Jasmine soothes nerves

2010
By Syed Akbar

Jasmine has always played a key role in various religious and marital rituals in different parts of Asia, particularly India. It is valued for its lovely and intoxicating perfume and its essential oil used in aromatherapy andtraditional systems of medicine, including Ayurveda and Unani.
Jasmine oil and jasmine tea are widely recommended for their unique medicinal properties including soothing of the nervous system and improving the brain  power. Chinese and Japanese use jasmine tea for relief from practically every health  problem ranging from fever to insomnia, headache to body pains and cough to scars left  behind by pimples and blackheads.
While jasmine tea is meant for oral intake, jasmine oil is for external use only. In no case the essential oil obtained from jasmine flowers should be consumed. It  may prove quite harmful. Ayurveda and Unani doctors generally do not prescribe jasmine oil treatment for pregnant women and children. Lactating mothers should also stay away from jasmine oil as several studies  showed that it curbs milk production.
A word of caution. While buying jasmine oil and jasmine tea, one should verify the credentials of the manufacturer. Since pure jasmine oil and jasmine tea are  highly expensive, unscrupulous manufacturers generally use artificial flavours and pass the product as genuine. Always buy the jasmine products from a reputed manufacturer or  herbal shop.
Jasmine is also regarded as an aphrodisiac. Some practitioners of traditional medicine recommend jasmine oil and jasmine tea for digestive issues and menstrual pain, and as an 
anti-depressant and sedative.
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Home Remedies
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Those suffering from chronic insomnia or sleeplessness may try a drop or two of pure jasmine essential oil. Just inhale the fragrance and you will get relief from insomnia. Since it acts on the nerves system and soothes the brain, you will get a quiet and sound sleep. But do not use large quantities. It may turn harmful.
Ayurveda and Unani doctors as well as those practising aromatherapy recommend use of jasmine oil for sexual problems like impotence and premature ejaculation. A little spray of jasmine oil in the room spreads fragrance and soothes the nervous system, relieving anxiety.

People with muscular or joint pains may try a little of jasmine oil. Gently massage the oil on the affected part for quick relief. Once again, excessive use of oil is not recommended.

For a fair and glowing skin and to treat scars left behind by pimples and acne, apply a few drops of jasmine oil and gently rub against the affected portion.
Application of a few drops of jasmine oil on the scalp will give relief from headache.
Collect fresh jasmine flowers and crush them. Apply the paste on skin rashes and cracks 
for quick relief.
Herbal doctors suggest Jasmine tea as a home remedy for problems like toothache, stomach 
upset, hypertension and obesity. It is also recommended as a general tonic to keep the 
heart in good working condition.