The Health Benefits of Jasmine Oil

Jasmine oil is a sweet-smelling substance that is made from the flowers of the jasmine plant (Jasminum officinale). Widely used in aromatherapy, this essential oil contains the plant's aromatic compounds, which are believed by some to have various health benefits related to skin care and stress reduction.

Health Benefits

In aromatherapy, inhaling jasmine oil molecules (or absorbing jasmine oil through the skin) is said to transmit messages to the limbic system, a region of the brain involved in controlling emotions and influencing the nervous system.

There have been some clinical trials investigating the benefits of aromatherapy in general. Results have been mixed, with some studies showing improved mood, anxiety, sleep, nausea, and pain. Other studies reported that aromatherapy showed no change in symptoms.

Studies investigating jasmine and jasmine oil specifically are limited. But aromatherapy proponents suggest that essential oils, including jasmine oil, may affect a number of biological factors, including heart rate, stress levels, blood pressure, breathing, and immune function.

Jasmine oil is often touted as a natural remedy for the following conditions:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Menstrual cramps
• Menopausal symptoms

Jasmine oil is also said to act as an aphrodisiac.

Currently, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the use of jasmine oil in the treatment of these health conditions. Research is ongoing and a few published studies have provided insight into what jasmine may (or may not) do for your health.

• In a small study published in 2010, healthy volunteers had jasmine oil or a placebo applied topically to their skin. Volunteers in the jasmine oil group reported greater improvements in mood and arousal than those assigned to the control group.
• A 2006 study of 52 women undergoing menopause found that participants who received weekly aromatherapy massages reported a significantly greater improvement in menopausal symptoms than those who weren't massaged. Of note, the aromatherapy massages involved several essential oils including lavender, rose, and jasmine.
• A 2017 analysis of commercial essential oil determined that jasmine oil may have the potential to help treat skin conditions including aged and dry complexions, inflammation, oily conditions, and psoriasis.
• A 2014 study evaluated the effect of jasmine aromatherapy on women in labor. Researchers did not find any difference in pain relief or length of labor stages when compared to placebo.

Possible Side Effects

Although applying jasmine oil to the skin for medicinal purposes is generally considered safe, there is not enough scientific evidence to know for sure. Researchers also do not know if jasmine interacts with other herbs, medications, or foods.

Jasmine oil should not be taken internally without the supervision of a health professional.

Dosage and Preparation

There is not enough scientific evidence to determine a standard dose of jasmine oil. The appropriate dose for you may depend on several factors including your age and health.

A carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado can be used to dilute jasmine oil, which can help prevent adverse skin reactions.

You can also use a diffuser to evaporate and disperse jasmine oil into the air.

What to Look For

Jasmine oil can be found in health food stores, beauty or skincare shops, and online. When choosing a product, be sure to read the label to see if you are purchasing an essential oil or an oil that has already been blended with other ingredients. Jasmine is commonly used as an ingredient in scented beauty products, fragrances, and skincare products.

Lastly, keep in mind that aromatherapy products do not need approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and aromatherapy is not regulated by state law. That is, there is no licensing required to practice aromatherapy in the United States.

If you choose to use aromatherapy to gain a health benefit, visit the websites of The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy or the Alliance of International Aromatherapists. These two organizations have national educational standards for aromatherapists. Each provides a searchable database to help you find a trained aromatherapist near you.

A Word From Verywell

Due to the limited research, it's too soon to recommend jasmine oil as a treatment for any condition. If you're considering using it, talk to your doctor first. Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.