Jasmine Flower

Jasmine is a climbing vine in the olive family found throughout tropical areas of Europe, Asia and Africa. The rose-like blooms of the plant are prized for their beauty. Jasmine Flowers (Jasminum odoratissimum - commonly called Sweet Yellow Jasmine and sweet-scented yellow Jasmine; and Jasminum officinale - known as the common jasmine or poet's jasmine) are the species revered for its floral scent are very popular herbs due to their aromatic and aphrodisiac properties.

An oil produced from the flowers called jasmine absolute is so prized for its scent that it's referred to as the "King of Oils." Not surprisingly, this oil is a bit pricey, not just because of its popularity but because it takes a lot of flowers to produce a small amount of oil. However, the cost of its use in perfumery and cosmetics is tempered by the fact that only a tiny amount is needed to capture the scent.

Jasmine has been used for liver disease (hepatitis), liver pain due to cirrhosis, and abdominal pain due to severe diarrhea (dysentery). It is also used to cause relaxation (as a sedative), to heighten sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac), and in cancer treatment.

Jasmine flowers are commonly enjoyed in China as a tea, sometimes combined with green or black teas. In fact, "flowering teas" are hand woven from bundled tea leaves with a closed jasmine flower bud at the center, which appears to bloom as the bundle unfolds in response to steeping in hot water.

Appearance, aroma and taste profile: Pale yellow buds. Once dried, it is normal for jasmine flowers to retain none of the fragrance they have as live blossoms. These buds have no aroma. Sweet and floral. Blends well with other dried flowers, mild herbs and citrus peel.

Botanical Name: Jasminum odoratissimum and Jasminum officinale

Common Names: Sweet Yellow Jasmine, sweet-scented yellow jasmine; summer jasmine, poet's jasmine, white jasmine, true jasmine, jessamine