The flower oil of the Orient, jasmine evokes feelings of warmth and of passion. Its romantic scent means that it is prized and valuable. Regarded as the "king of flower oils," jasmine is an effective aphrodisiac, bringing out inner desires and restoring sexual energy. Used as a massage oil or room fragrance, it is soothing and uplifting. Jasmine warms the emotions, calms the nerves and dispels feelings of apathy and listlessness, replacing them with energy and optimism.
HARVEST BEFORE SUNRISE
It takes 3 million jasmine flowers to create a single pound of essential oil; they must be hand-picked before dawn, and the essence is skillfully extracted, using alcohol solvents.
Midwives have used jasmine for centuries to strengthen contractions and speed up delivery. It also helps to balance the new mother's hormones, especially when combined with either rose or neroli oils.
Jasmine has skin-softening properties and is beneficial to dry, sensitive or inflamed skin, especially when the condition is related to stress.
The rich aroma of jasmine incense can be used to fragrance a room with a relaxing and romantic atmosphere--ideal if you are planning a candlelit dinner with someone special.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS OF JASMINE OIL
Esters. Jasmine is extremely rich in esters, which can make up 70% of the oil. Esters are the most relaxing chemical "family" found in essential oils. They calm the nervous system and have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
Linalyl acetate and benzyl acetate give jasmine its warm, floral fragrance.
Ketones. Jasmine contains low concentations of the ketone jasmone, which contributes a warm, spicy odor and has potent therapeutic properties.
Jasmine is a great perfume oil as well as having therapeutic properties.
WARNING: DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY!
THE BEST USES OF JASMINE OIL
Perfect Skin Softener -- Jasmine's softening effect on the skin makes it a valuable essential oil for both face and body.
SKIN SOFTENING BATH: Add 3-5 drops of jasmine oil to your bath water for a softening soak.
SOOTHE STRESSED SKIN: For dry, inflamed skin conditions, especialy those triggered by stress, blend:
- 2 drops jasmine oil
- 1 drop lavender oil
- 1 drop chamomile oil
- 1 tsp. aloe vera lotion or moisturizer cream
MOISTURIZING BLEND: Smooth dry skin on your elbows and knees with a blend of the following:
- 2 drops jasmine oil
- 4 drops chamomile oil
- 4 drops sandalwood oil
- 1 tsp. sweet almond
- 1 tsp. jojoba carrier base
Rub into any affected areas twice daily.
SENSUAL ROMANCE: Rekindle the romance in your relationship, using the deeply relaxing and sensual properties of jasmine.
- Sensual Massage. Delight your partner with a massage to release inhibitions and encourage romance. Blend together:
- 5 drops jasmine oil
- 3 drops clary sage oil
- 6 drops rosewood oil
- 1 tsp. grapeseed oil
- Candlelit Bath. Rosewood's uplifting action complements jasmine's aphrodisiac effects. Add the massage blend, minus the grapeseed oil, to your bath for a sensual, candlit soak.
- Romantic Fragrance. Use this vaporizer blend to create a romantic mood:
- 2 drops jasmine oil
- 2 drops palmarosa oil
- 3 drops sandalwood oil
JASMINE FOR YOUR MIND AND EMOTIONS
Jasmine is great for any stress-related condition as it can restore energy and confidence. Try these recipes to invigorate body and mind.
- Boost Energy. Tackle apathy with an all over body massage using this blend of oils:
- 2 drops jasmine
- 4 drops clary sage
- 4 drops rosemary
- 5 drops sweet orange
- 1 tsp. sweet almond
The jasmine and sweet orange will dispel any gloomy thoughts and encourage a more positive outlook, while the rosemary and clary sage will work to invigorate the mind.
- Fight Fatigue. To treat exhaustive stress, create a massage blend with a combination of the following oils:
- 1 drop jasmine
- 2 drops neroli
- 5 drops lavender
- 7 drops lemon
- 1 tsp. grapeseed
- Lift Mood. For sufferers of depression, create a soothing and uplifing room fragrance to warm their emotions. Add the following essential oils to a room vaporizer:
- 3 drops jasmine
- 6 drops lavender
- 4 drops bergamot
The jasmine and lavender oils will work together to help ease anxiety and the bergamot will refresh the mind.
MAGIC JASMINE
Jasmine is known as the "king of flower oils" and much folklore surrounds its heady fragrance.
- In Europe, jasmine was thought to aid childbirth, because it could "warm the womb" and facilitate birth.
- Dried jasmine flowers are a traditional ingredient in charm bags to attract love.
- In ancient times, burning jasmine leaves was believed to attract wealth, unless this was done in the bedroom, where they were thought to induce prophetic dreams.
- Chinese medicine has utilized the healing abilities of jasmine for thousands of years.
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