Jasmine oil

Jasmine oil comes from the plants of the genus Jasmine (Jasminum), which belongs to the Olive family.

Despite not being a ‘true' essential oil, jasmine oil is one of the most expensive of all oils. This is due to the way it is produced, but also because it takes a huge amount of jasmine leaves to produce even a small amount of oil.

Jasmine oil is used almost exclusively in cosmetic products and for aromatherapeutic massage.

In this article you can read about all the properties, uses and precautions of jasmine oil and how to make it.

Properties of jasmine oil

Undocumented properties

Although some enthusiasts use jasmine oil as a natural medicine, there is no scientific evidence that it has any effect on the following health problems:

Researched properties with a lack of evidence

There are very few scientific studies on the properties of jasmine oil in relation to human health. Some of them have led to the following results:

• Depression/depression: In a 2010 study, a group of researchers concluded that their “results showed the stimulating/activating effect of jasmine oil and provided evidence for its applicability in aromatherapy as an alleviator of depression and to uplift mood in humans”. However, the basis of the study is a little vague as none of the 40 participants suffered from depression or low mood.

• Menopause symptoms: A 2007 study showed that menopausal women can relieve their symptoms with weekly aromatherapy massage with jasmine oil. However, it should be noted that other oils – such as geranium, lavender and rose oil – were also included in the study.

It should be emphasized that the above properties have not been scientifically proven and therefore jasmine oil cannot be used to treat the above diseases and symptoms.

Jasmine oil uses

Hair

According to some proponents and cosmetic companies, jasmine oil is said to have a strengthening and shine-giving effect on hair (which is possibly why it is used in some hair products).

Although there is no evidence for this effect, it is recommended that you try it out.

Cosmetics

In the cosmetic industry, jasmine oil is mainly used in:

Aromatherapy

In aromatherapy, jasmine oil is primarily used in hot baths, massage oil and for diffusion in the air. For direct application to the skin – such as massage – jasmine oil should always be mixed with base oil.

Jasmine oil is particularly suitable for mixing with the following oils:

Jasmine oil is also used in incense sticks.

Production of jasmine oil

Jasmine is extracted from the flower petals of plants in the Jasmine genus. The extraction process can take place in two ways:

• Chemical extractions
• Enfleurage

Jasmine oil cannot be extracted by distillation (like most other essential oils) because the flower petals are too delicate (the high temperatures of steam distillation destroy the fragrances in the jasmine petals).

However, the extraction of the oil is preceded by another task; the jasmine flowers must be picked by hand at night, when they give off the strongest scent. An experienced flower picker can pick up to 15,000 flowers per night.

By definition, jasmine oil is not an essential oil due to its extraction method; instead, it is a so-called “absolute”.

Precautions to be taken

Jasmine oil is for external use only and should not be consumed under any circumstances.

Although there are no studies on the effects of jasmine oil on pregnant women, most aromatherapy sources advise against its use by pregnant women (at least during the first 4 months of pregnancy). To be on the safe side, avoid contact with jasmine oil during pregnancy – if in doubt, consult your doctor.