Jasmine Oil
Jasmine or Jasminum officinalis as it is botanically known as is a delicate, evergreen shrub that produces the most aromatic of white flowers. Jasmine blossoms are in fact picked at night when their aroma is the most intense. The flower thus naturally lends itself to a host of uses in its essential oil form. Jasmine oil has a rich floral smell, which is a perfect balance of sweet and exotic. Currently Egypt, China, Italy, Morocco, Japan, and Turkey are the world’s producers of jasmine essential oil. The word Jasmine is derived from the Persian word meaning aphrodisiac but the pure and organic jasmine oil is more used for its medicinal properties nowadays. Jasmine oil is extracted using the steam distillation method and a pound of liquid is derived from nearly a thousand pounds of flowers. This makes organic jasmine oil quite an expensive investment. However in jasmine oil aromatherapy, a little oil can go a long way on benefiting the individual. Jasmine oil properties lends itself to being used an antiseptic, anti-spasmodic and as an expectorant.
Jasmine aromatherapy oil is non-irritating and non-toxic but some people may still have an allergic reaction to it. It is always recommended that you do a patch test on a small area of your skin to test that for any adverse reactions. Jasmine essential oil also has emmenagogue properties, which means that pregnant women should not use it. Due to its deeply soporific nature, too much of it can also impede alertness and concentration so this might not be the ideal oil to use when driving or before an important meeting or exam. Organic jasmine oil is brownish-gold in color and has a medium consistency. It blends very well with citrus oils such as lemon, orange and grapefruit as well as other essential oils such as rose, sandalwood and bergamot.
Jasmine Essential Oil Benefits
The therapeutic properties of using this oil gives rise to several jasmine oil benefits. In terms of its exotic aroma, jasmine oil perfume is a popular choice. The use of jasmine oil for skin is also very common use as it helps soothe irritable skin, reduce stretch marks and scarring, and balances dry or greasy skin. Jasmine oil is often found as a primary ingredient in creams and lotions used for sensitive skin and to treat scars. Jasmine oil is an excellent disinfectant and anti-septic and when applied on wounds can prevent infections. Its germicidal, anti-viral, and fungicidal properties provide the best skin relief and treatment. The application of jasmine oil for hair is also very common and a variety of hair care products make use of this as a main aromatic ingredient as well. But jasmine essential oil is not only a nice smelling addition to aromatherapy. It possesses a number of properties that make it very useful as a medical aid as well.
Jasmine oil can be used as both a relaxant and as a mood lifter. Aromatherapists believe that it can help shift a bad mood, can boost confidence and even act as an anti-depressant. Pure jasmine oil can be used in a variety of ways. You can use a few drops in vaporizers and burners and the aroma filled air can soothe your nerves as well as rejuvenate and refresh your energy levels. Jasmine oil to treat anxiety is another time-tested benefit. When blended in massage oil or used in a bath, jasmine oil can soothe a cough, ease muscle pain, help with respiratory disorders, reduce stress, relieve post-natal depression and even help break addictions. During childbirth, jasmine oil can facilitate a speedy delivery by inducing stronger contractions of the uterus. Women post delivery also benefit from using jasmine oil to improve the flow of breast milk and alleviate depression. The aphrodisiacal properties of jasmine have not completely been overlooked. It is said to increase libido and help with sexual problems such as impotency, frigidity, and premature ejaculation. How To Make Jasmine Oil
How to make jasmine oil is relatively simple if you want to make some at home. - You will need a wide necked sealable jar to store the oil along with a glass mixing bowl and some muslin to strain the oil.
- You then take about 8 tablespoons of crushed jasmine flowers and mix well with 300 ml of oil.
- Cover this mixture tightly in the jar and leave it in direct sunlight for about two days.
- You should shake the jar every two hours or so.
- Strain the oil through a clean piece of muslin, squeezing to remove as much of the extract as possible.
- Pour the oil back in the jar and add more crushed flowers if the aroma is not strong enough for you.
- Repeat the straining procedure after a few days.
- Once the essential oil meets your requirements in terms of aroma, store it in a cool, dry place and use within the next few weeks.
|
