Jasmine - Jasminum officinalis var. grandiflorum

Although this genus contains over 300 species of hardy evergreen shrubs or vines the varieties that are used to obtain an aromatic from are Jasminum officinalis var. grandiflorum or Jasminum sambac. Both have fragrant white or yellow star-shaped flowers. Jasmine is native to Northern India, Persia and China and is now widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean and North Africa. Jasmine has long been an important fragrance component of perfumes, soaps and toiletries. A mini profile on Jasmine can be found on our web site.

In India, jasmine was called "Queen of the Night" and "moonlight of the groove" and was used as both an aphrodisiac and an aid to spiritual growth. There is also a tradition that refers to Jasmine as the "King of Oils" while Rose is referred to as the "Queen of Oils".

Traditionally Jasmine has been considered to be excellent in easing labor pains and encouraging contractions. It is considered to be helpful in speeding up the expulsion of the afterbirth and the overall recovery after giving birth. While is often cited as stimulating the production of milk, there have been a couple of research studies that have shown that application of Jasmine flowers to the breast inhibited lactation.
Inhibiting effect of jasmine flowers on lactation.
1979, Indian Journal of Medical Research,69: 88-92, English.

The flowers of Jasminum pubescens placed on the mammary glands were known to suppress lactation in women. An investigation was performed on lactating mice and their litters, measuring weight and calculating the amount of milk produced. In the group having direct contact with jasmine flowers there was a significant difference in the histology of the mammary glands, and milk production had almost stopped. Mammary gland activity in animals exposed to the smell of jasmine flowers was reduced, but not to the same extent as the contact group. The mechanism of jasmine action was discussed, including the possibility of an olfactory pathway to the hypothalamus and subsequent inhibitory effect on the pituitary gland.

Suppression of puerperal lactation using jasmine flowers (Jasminum sambac)
Shrivastav P, George K, Balasubramaniam N, Jasper M P, Thomas M, Kanagasabhapathy A S 1988, Australia & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics; Gynaecology,28: 68-71, English

This was a study of sixty women comparing the efficacy of bromocriptine (2.5 mg eight-hourly for five days) with the application of Jasminum sambac flowers to the breasts for the suppression of puerperal lactation. Both treatments produced a significant reduction in serum prolactin, with bromocriptine having the greatest effect. When comparing clinical parameters such as breast engorgement, milk production and analgesic intake, both regimes were equally effective. The failure to suppress lactation was similar in both groups although rebound lactation occurred in a small number of women treated with bromocriptine. It was postulated that both tactile and olfactory stimuli of the flowers were responsible for suppression of lactation and that the olfactory route mediated suppression of serum prolactin. Detection of the active components of jasmine was not attempted.

On a subtle level Jasmine unites and harmonizes opposites to promote wholeness. It calms, soothes, relaxes and lifts the spirits. It helps one to release worry and allow one to live in the present moment. It can promote feelings of love and sensuality. It can connect spirituality and sexuality. It also promotes creativity and artistic development. It is known to warm and open the heart. It can enhance intuition and open the mind to deeper truths. It can heighten spiritual awareness. It balances feminine and masculine energies.Jasmine can be included in love, psychic awareness, peace and spirituality blends.
Generally considered non-toxic, non-irritating and non-sensitizing. Do no use in pregnancy and use with caution on people who are hypersensitive or allergic to perfumes, cosmetics or spicy foods.

Pefumes are the feelings of flowers.
Heinrich Heine