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Jasmine Incense

Jasmine is from the Oleaceae family. Its Ayurvedic name in Sanskrit is Jati; in Hindi, it's known as Chameli and Johi. 

Jasmine is a member of about 200 species of shrubs and climbing vines. Mature plants are usually up to 3m high and 2m 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. 

Jasmine is indigenous to the foot hills of Himalayas and plains of the 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. 

Jasmine plants 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.

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.

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.  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.