. In some areas, the plant has been used for treating problems with ringworm and tapeworm.

Since jasmine is so expensive, many people find it more effective to grow the plant instead. Jasminum officinale is easy to grow and makes an exceptional container plant. Growing jasmine allows growers the ability to enjoy its fresh fragrance throughout the season.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-jasminum-officinale.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.