Jasmine Absolute (Jasminum grandiflorum) India

Jasmine has a long history of being used as an aphrodisiac. Its delicate flowers yield very little oil and are best collected in the hours before dawn, giving it its nickname in Hindi “queen of the night.” It takes approximately 65 pounds of flowers to make one ounce of Jasmine essential oil. Most Jasmine oils are actually absolutes, which means that the oil is extracted from the plant using a chemical. A very small amount of the chemical remains in the oil, making it unsuitable for internal use. Some of the chemical constituents of Jasmine absolute include benzyl acetate, linalyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, indole, geraniol, and methyl anthranilate. The rich, floral scent of Jasmine can almost be described as narcotic, and it is best used heavily diluted. Jasmine is an antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and skin conditioner. It is excellent for sensitive skin, stretch marks, and scars. Jasmine promotes skin cell growth and elasticity. It deepens breathing, is antispasmodic, and has a slight