What is Jasmine Absolute good for?
Jasmine, Jasminum officinale is a heady, floral and exotic oil. I am fortunate enough to have a Jasmine plant in my garden, and I love to sit on a summer's evening and inhale the floral notes as they drift around on the breeze. However, Jasmine is an Absolute, not officially an essential oil. But what does that mean? And what is Jasmine Absolute good for?
Jasmine is native to the tropics but now grows abundantly across the globe, and the climbing plant is favoured by gardeners because of its highly perfumed flowers. The star-shaped Jasmine flower has pretty white petals and often smells more intense in the early evening, therefore the flowers are harvested at night to capture the sweet scent.
Most essential oils are extracted by steam distillation, however Jasmine flowers are unable to be distilled this way, as the high temperatures used would destroy the fragile Jasmine blooms. Absolutes are extracted in a complex process that involves the use of a chemical solvent to extract the precious aromatic component from the plant. The solvent is then removed in the final process leaving a highly fragrant, concentrated liquid. Jasmine is a precious oil with a high price tag and has been used for centuries as a perfume; a few drops of the Absolute go a long way.
In Aromatherapy, Jasmine is mostly used to support emotions. Its heady, powerful aroma is both uplifting and grounding so is a great oil to help switch off mental chatter. Jasmine can aid in boosting confidence and promote feelings of optimism. It is also a powerful aphrodisiac and a nurturing skin tonic, especially for more mature skin.
Jasmine Absolute blends well with other powerfully aromatic essential oils, like Patchouli, Clary Sage and Vetiver. The citrus essential oils also blend really well with Jasmine and will help lighten its potent aroma.
Jasmine is not recommended to be used during pregnancy but may be useful for labour.
Here are some blend ideas for you to use Jasmine at home
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending Oil:
1 drop of Jasmine - Jasminum officinale
2 drops of Patchouli - Pogostemon cablin
6 drops of Orange - Citrus aurantium dulcis
Massage over the body for a sensual, calming massage - NOT FOR THE FACE
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser
2 drops of Jasmine - Jasminum officinale
3 drops of Lemon - Citrus limonum
2 drops of May Chang - Litsea cubeba
1 drop of Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanoides
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending Oil:
1 drop Jasmine - Jasminum officinale
1 drop Sandalwood - Santalum album
2 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
Pour a small amount of the blend into your hands, warm up the oil between your palms and apply to your skin at night after your usual cleansing routine. Avoid the delicate area around your eyes. This amount will last you several applications.
I hope you enjoy using your Jasmine Absolute. Let us know how you are using yours and what you like to blend it with.
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
Origin
Jasmine is native to the tropics but now grows abundantly across the globe, and the climbing plant is favoured by gardeners because of its highly perfumed flowers. The star-shaped Jasmine flower has pretty white petals and often smells more intense in the early evening, therefore the flowers are harvested at night to capture the sweet scent.
Most essential oils are extracted by steam distillation, however Jasmine flowers are unable to be distilled this way, as the high temperatures used would destroy the fragile Jasmine blooms. Absolutes are extracted in a complex process that involves the use of a chemical solvent to extract the precious aromatic component from the plant. The solvent is then removed in the final process leaving a highly fragrant, concentrated liquid. Jasmine is a precious oil with a high price tag and has been used for centuries as a perfume; a few drops of the Absolute go a long way.
What is it used for?
In Aromatherapy, Jasmine is mostly used to support emotions. Its heady, powerful aroma is both uplifting and grounding so is a great oil to help switch off mental chatter. Jasmine can aid in boosting confidence and promote feelings of optimism. It is also a powerful aphrodisiac and a nurturing skin tonic, especially for more mature skin.
Jasmine Absolute blends well with other powerfully aromatic essential oils, like Patchouli, Clary Sage and Vetiver. The citrus essential oils also blend really well with Jasmine and will help lighten its potent aroma.
Jasmine is not recommended to be used during pregnancy but may be useful for labour.
Here are some blend ideas for you to use Jasmine at home
Sensual Massage Blend
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending Oil:
1 drop of Jasmine - Jasminum officinale
2 drops of Patchouli - Pogostemon cablin
6 drops of Orange - Citrus aurantium dulcis
Massage over the body for a sensual, calming massage - NOT FOR THE FACE
Calming and Euphoric Diffuser Blend
Add the following essential oils to the water in your Aroma Spa Diffuser
2 drops of Jasmine - Jasminum officinale
3 drops of Lemon - Citrus limonum
2 drops of May Chang - Litsea cubeba
1 drop of Vetiver - Vetiveria zizanoides
Moisturising Facial Massage Blend for Dry/Mature Skin
Add the following essential oils to 20ml of Blending Oil:
1 drop Jasmine - Jasminum officinale
1 drop Sandalwood - Santalum album
2 drops of Mandarin - Citrus reticulata
Pour a small amount of the blend into your hands, warm up the oil between your palms and apply to your skin at night after your usual cleansing routine. Avoid the delicate area around your eyes. This amount will last you several applications.
I hope you enjoy using your Jasmine Absolute. Let us know how you are using yours and what you like to blend it with.
About Jo Kellett
Our essential oil expert, Jo Kellett TIDHA MIFPA CIMI, graduated from the Tisserand Institute of Holistic Aromatherapy in 1996. She returned to the college in 1999 as an Essential Oil Therapeutics Tutor, where she taught until the college closed. Jo runs a successful private Aromatherapy practice in Brighton, specialising in Women’s health. Jo is also an internationally published author and has lectured on the subject of Aromatherapy both in the UK and abroad.
For more information on Jo Kellett, check out her website or Instagram.
