Essential Oil of the Month: Jasmine
Jasmine sambac: (Jasminum sambac)
“Jasmine weaves through the midnight air,
A fragrant touch, soft as a prayer.
Its sweetness whispers of love untold,
A treasure more precious than silver or gold."
The delicate, captivating flowers of Jasmine sambac open at night to release their superbly floral, sensual, intoxicating scent, thus rendering its common name, “Night-Blooming Jasmine.” Known in India as “Queen of the Night,” its delicate petals are handpicked at night or early dawn to capture the optimum intensity of their exotic scent. The precious petals must be handpicked to ensure that they are not bruised or damaged, as bruised petals can result in unpleasant aromatic notes. This and the fact that it takes 8,000 carefully hand-picked blossoms to produce 1 gram (about 1 ml.) of Jasmine sambac absolute validates its rare-and-precious classification and also its high price tag.
The delicacy of Jasmine’s petals makes it necessary to extract its fragrance through solvent extraction - an “absolute” – rather than traditional steam distillation, therefore it is not technically an essential oil. However, it is valued in aromatherapy for its euphoric scent as well as its emotional, spiritual and energetic uses.
It is also highly valued in natural perfumery for its exquisite aroma, rarity, emotional depth, sultry notes and rich symbolism. Its inclusion in a fragrance is a hallmark of quality, sophistication, and passion. For perfumers, Jasmine sambac is more than just an ingredient; it is a symbol of artistry and refinement.
A shrub native to Southeast Asia and Northern India, Jasmine sambac has an incredibly floral, sensual, very sweet and tenacious aroma with a deep richness and a somewhat musky and coumarin-like undertone. It is often described as having notes of sweetness, green tea (indeed, it is what is used in Jasmine Tea), honeyed florals, and a hint of spice.
Its scent is warmer, fruitier, and more exotic compared to the more commonly known Jasmine grandiflorum. And it is considered the most masculine of floral fragrances due to its musky note, leading it to be referred to since ancient times as the” King of Oils” (Rose being the Queen). These qualities make it versatile in creating sophisticated fragrance compositions, especially for romantic, sensual and intimate perfumes. Only a hint of this precious oil is needed to impart elegance, balance, and smoothness to perfume creations.
Jasmine sambac’s highly treasured use in perfumes began in the Middle Ages. Arab traders brought it to Europe in the 16th century. Particularly during the 18th and 19th century France, (well-known even today for some of the world’s best perfumes) Jasmine sambac integrated into their burgeoning perfume industry, cementing its place as a luxury fragrance ingredient.
One popular Philippine legend about the origin of the Sampaguita (Jasmine sambac) tells the story of two lovers who were separated, and their eternal love lives on in the form of the flower. The national flower of the Philippines, it symbolizes purity, humility, and strength. The flowers are often used in religious offerings and worn as garlands during special occasions.
Jasmine sambac's history reflects its journey across continents, where it has transcended its origins to become a universal symbol of love, devotion, and beauty. Its sacred and loving nature has been honored throughout history by many religions, symbolizing purity, spiritual awakening and divine love.
Spiritual and Energetic Properties
- Emotionally warm and uplifting, Jasmine sambac can lift the spirits, dispel negativity, and instill feelings of optimism and joy.
- It supports the Qi-energy of the heart, calming and opening the heart to rouse love, self-love, self-confidence and forgiveness, fostering deeper connections with oneself and others.
- Associated with the heart chakra, it is said to promote feelings of love, compassion, and settle emotions.
- Its sweet, inspiring aroma is believed to awaken the third eye chakra and enhance intuition, clarity, and spiritual insight.
- In some traditions, it is used to support the crown chakra, facilitating a deeper connection to Divine and universal energy.
- Jasmine sambac is considered a preferred oil for meditation and spiritual practices, as it encourages self-love, divine connection, intuition and higher consciousness.
In Hinduism, it is often used in religious offerings, symbolizing purity and divine love and is often used in temples to worship deities like Vishnu, Krishna, and Lakshmi. It is also believed to be a favorite flower of Kamadeva, the god of love, and is often used in festivals dedicated to him.
In Islam, its flowers are used in weddings and other ceremonies.
In Buddhism, it is associated with inner peace and devotion.
“It is said that Jasmine has the ability to call the angelic realms close, and to be able to transmit our soul’s joy and love to the universe…” Valerie Worwood, Fragrant Heavens
How to Incorporate Jasmine sambac into your life
Add a couple of drops to distilled water in a small spray bottle, then spritz near (not on) your pillow.
Or use a drop of Jasmine sambac absolute with a drop of Vetiver, Clary sage or Ylang ylang in your bedside diffuser to enhance dreams and encourage intuitive messages. Its aphrodisiac repute may be an extra bonus!
For a romantic, sensual massage oil add 2 drops of Jasmine sambac absolute and 3 drops Sandalwood to 1/4 cup carrier oil such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond oil to awaken passion and deepen connection.
PRECAUTIONS: External use only. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Consult your physician before use if you are pregnant, nursing, have allergies orany medical condition, or are taking any medications. Do not apply directly to skin without diluting. Do not use on sensitive areas. Do not use when pregnant or breastfeeding or on young children. Store in a cool dry place. No parabens. No sulfates. No artificial colors or fragrances. No phthalates. No animal testing.
