The scent of jasmine on a warm summer evening is not easy to forget. A heady mix of deep floral, musk and tea-like notes inhabit your nostrils and linger for the longest time. In short, jasmine is a slice of heaven, and it is no wonder that it is highly sought after and prized in luxury skincare products.
Yet jasmine is more than just a pretty face. It has valuable uses in aromatherapy beyond its skincare tendencies. What are they? Let’s find out.
How Jasmine is Extracted
Jasmine is available as two distinct species in essential oil circles: Jasminum grandiflorum and Jasminum sambac. Of the two, Jasminum grandiflorum is the least “sweet,” in my opinion, and most widely used for aromatherapy purposes. However, Jasminum sambac is a great oil to use in top-of-the-line perfumery products.
To be clear, jasmine is not technically an essential oil. Most essential oils are distilled directly from the plant source. In jasmine’s case, the “essential oil” is steam distilled from the absolute (previously obtained by a concrete extraction from the plant). Extracting jasmine’s beneficial properties proves exceedingly elusive, as the delicate white flowers have to be picked at night to preserve the scent.
The Scent of Jasmine
So which jasmine oil do you have: Jasminum grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac? Here’s how to spot the difference:
- Jasminum grandiflorum: Rich, warm, intense, deeply floral, musk and tea-like notes.
- Jasminum sambac: Rich, warm, deeply floral, green, tea-like, and sweet notes.
For the purposes of the rest of this article, we will be focusing on Jasminum grandiflorum but know that the two can often be interchangeable.
Benefits of Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil, although expensive, is worth the investment. It can help with:
- Easing anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional exhaustion.
- Soothing dry, irritated skin, and excellent for sensitive skin conditions.
- Providing relief for muscle aches and sprains.
- Boosting confidence and optimism.
How We Use Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine essential oil is a favorite oil in-house at Your Body Needs for holistic facials. We especially love to use it to rejuvenate tired or dry skin. However, it can be used for all skin types in various skincare products. Combine it with our rosehip (Rosa canina) oil for the ultimate in skincare. But note that our jasmine essential oil is already diluted in 5% organic jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis), so it is ready to use as-is, if so desired.
How to Use Jasmine Essential Oil
Jasmine is an oil which blends beautifully with a number of complimentary essential oils. Here’s a pick of our favorite combinations:
- Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), rose (Rosa damascena), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis): For anxiety and emotional exhaustion.
- Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), sandalwood (Santalum album), and lemon (Citrus limon): For confidence and optimism.
- Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum), clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): For dry, irritated skin conditions.
Dilution Rate: Add 12 drops of essential oil (total) to 1-oz. of base blend for a 2% dilution rate. For children, half this amount.
Cautions for Use: Generally non-sensitizing, non-irritating and safe for general use. Check contra-indications for other essential oils mentioned in this article before use.
Experience Jasmine with Your Body Needs
Jasmine is a hauntingly beautiful essential oil when used in the correct quantities and either as a stand-alone oil or combined with others. Stop by our webstore to pick up a bottle or visit us in-house (for either a product or holistic facial). We will also be happy to answer any questions that you may have!
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