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 type of essential oil contains the plant's aromatic compounds which are believed by some to have various health benefits including skin care and stress reduction.

In aromatherapy, inhaling jasmine oil molecules (or absorbing jasmine oil through the skin) is said to transmit messages to a brain region called the limbic system. This area is involved in controlling emotions and also influences 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 reported improvements in mood after having jasmine oil applied to their skin.
• 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. The aromatherapy massages involved several essential oils including lavender, rose, and jasmine.
• A 2009 study on rats found that inhaling the scent of linalool (a compound found in jasmine oil) reduced the activity of a number of genes that tend to be overactivated in moments of stress.
• 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.

Although jasmine oil is generally considered safe, it should always be used with caution. There is not enough scientific evidence to know for sure if jasmine is safe when applied to the skin for medicinal purposes. Researchers also do not know if jasmine interacts with other herbs, medications, or foods.

Some individuals may experience irritation when applying jasmine oil to the skin. Jasmine oil should not be taken internally without the supervision of a health professional.

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.

To reduce the risk of skin irritation, jasmine essential oils should not be applied directly to the skin. Diluting it with a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado spreads the small amount of essential oil over a large skin area, helping to prevent adverse reactions.

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 FDA approval and aromatherapy is not regulated by state law. 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 for 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.

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.