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JASMINE
The famous Jasmine flower
Small with a potent scent
1.Jasmine - Family - Oleaceae. Ayurvedic Name: Sanskrit- Jati, Hindi-Chameli, Johi.
2. Jasmine is a member of about 200 species of shrubs and climbing vines. Mature plants are usually up to 3
meters high and 2 meters wide. The popularity of jasmine has resulted in many species of jasmine now grown worldwide. True jasmine is a climbing vine with oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. Two types of jasmine are used for oil production - J. grandiflorum and J. officinale.
3. Indigenous to the foot hills of Himalayas and plains of Ganges. Commercially cultivated in the temperate regions of India especially Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh. It has been taken to China, France and Mediterranean regions.
4. Plant must have been introduced into Egypt prior to the time of the XXI dynasty (around 1000 BC). It was said that a Chinese emperor of the Sung dynasty (960-1279 AD) had Jasmine in his palace grounds so he could enjoy its fragrance. In the 1400s, Jasmine was planted for kings of Afghanistan, Nepal and Persia. Reaching Western Europe through Spain by Moors in 1600, and France and Italy. The plant was introduced into Britain in the latter part of the 17th century.
5. Since ancient times Jasmine has been thought of as the 'queen of flowers'. The name Jasmine is derived from the Persia 'yasmin', meaning a fragrant flower. It's also a Persian girl name.
6. In India some varieties are used as religious offerings symbolizing divine hope.
The flowers of one of the double varieties are held sacred to Vishnu and are used as votive offerings in
religious ceremonies.
7. Many Indian women wear garlands of Jasmine flowers in their hair. The small white star-shaped flowers are picked at night when the aroma is most intense, so that the delicate aroma will not evaporate in the sun.
8. In Bali people plant this in the main temples or the family temples.
9. In Borneo it is the custom among the women to roll up Jasmine blossoms in their well-oiled hair at night.
10. The variety Jasminium sambac, is a clustered flower of equally strong scent known in
Hawaii as the "Pikake". It was a favorite of Princess Kaiulani who was also very fond of Peacocks, thus the name of the flower pronounced as pea-cock-kay".
11. Sampaguita, a Spanish term, comes from the Filipino words "sumpa kita," which means "I promise you." It is a pledge of mutual love. In early days, a young couple exchanged sampaguita necklaces much like a bride and groom exchange wedding rings nowadays. To this day, garlands of sampaguita are offered to dignitaries and special guests.
12. In India, jasmine is called "moonshine in the garden" and ancient Indian paintings depicted lovers bathing in moonlight near jasmine plants. Ancient Asians wrote that jasmine penetrated the deepest layers of the soul and opened emotions. In China, the relaxing jasmine tea has been a popular beverages for thousands of years. In the Sung Dynasty (960) the Emperor had several hundred pots of Arabian Jasmine moved into his courtyards, filling the palace with fragrance.
13. Cleopatra is said to have wooed Anthony with jasmine oil and Louis XVI had a passion for jasmine scented sheets. It is still the favorite fragrance of French women.
14. Jasmine sambac is one of Indonesia national flowers. It is used in Indonesia as a popular garnish. The existence of the Jasmine flower is described comprehensively in the script called Siwaratrikalpa (old Javanese literature).
It also stated that Jasmine is a good flower to worship Ciwa, the name
native Javanese use for God.
15. France, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Turkey produce the best oil. The oil from the sweet smelling Jasmine has been known to be one of the most expensive scents in the world costing upwards of $1,500-3,000 a pound. Today it is a billion dollar plus industry in France growing Jasmine and distilling its perfume.
16. Jasmine flowers are highly perishable and have to be disposed off in the market within few hours after
picking. An experienced picker can pick 10,000-15,000 blossoms per day.
17. In manufacturing, Jasmine oil is produced as a 'concrete' by solvent extraction, and an absolute is obtained from the concrete by separation with alcohol, and an essential oil is produced off the absolute by steam distillation. 1,000 lb of flowers yield approximately one pound of liquid ‘concrete‘, which yields 0.2% aromatic molecules. From one hectare 6 lb of liquid ‘concrete’ can be produced, or 0.5 g of oil. Which is about 12 drop of Jasmine oil.
18. Jasmine is used in love sachets and incenses. It is used to attract spiritual love. A drop of the essential oil in almond oil, massaged into the skin, is said to overcome frigidity. Carrying, burning, or wearing the flowers attracts wealth and money. If burned in the bedroom, Jasmine will bring prophetic dreams.
19. Jasmine tea has been made since ancient times and is said to have spiritual powers. This tea is cleverly made by resting the tea leaves strategically beside the powerfully scented Jasmine flowers. The scent is then used in the leaves capturing its essence to create an aromatic affair. In Asia the flowers are used to scent not only teas but desserts as well.
20. Referring to famous Swedish botanist Linnaeus, he wrote that the natives of India used the young leaves and flowers to make a putty, which was mixed and eaten with rice to dry scabies and other skin eruptions.
21. The Chinese, Arabians and Indians used Jasmine medicinally, as an aphrodisiac and for ceremonial purposes. The root is used in China to treat headaches, insomnia, and pain due to dislocated joints and broken bones; it is reported to have
anesthetic properties. Several Jasminium species have been used in cancer therapies.
22. It is used in aromatherapy to treat depression and nerve conditions, and as a massage oil for cramps. Aroma-therapists find the Jasmine flower an antidepressant and relaxing herb which is said to help with dry or sensitive skin and tiredness. In vapor therapy Jasmine oil can be useful for addiction, depression, nervousness, coughs, relaxation and tension.
23. Jasmine has been used in Ayurveda for several thousands of years. At the time of Lord Buddha, its oil was used for anointing kings and wealthy people of the society. It has a cooling and soothing effect.
24. Jasmine Incense is used to balance male and female hormones. As an aphrodisiac, brain stimulant, calming, restoring balance and confidence, anti-depressive, soothes headaches, insomnia and psychosomatic problems, promotes feelings of optimism and increases receptivity. Lowers Pitta, slightly increases Kapha, increases Vata when used in excess.
25. Jasmine sambac, sampaguita, is the national flower of Phillipines. It is a symbol of purity, simplicity, humility and strength. Its blossom is celebrated in Philippine legends, stories and songs. In the Philippines, the sampaguita also has a number of names:
sambac, sampagung, campopot, lumabi, kulatai, pongso, malur and
manul.
The Jasmine flower releases its
fragrance at night after the sun has set and especially when the moon is
waxing towards fullness, thus it is associated with soothing peaceful
night-time moods.
Our Absolute Jasmine incense will undoubtedly delight you with the pure
flower smell of this incredible creation.
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