The essential oil of jasmine is renowned for its intoxicating fragrance. However, the plant of jasmine and ergo its essential oil also packs powerful nutrients that have several health benefits. Read all about the benefits and uses of this aromatic and therapeutic oil.
About Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil is obtained from the flowering plant Jasminum officinale which belongs to the species of jasmine. The plant is also known by several other names including common jasmine, poet’s jasmine, summer jasmine, true jasmine, white jasmine or jasmine.
Jasminum gets its name from Latin and Persian yasmin, which means scented plants. The plant is native to the Caucasus region and parts of Asia.
However, it is naturalized in most parts of the world. The oil of jasmine is extracted through either of the two different processes – steam distillation (hydro-distillation) or cold pressing. The plant and its flowers have many compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, leucoanthcyanins, saponins and more.
(The botanical origin, chemical composition and uses of the essential oil have been published by Anton de Groot and Erich Schmidt in 2017.) (1)
Because of its aroma, the oil of jasmine finds widespread use in cosmetics and perfumery. The aroma of the oil is also of great use and is utilized in aromatherapy where it can treat not only psychological and emotional ailments but physical ones as well.
The oil can be mixed with carrier oils and other essential oils fro topical application. The role and significance of essential oils in aromatherapy and healthcare has been studied and published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Health in 1997. (2)
Jasmine oil is a popular oil and is generally considered safe for use. It is used as an ingredient in alcohol and sweets as well. (Check out the safety and precaution section for more details.)
This plant based aromatic oil is nontoxic. It has antispasmodic, cicatrizant, sedative, emmenagogue, uterine and other therapeutic properties. Jasmine absolute are also available from the plant. Another species of the plant, Jasminum grandiflorum, is also used for oil extraction.
| Name | Jasmine Essential Oil |
| Botanical Name | Jasminum officinale |
| Native to | Caucasus region and parts of Asia |
| Properties | Antidepressant, antispasmodic, cicatrizant, sedative, emmenagogue, uterine, aphrodisiac, expectorant |
| Main ingredients | Benzoic acid, farnesol, cis-3-hexenyl benzoate, linalool, eugenol, indole, methyl anthranilate, nerolidol, benzyl acetate |
| Aroma | Rich, Sweet floral |
| Blends well with | Orange, lime, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, rose, sandalwood, Clary sage, chamomile, geranium, neroli and peppermint essential oils |
| Category | Floral |
| Substitute | Lavender, rose, ylang ylang or geranium essential oil |
14 Jasmine Essential Oil Benefits
The oil of jasmine flower has several health-related uses and benefits. Here, we will look at the 14 health benefits of jasmine essential oil.
1. It is an excellent Antidepressant
The intoxicating effect of jasmine oil, if inhaled in proper doses, will help conquer stress, anxiety, negative emotions and depression. Aromatherapy can reduce depressive symptoms. A study published in January 2017 showed that an aromatherapy massage had more benefits for depression than aromatherapy inhalation. (3)
Another research by the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry published in 2009 showed that jasmine oil had stimulating effect on the participants. It increased their rate of breathing, blood pressure and the level of blood oxygen saturation. Participants in the jasmine oil group also showed increased behavioral arousal. Because of this, the participants in the jasmine group felt more alert than those in the placebo group.
Thus, researchers reached the conclusion that the stimulant or activating nature of the oil improved the mood and curbed depression. (4)
Another study was conducted to find how the aromatic molecules of the essential oil affected the CNS or central nervous system, and hence the mood. This study, published in the Journal of Health Research, concluded that inhalation of the oil boosted the mood by increasing the brain activity. The participants in the study felt more optimistic and full of vigor.
That is why Jasmine essential oil is widely regarded as one of the most potent antidepressant essential oil. Its sweet and intoxicating floral scent can uplift the mood, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of relaxation.
2. It is an Aphrodisiac
Jasmine is and will forever be an aphrodisiac with a romantic fragrance. The flowers are still used to decorate the room of newlyweds in many countries. The aroma is intoxicating and calm, and is used as a means of attraction. Its aroma is known to have a titillating effect on people.
However, the scientific evidence to ascertain the aphrodisiacal properties of this oil is lacking. But, other research has shown that inhaling its aroma increases heartbeats, pulse rate and blood flow. It also increases the energy levels in people. These are the primary changes in the body when anyone gets sexually excited.
Although there has been no substantial research on the effects of jasmine on sexual health, a research by Alan R Hirsch for the Smell and Taste Treatment Research Foundation does establish how olfactory stimuli works on sexual response. (5) In case of jasmine oil for intimacy, you can either diffuse the oil in the ambience or apply it on the wrist and neck.
3. It may prevent Infections
The oil of jasmine plant is known to have antiviral and antiseptic properties (which makes it a good disinfectant). Jasmine blossom oil has many active constituents that have antiviral, bactericidal and antimicrobial properties. Some of these ingredients are benzoic acid and benzaldehyde.
It has internal and external uses. The oil is diluted and applied on external wounds to stop it from getting infected; and it is inhaled to treat respiratory infections caused by viruses.
A study in July 2009 published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has shown the antiviral properties of Jasminum officinale. (6)
Another research done in October 2012 ahs found the potent antimicrobial properties of essential oil blends that included jasmine oil. (7)
4. It Fades Scars and Blemishes
Cicatrizant is one of the properties of jasmine essential oil. Hence, if anyone is bothered by scars and blemishes should apply the essential oil regularly to remove these scars. jasmine oil is also a one of the best natural oils to prevent stretch marks after pregnancy.
5. It can reduce Coughing
Jasmine oil has expectorant properties that not only ensure that coughs are taken care of, but also that a person gets a good night’s uninterrupted sleep. Colds and coughs may sometimes clog the respiratory tract in the middle of the night causing sleep interruption. Jasmine oil provides relief from cold and cough.
When jasmine oil is diffused at night it will make sure that the coughs are taken care of and sleep is uninterrupted.
6. It induces Sleep
The aroma and molecules of the oil helps with long uninterrupted peaceful sleep. It can be diffused to treat insomnia. The different properties of the oil including expectorant, antispasmodic, antidepressant and sedative all work together to ensure sleep. It loosens the phlegm, which prevents clogging, and thus it is the best essential oil for snoring.
And what happens when you sleep well?
You wake up fresh and energetic and are more productive at work. The efficiency of jasmine oil for sleep has been highlighted in the book “Integrative Sleep Medicine”. Some of its constituents have a sedative effect on autonomic nerve activity and mood states.
7. Oil for Skincare
Jasmine oil is used as an ingredient in several skin care products. In cosmetics it is used in treating dry skin issues and brittle hair. It is a good moisturizer with pleasant aroma. The oil may have non-sensitizing effects on the skin of certain people and is not used on open wounds on the skin.
The oil can be applied topically to treat skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema. It is a norm to use essential oils as potential antimicrobials to treat skin diseases. Jasmine oil has antioxidant properties and can be used as an anti-ageing oil.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry in 2007 by Alfreda Wei and Takayuki Shibamoto showed that antioxidant properties in jasmine were due to the presence of benzyl acetate. (8)
8. Jasmine Essential Oil Benefits for Women’s Health
A pilot controlled clinical study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal in September 2008 found that aromatherapy massage was an effective treatment for several symptoms of menopause (menopausal symptoms). (9)
These benefits of the oil are due to its emmenagogue. Oils that have emmenagogue properties provide relief for women suffering from painful menses, dysmenorrheal, irregular menstruation or delayed menstruation. Jasmine oil with its emmenagogue properties regularizes menstruations and reduces symptoms such as hot flashes, cramps and general discomfort. Many women find relief when used Jasmine essential oils for hot flashes managing into their daily routine.
It is also said to delay menopause (more research needed). Some of the other symptoms related to women’s health are fatigue and mood swings. Jasmine oil takes care of that as well. Regular periods also balance the level of hormones in the body. Hence, in a way the essential oil improves the functioning of different systems of the body at a hormonal level.
9. It may promote Lactation
Continuing with women’s health, jasmine oil may increase the secretion of milk. This is good for lactating mothers because lactation and milk secretion is not only good for the baby, but also for the mothers. (10)
10. It may ease the process of Childbirth
There is a book by Ixchel Susan Leigh titled “Nurturing during Pregnancy with Aromatherapy”. The book talks about how essential oil, including jasmine oil, facilitates and eases parturition or the process of childbirth. It also reduces the pain during labor.
In today’s world where C-section or Cesarean section is prevalent and preferred, this property of organic oils is a boon. Furthermore, aromatherapy with jasmine oil also shortens the post natal recovery time. It is also said that jasmine oils shortens the time taken to deliver a child.
And of course, its aroma can easily combat post-partum depression. Its antidepressant properties are well known, but its uses for parturition needs more research.
A study published in the Nitte University Journal of Health Science in December 2013 proved that inhaling jasmine reduced first stage labor pain. (11)
11. It is an Antispasmodic
The benefits of jasmine oil are also due to its antispasmodic properties that are often used at homes to treat whooping coughs or spasmodic coughs, and spasms in the stomach.
The number of researches done to find out the antispasmodic ability of jasmine is very less. However, the lack of research has not stopped jasmine oil from being used in traditional medicine to treat convulsions and spasms in the body.
12. It is a Cicatrizant
Jasmine oil has the ability of forming scar tissue. It is because the oil is a cicatrizant that promotes wound healing. Along with being an antiseptic, the cicatrizant properties make the oil an excellent agent in preventing skin infections.
A study published in 2017 in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Journal established its anti-inflammatory properties which would be useful in treating conditions including psoriasis. (12)
Another study on lab rats found that jasmine extract could quicken the healing process of chronic wounds. In the study it was seen that the plant extract could increase granulation tissue formation and promote wound contraction. (13)
13. It is a Uterine
The oil distilled from jasmine plant may protect the uterus. Jasmine oil may tone the uterus and cause it to secrete hormones that upkeep its wellbeing. It restricts the low of estrogen from the uterus after menopause, thus providing protection from tumors.
14. It aids in De-addiction
The powerful aroma of jasmine oil is used as a supplementary therapy in getting over addictions. The oil can help one better manage withdrawal symptoms. The aroma of the oil is used in the training of brain functions.
Jasmine Essential Oil Uses
Aromatherapy Massage
A study has proven that aromatherapy massage with jasmine essential oil is more beneficial than aromatherapy inhalation. The oil of jasmine is diluted with carrier oil (coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil) and applied on the whole body to reinvigorate the body.
Lavender or geranium oil blends well with jasmine oil and a carrier oil of choice. Jasmine oil can increase alertness and arousal, but its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe the skin and mind.
Diffused for Sleep
A few drops of jasmine essential oil or its blends is added to an aroma diffuser or a humidifier and diffused in the house before bed time. The aroma soothes the mind and body and ensures proper quality sleep.
It is usually blended with oils whose aromas have a grounding effect. One or two drops of the oil in your home significantly increases sleep quality.
Diffused to Boost Mood
Jasmine oil has the ability to increase alertness and arousal. It has an intoxicating aroma that stimulates the limbic system, which boosts the mood and spirits.
The oil can be diluted and applied on the neck and wrists to uplift mood all day long. The oil is also used topically for improving mood. It improves breathing rate and has a stimulating and activating effect on the brain.
Jasmine Boosts Mental Focus
The essential oil of jasmine is known to induce energy, thus inhaling the aroma or rubbing it on the skin boosts energy level and increases concentration or focus. Research has shown that the active ingredients of the oil improved brain activity. This oil can be diffused in the study room of children with better learning experience and problem solving.
Jasmine Essential Oil For Skincare
Good Oil for Dry Skin
Jasmine oil has healing and restorative properties that are useful for dry skin. It hydrates the skin, soothes it and gives it a glow. The oil can be applied on irritable skin as massage oil. It is suitable for skin conditions including eczema. A warm bath with jasmine oil infused water is also good for dry skin.
An Anti-ageing Oil
The antioxidant properties of jasmine oil make it an excellent anti-ageing agent, which is used in several cosmetic products. The oil is diluted with almond oil or olive oil and applied on the face as a precaution against early ageing signs including wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet. Dilute with carrier oil and apply on the face before bed time and let it stay overnight. Wash off the oil in the morning.
Useful As Skin Moisturizer
The simplest but must do skincare routine is to keep the skin moisturized. Some of the moisturizing techniques can be cumbersome. Essential oils make moisturizing the skin easy and on top of that essential oils have other therapeutic benefits for the skin. Dilute with carrier oil and apply on the face before bed time and let it stay overnight. Wash off the oil in the morning.
Oil For Sensitive Skin
Jasmine oil has anti-inflammatory properties and has a soothing effect on the skin. It is also known for its gentle and mild nature. When applied on irritated and itchy skin after dilution it soothes the skin without causing any breakouts.
Oil For Healing
Using chemical cosmetics to reduce skin scars and blemishes is not a good idea anymore; especially when you have organic alternatives in the form of essential oils. Use of Jasmine oil which has natural healing properties diminishes acne / pimple scars and stretch marks. Being a cicatrizant, jasmine targets blemishes and diminishes gradually up on regular use.
Skin Tone Essential Oil
The steam distilled oil is a tonic for the skin. It gives the skin a uniform texture and glow. By healing the skin and lightening the dark spots on the skin jasmine oil gives a radiant skin. It is often used as a makeup primer as it gives the skin a good glow. It also has a calming effect on the skin.
Oil Against Dandruff
Dry skin can cause flakes in the scalp and dandruff. Use jasmine oil to moisturize the scalp and prevent dandruff. It has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that eliminates bacteria from the scalp and prevents infections. It nourishes the hair follicles and prevents hair breakages. It is also massaged on the hair to promote its elasticity.
Jasmine Essential Oil DIY Recipes
Floral Garden Aroma
Ingredients
- 5 drops of jasmine oil
- 3 drops of rose oil
- 2 drops of lavender oil
Car Freshener
Ingredients
- 3 drops of lavender oil
- 3 drops of jasmine oil
Balancing Massage
Ingredients
- 3 drops of jasmine oil
- 2 drops of Clary sage oil
- 2 drops of ylang ylang oil
- Quarter cup of jojoba oil
Foot Massage
Ingredients
- 4 drops of lemongrass oil
- 4 drops of jasmine oil
- 4 drops of marjoram oil
- 2 drops of Balsam Peru
- 5 tablespoons of coconut oil
Safety And Precautions While Using Jasmine Essential Oil
Essential oils are great for self-care routines. However, we should also take care and follow caution when using them to keep ourselves and loved ones safe from its side effects.
Generally essential oils are safe, but a few guidelines must be followed to avoid any adverse effects. Also, the oils are different, made up of different compounds. Some people may be allergic to certain compounds while others may be allergic to others. Concentrated oil must be bought after careful deliberation. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.
- Read the label and instructions to make sure you’re using the oil correctly.
- While buying essential oils be wary of the terms fragrance oil, perfume oil and natural identical oil.
- The term pure essential oil can be widely seen on the bottles. These maybe made from substandard sources.
- Ensure that you are not allergic to any ingredients or compounds in the oil.
- Make sure to dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil for safe application. Never topically apply undiluted oil on skin.
- Do not add too much of the oil in the diffuser.
- Avoid using essential oils of sensitive areas like the eyes and nose.
- Don’t apply it on broken skin either unless it’s mentioned on the bottle or label.
- Keep it out of reach of kids and fur kids.
- Do not diffuse the oil near kids and pets. Consult a doctor before doing so.
- Some oils may make you sensitive to sun damage, so be sure to load up on SPF.
- Check the label to see if the oil is photo-toxic.
- This oil may not be suitable for pregnant women or for women who are breastfeeding.
- The oil may cause embryotoxicity; consult a doctor before use.
- Always use the oil on a small patch of skin before topical application.
- If aromatherapy is performed directly from the bottle, make sure that the oil does not touch the skin.
- The common unwanted effects caused by essential oils up on topical application are rashes, redness and swelling.
- If you show signs of irritation, stop use and consult a health professional.
- Some essential oils cannot be used by people with kidney problems, whereas some essential oils cannot be used by those with blood disorders. It is always advisable to consult a doctor about your essential oil needs and predisposition for diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jasmine essential oil good for?
Jasmine essential oil is good for several health related issues. Some of its benefits are as follows: – · It promotes alertness and is hence diffused in children’s study rooms. · It has been proven to combat stress, anxiety and depression. · It is applied on wounds and burns to stop infection. · It is used to promote romantic endeavors · It can stops spasms in the stomach · It is applied topically to heal scars and blemishes. · It decreases discomfort during menstruation. · It promotes milk production in new moms.
Can I put jasmine essential oil on my skin?
Jasmine oil is a floral oil and is considered to be gentle on the skin. Jasmine oil must be diluted and then applied on the skin to get its many benefits. Jasmine oil is used as an ingredient in many cosmetic products.
Does jasmine oil help with sleep?
Jasmine oil has the ability of lowering anxiety. Some studies show that it is better than lavender oil in reducing anxiety. But jasmine oil induces more alertness and energy in the body. So does it help with sleep? By lowering anxiety and relaxing the nervous system, jasmine oil assists in sleep. It is generally used with other essential oils for sleep.
Is jasmine oil good for wrinkles?
Jasmine oil has antioxidant properties that neutralize the free radicals in the body that cause premature ageing including wrinkles, crow’s feet and fine lines. It also has anti-inflammatory and cicatrizant properties that soothes irritated skin and removes scars and blemishes. With these properties jasmine oil is an effective anti ageing agent that can prevent wrinkles.
Source:
- de Groot, Anton C. MD, PhD; Schmidt, Erich. (2017). Essential Oils, Part VI: Sandalwood Oil, Ylang-Ylang Oil, and Jasmine Absolute. https://journals.lww.com/dermatitis/Abstract/2017/01000/Essential_Oils,_Part_VI__Sandalwood_Oil,.4.aspx.
- M Lis-Balchin. (1997). Essential oils and ‘aromatherapy’: their modern role in healing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9519666/.
- Dalinda Isabel Sánchez-Vidaña. (2017). The Effectiveness of Aromatherapy for Depressive Symptoms: A Systematic Reviewhttps://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2017/5869315/.
- Tapanee Hongratanaworakit Srinakharinwirot University. (2010). Stimulating Effect of Aromatherapy Massage with Jasmine Oil. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41576755_Stimulating_Effect_of_Aromatherapy_Massage_with_Jasmine_Oil.
- Alan R. Hirsch, M.D., F.A.C.P., and Jason J. Gruss. (2014). Human Male Sexual Response to Olfactory Stimuli. https://aanos.org/human-male-sexual-response-to-olfactory-stimuli/.
- Guiqin Zhao, Zhifeng Yin, Junxing Dong. (2009). Antiviral efficacy against hepatitis B virus replication of oleuropein isolated from Jasminum officinale L. var. grandiflorum. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19580857/.
- Sarin Tadtong, Supatcha Suppawat, Anchalee Tintawee, Phanida Saramas, Suchada Jareonvong, Tapanee Hongratanaworakit. (2012). Antimicrobial activity of blended essential oil preparation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23157022/.
- Alfreda Wei and Takayuki Shibamoto. (2007). Antioxidant Activities and Volatile Constituents of Various Essential Oils. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf062959x.
- Myung-Haeng Hur, Yun Seok Yang and Myeong Soo Lee. (2008). Aromatherapy Massage Affects Menopausal Symptoms in Korean Climacteric Women: A Pilot-Controlled Clinical Trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529395/.
- What are the benefits of breastfeeding? https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/breastfeeding/conditioninfo/benefits.
- Reeja Mariam Joseph, Philomena Fernandes. (2013). EFFECTIVENESS OF JASMINE OIL MASSAGE ON REDUCTION OF LABOR PAIN AMONG PRIMIGRAVIDA MOTHERS. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341456495_EFFECTIVENESS_OF_JASMINE_OIL_MASSAGE_ON_REDUCTION_OF_LABOR_PAIN_AMONG_PRIMIGRAVIDA_MOTHERS.
- Ané Orchard and Sandy van Vuuren. (2017). Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5435909/.
- Hiren Hirapara, Vishal Ghori, Ashish Anovadiya, Seema Baxi, and Chandrabhanu Tripathi. (2017). Effects of ethanolic extract of Jasminum grandiflorum Linn. flowers on wound healing in diabetic Wistar albino rats. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641414/.