The small, insignificant looking jasmine flower possesses what is one of the most heady and intoxicatingly beautiful natural fragrances in the world. Long cultivated for this essential oil and perfume, the jasmine flower (which is not one type but consists of about 200 distinct species) is a flower with great cultural significance in many parts of the world.
Not only that, it is also known to have certain medicinal and healing properties. Jasmine has been used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, liver disease as a treatment for cancer, and even as an aphrodisiac to varying degrees of efficacy. While many claims of jasmine’s healing and medicinal properties remain unproven, there is evidence to show that jasmine can have the following positive impacts:
Jasmine in aromatherapy
There are many health benefits of jasmine in aromatherapy. The essential oil obtained from jasmine not only smells wonderful, it can have a healing impact on the body. When a study examined the impacts of massage with jasmine oil on menopausal women, it was found that several of the symptoms showed improvement. Women who received weekly aromatherapy massages using jasmine and other essential oils reported to experiencing fewer hot flashes than women who did not receive the massages.
Aromatherapy experts claim that jasmine is able to trigger certain regions of the brain that help in relaxation and hence have a beneficial impact on blood pressure, stress levels as well as the body’s immunity. Jasmine could also possibly reduce anxiety and depression by lowering stress and combating fatigue. It is also thought to have a positive impact on menstrual cramps.
The essential oil of jasmine is frequently added to cosmetic products, lotions and creams because of the positive impact on the skin as well as the relaxing impacts on the body’s limbic system.
Health benefits of jasmine tea
It is thought that drinking jasmine tea is good for health because it contains catechins or antioxidants that fight free radical damage and even help the body fight tumors. One study has demonstrated that drinking the tea could help protect against esophageal cancer.
Similar to the impacts of jasmine essential oils, when drunk in tea form, it can help in relaxation by stabilizing the heart rate, elevating the mood and reducing stress. This may also possibly reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease to some small extent.
There is also some evidence to show that bathing with herbal jasmine tea can help counter skin problems such as eczema and even hemorrhoids.
