Jasmine is often referred to as a "woman's oil" in aromatherapy because of its use as treatment for a number of health problems such as childbirth, hormonal disorders and skin care. However, jasmine also has other psychological and physical effects in aromatherapy use. It is important to remember that jasmine is not a pure essential oil and is, in fact, an absolute.
Traditional Use
Julia Lawless, in her book "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils," writes that jasmine was used in China to treat dysentery, hepatitis and liver cirrhosis. In addition, past uses of jasmine in Western medicine include as an aid to childbirth, nervous problems, reproductive problems and respiratory disorders.
Extraction
Jasmine is extracted from the fragrant white flowers of a climbing plant indigenous to Asia, China and India. However, jasmine oil is now produced in the Mediterranean region, Egypt, Turkey and Morocco, although most jasmine oil for aromatherapy use is produced in France.
Production
Jasmine is an expensive oil to produce. Jennie Harding, in her book "Aromatherapy Massage for You," writes that the flowers of jasmine are too fragile to distill. Therefore, a chemical solvent is introduced to extract the essential oil for aromatherapy use through enfleurage. Enfleurage is a lengthly process that produces small quantities of essential oil, hence the high cost of jasmine oil or, in some cases, the adulteration of jasmine oil. Adulterated jasmine oil has additional additives and is not suitable for aromatherapy use because of the interference with the plant's natural properties.
Physical Effects
Patricia Davis, in her book "Aromatherapy An A-Z," writes that jasmine oil has similar aromatherapy uses to rose oil. Jasmine oil regulates and improves a number of hormonal and reproductive problems such as dysmenorrhoea and uterine disorders. It is also extremely beneficial to the skin and is of particular use to dry, irritated and sensitive skin. Patricia Davis advises the use of jasmine in childbirth to relieve pain and strengthen contractions.
Psychological Effects
Use jasmine to treat a number of psychological difficulties. Jennie Harding advises the use of jasmine for sexual disorders, including frigidity and nervousness. Patricia Davis writes that jasmine is a well-known aphrodisiac and antidepressant and is therefore beneficial to many sexual problems that can arise from fear, depression, anxiety and tension.
Cautions
Jasmine has a very intense floral aroma. It is overpowering in large quantities so use it sparingly. In addition, jasmine might trigger migraines, headaches or skin allergies in sensitive people. Do not use undiluted jasmine oil on the skin. Blend jasmine oil with a carrier oil, such as sunflower oil or jojoba oil, or a lotion base. In general, jasmine is non-toxic and non-irritating in normal aromatherapy use but individual circumstances might differ.
References
- "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils"; Julia Lawless; 1995
- "Aromatherapy An A-Z"; Patricia Davis; 1999
- "Aromatherapy Massage for You"; Jennie Harding: 2005
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