Description

Slender evergreen rambler growing to 20 ft (6 m). Has dark green compound leaves and large, sweetly scented tubular white flowers.

Habitat & Cultivation

Native to northern India, Pakistan, and the northwestern Himalayas, jasmine is now cultivated as a garden plant and for its essential oil.

Parts Used

Flowers, essential oil.

Constituents

Jasmine’s volatile oil contains benzyl alcohol, benzyl acetate, linalool, and linalyl acetate.

History & Folklore

Jasmine was introduced to Europe in the 16th century, and is mainly used as a source of perfume.

Medicinal Actions & Uses

Jasmine flowers make a calming and sedative infusion, taken to relieve tension. The oil is considered antidepressant and relaxing. It is used externally to soothe dry or sensitive skin. Due to frequent adulteration, the oil is rarely used in aromatherapy.

Related Species

Actually native to Southeast Asia, Arabian jasmine (J. sambac) is used as an eyewash, is added to tea (Camellia sinensis) to produce jasmine tea, and is used in Buddhist ceremonies.

Caution

Jasmine essential oil should not be taken internally.