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

Like the oils of Rose, Clary sage and Geranium, Jasmine is a woman's remedy. There is little doubt in the minds of many of those who use the Jasmine absolute or other extract in clinical practice that it has a deep-acting hormonal effect, regardless of the exact preparation form used. Essentially resto-rative and relaxant to reproductive functions on both a hormonal and tissue level, Jasmine is used primarily in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and deserves greater consideration as a medicinal in biomedical aromatherapy. Just because it comes in absolute form in no way diminishes its potency as an external remedy. Ultimately, perhaps, jasmine by enfleurage would have to be the best remedy for internal applications such as pessaries (vaginal suppositories), sponges and suppositories. Its prohibitive price, poor availability and our own fear of solvent absolutes unfortunately still make this a 'would be' rather than an 'is'. The unholy alliance of these three factors has conspired to make jasmine by enfleurage 'not an option' to most aromatherapists. It seems a shame.

Jasmine's physiological uses divide into menstrual, reproductive and obstretrical applications. As a uterine stimulant and relaxant it may be used in both amenorrhea and spasmodic dysmenorrhea. Its hormonal action, which has not yet been scientifically researched and defined, deepens the effect to the potential treatment of frigidity, PMS and stalled labour. Jasmine is traditionally an effective remedy throughout the stages of labour, and thereafter. Massaged in 10-20% dilution onto the abdomen, thighs and lower back during the first stage, it may help with relaxing and deepening contractions. During the third stage it helps expells the placenta by promoting uterine contractions. During the postpartum phase Jasmine will speed recovery by dispelling postnatal blues and promoting milk flow, as well as, on an emotional level, richly nurturing the mother's feelings, her femininity, her sexuality.

In skin care jasmine is used for its olfactory dimension as much as for its emollient effect which moistens and soothes. Skin irritation and dryness from whatever cause is here the key to its effective use.