Post Series: Medicinal Flowers
When we think of medicinal plants, it’s often the roots, leaves, or bark that come to mind—yet around the world, flowers have long been used for their healing properties. This series explores some of the most powerful and time-honored blooms used in traditional and modern herbal medicine… as diverse as they are beautiful.
Jasmine is an evergreen shrub or climbing vine native to tropical Asia, growing typically 0.5–3m tall, recognized for its glossy dark green leaves and highly fragrant clusters of small, white, waxy flowers. The flowers are prized in traditional medicinal systems for their calming, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects; they have been used to address dysmenorrhea, skin diseases, muscular pain, and as a sedative, antidepressant, and expectorant. Beyond medicinal use, jasmine is notable as a key ingredient in jasmine tea, perfumery, and skin care, and it holds cultural significance as the national flower of the Philippines and Indonesia.
· Origin: South and Southeast Asia.
· Traditional Use: Used to uplift mood, promote relaxation, and in sacred rituals.
· Sample Reference: Stimulating effect of aromatherapy massage with jasmine oil. Hongratanaworakit T. Nat Prod Commun. 2010 Jan;5(1):157-62.
*This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.
Jasmine (Jasminum sambac)-
