Jasmine's Neuroendocrine Actions The Queen of the Night The Fragrant Plant from Kashmir The Woman's Medicine Jasmine's Neuroendocrine Actions Jasmine's Energetic Actions The Specific Symptomatology Jasmine's olfactory signature on the psyche is surely its most compelling aspect. Here modern research and traditional fragrance pharmacology join happily in portraying an oil that seems as pertinent to conditions in the West as it is ubiquitous to life in East Asia. From the physiological point of view of aromaneuroendocrinology, Jasmine seems essentially to exert a euphoric and an aphrodisiac action, mediated by two chemical opioid peptides. The euphoric effect operates by modulating the thalamic neurotransmitter enkephaline. Euphoria literally means 'wellbeing' in Greek, and enkephaline is sometimes dubbed the 'feelgood' neurotransmitter. The main conditions indicating this type of remedy action are therefore depression, anxiety states and states of shock. These three conditions can arise from a large variety of predisposing and triggering causes. As a result, Jasmine's euphoric action makes it a 'specific remedy' for these three, operating as it does in symptom relief mode and underlying condition treatment mode at the same time. Other oils that share this euphoric action include Ylang ylang, Clary sage, Rose, Champaca, Lavender and Grapefruit. Jasmine's aphrodisiac action works by releasing endorphins by the pituitary gland. These neurotransmitters are also associated with feelings of well-being and possibly sexual desire. This effect is useful in such conditions as emotional inhibition or coldness, frigidity and impotence. This action is especially indicated with pituitary-thyroid axis deficiency, or simple thyroid deficiency present, where depression is also an important factor. This is clinically often seen in conditions of heavy metal toxicosis (self-poisoning from chronic exposure to toxic environmental metals or mercury amalgam fillings) and in individuals with a personal history of 'puritanical' religious upbringing (a psychosocial disease cause). Other oils that exhibit an aphrodisiac effect, sensual integrators, include Sandalwood, Ambrette seed, Tuberose, Patchouli and Ylang- ylang. It's interesting to note that both the euphoric and aphrodisiac actions are the precise effects that our society tries to achieve through alcohol. Release of inhibition, feeling good about ourselves and towards our fellow humans, feeling elated, optimistic and worry-free-this is surely the aim of drinking. It's clear that alcohol can only achieve this in some, not all individuals, and then only when used in moderation. Jasmine oil hedonics and aromatherapy therefore represent a particularly clean alternative to alcohol, with its known dangers of addiction and physical pathology. When will we see the day of trendy, franchised fragrance bars and licensed aroma-pubs?