Jasmine grandiflorum is known as “the king of flowers” and with good reason. It's one of the oldest and most widely used of all scented botanicals. Native to tropical areas of Asia and Africa, it was introduced to Europe in the early 17th century and quickly became the base note of choice for perfumers.
Jasmine blossoms are extremely fragile, must be hand-picked and then processed quickly and without heat to avoid degradation of the delicate volatile oils. In fact, jasmine blossoms are so delicate that jasmine is one of the few essential oils still being routinely manufactured by the ancient process of effleurage.
Jasmine in Aromatherapy
Jasmine is probably best known as an aphrodisiac. Very little scientific evidence supports this practice but that doesn't stop people in Thailand from sprinkling the blossoms on the marriage bed of newlyweds or aroma therapists in the U.S. from prescribing the essential oil for severe.
Jasmine is also thought of as a natural antidepressant. Aroma therapists believe that it's especially effective for people suffering symptoms of apathy and fatigue. They believe that jasmine works, in part, by reducing fears and opening up emotional pathways.
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