Jasmine Flower: Rejuvenating Your Senses and Body

Written By: Vivian Benjamin

The Flower of Purity and Strength
The flower of purity and strength is the meaning behind the Jasmine flower, which originated in Persia. Later it was brought into Egypt as early as 1000 B.C through the Red Sea. Jasmine flower reached Asia around 1700 B.C.



This flower comes from the olive family of Oleaceae, which is a genus of shrubs and vines. Approximately 200 species of Jasmine flower have been found around the world. It thrives in tropical and warm temperate regions of Asia, Europe, Oceania and Africa.



Jasmine flowers can be erect, climbing or spreading like vines. The leaves are simple, pinnate formation or trifoliate in shapes. The flowers are around 2.5cm in diameter and can be found in white or yellow. Each Jasmine flower contains between 4 and 9 petals.



The fruits of this flower are berries that will turn black when they ripen. Jasmine flowers are notable for their fragrance and are most commonly used in aromatherapy. Besides that, these flowers can be used to make scented tea, which is refreshing from the inside and outside. 



Let’s explore the evidence-based uses of the Jasmine flower and how you can incorporate this medicinal flower in life.  



6 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Jasmine Flower
1. Antioxidant properties
Humans are all exposed to environmental hazards due to poor diet, pollution, stress, and unhealthy lifestyles. All these hazards immensely affect the body system. Antioxidant protects your body from free radicals that cause chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.


Several studies done on the Jasmine flower show that it contains higher antioxidant properties than Vitamin C.



2. Protects the heart
Cardiovascular disease is a chronic illness that affects people around the world. Poor diet and unhealthy lifestyle are the main factors for developing heart disease. Studies done on Jasmine flower tea concluded that this medicinal flower can reduce triglycerides and atherosclerosis risk, thus protecting your heart.  
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3. Prevents carcinogenesis
Cancer is a chronic illness and the leading cause of death worldwide with approximately 10 million deaths in the year 2020. The most common cancer is breast cancer, lung cancer, colon and rectum cancer and prostate cancer. Jasmine flower has been evidenced to prevent carcinogenesis according to several studies.




4. Promote good oral health
Did you know, oral health is called the “window” of your overall health? This is because oral health can affect your everyday life and general well-being. It is vital to take care of your oral health as you need it to eat and nourish yourself.


Not only is Jasmine tea remarkable for its fragrance but it is also good for oral health. Several studies demonstrated that Jasmine flower contains anti-microbial properties and can protect against tooth decay or cavities. 
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5. Regulate sugar level
Presently, diabetes is a public health concern that is affecting millions around the world. This disease is not only affecting adults but also young adults and children.


Most food contains sugar, as sugar doesn’t only come under glucose or sucrose in the ingredients section of any food. Although you cannot avoid consuming sugary food, you can make good dietary choices by consuming Jasmine flower.


Several studies done on this medicinal flower display that the Jasmine flower has the potential to regulate sugar levels. 
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6. Improve mood
Stress has become common these days. Everyone in the world experiences a sort of stressful moment during their life. However, not managing it positively will lead to physical and mental health issues.


Studies done on Jasmine flowers show promising effects on improving mood. This medicinal flower can reduce the heart rate and make you feel calm, therefore; alleviating anxiety and depression. 
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Incorporating Jasmine Flower in Life

There are plenty of ways you can integrate Jasmine flower into your diet. You can make a refreshing tea, add it to a dessert such as shortbread cookies or cakes, or make a Jasmine syrup and toss it to a salad.


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Apart from nourishing your physical body, the Jasmine flower can also refresh your mental health. You can find Jasmine flower extract in soaps, incense, perfumes and essential oils. 










All in All
The flower of purity and strength is well known for its fragrance and medicinal uses even during ancient civilizations. Although the Jasmine flower originated from Persia currently it is cultivated worldwide.


Nutrition Takes explores the evidence-based health benefits of Jasmine flower and how you can incorporate it into your daily diet. Not only Jasmine flower can nourish you from the inside with its medicinal properties but this highly scented flower can also nourish you from the outside.



Share in the comments section if you have experience with using Jasmine flower in your diet or life. Alternatively, if you’re new to medicinal flowers welcome and I hope you can take these inspiring tips to rejuvenate your mind, heart, soul and body.
 












Reference
1. Bharati et al. (2020); Jasminum Grandiflorum Linn; International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research; 11(5): 1994-2010.
2. I. Ishak et al. (2019); Comparison of Bioactive Compound Sensory Evaluation on Edible Flowers Tea Infusion; International Journal
    of Food Sciences; 31: 264-273.
3. Tejaswi S. (2023); Nutritional and Medicinal Value of Edible Flowers; The Pharma Innovation Journal; 12(7): 2597 – 2604.