Jati (Jati (Sumana, Malati, Rajaputrika))
Jasminum officinale, commonly known as jasmine, is a fragrant herb used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for its stress-relieving, mood-enhancing, and skin-hydrating properties.
Botanical name: Jasminum officinale. Also known as: Jasmine, Common Jasmine, Spanish Jasmine, Chameli, Malati, Mallige, Jati Malliga, Pichi, Yasmeen.
Properties
Modulation of GABAergic activity, Reduction of COX-2 expression, Antioxidant activity, Photoprotection, Antimicrobial effects, Anti-inflammatory effects
Dosage
Essential Oil: 1-3 drops for inhalation; dilute at 1-2% for massage. Dried Flower Tea: 1-2 grams in 150-200 ml hot water, up to twice daily. Powdered Extract: 300-500 mg twice daily. Decoction: 10-20 ml daily. Tea: One cup (150-200 ml), 1-2 times a day. Powder: 3-5 gm.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Bitter, Astringent
- Virya: ["Hot"]
- Vipaka: ["Pungent"]
Benefits
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
- Vishaghna (antitoxic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Traditional uses
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Skin disorders
- Wounds
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Essential Oil: Steam distillation of fresh petals and unopened buds.
- Dried Flower Tea: Steep dried petals in hot water.
- Oil Macerate: Steep flowers in sesame or coconut oil for 7-10 days, then strain for topical use.
- Flower Paste: Mix with honey for skin conditions.
- Decoction: Boil leaves to make a decoction. Generally, 1 tablespoon of powder is added to 2 cups of water, boiled and reduced to 1 cup, then filtered.
- Infused Oils: Flowers can be infused in oils for massage.
- Steam Inhalation: Fresh jasmine blooms can be steamed with water, and the vapors inhaled.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy: Limited safety data; use only under professional guidance. Some sources recommend avoiding it during pregnancy.
- Lactation: Avoid during lactation due to potential anti-galactagogue effects.
- Epilepsy or severe asthma: Strong aromas could potentially trigger seizures or bronchospasm in rare cases.
- Hormone-sensitive conditions: People with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a doctor as jasmine's trace phytoestrogens might theoretically affect estrogen levels.
- Severe chills:
- High Vata: Use with caution in individuals with excess Vata in the nervous system.
- Potential Interactions: Use caution if using sedatives (enhanced effect) or antihypertensives.
- Allergies: Jasmine essential oil might cause allergies such as contact dermatitis in some people. Always patch-test diluted oil.
- Photosensitivity: Rare cases when combined with citrus essential oils, so avoid direct sun on applied areas.
- Headache or nausea: Overuse in diffusers may trigger mild headaches in some.
- Dermal Sensitization: Rare contact dermatitis reported in sensitive individuals—always patch-test diluted oil.
- Gastrointestinal Upset: Overconsumption of leaf decoction may lead to mild nausea or loose stools.
Side effects
- Skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals
- Photosensitivity, especially when combined with citrus essential oils
- Mild headaches or nausea in some people with overuse in diffusers
- Allergy to the fragrance of jasmine flower
- Contact dermatitis with excessive application on the skin
Interactions
- Take allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, then take Ayurvedic medicine if combining both.
- Be cautious when combining with other sedatives, stimulants, or antihistamines.
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
Clinical evidence
Clinical trials and studies suggest that jasmine oil and jasmine-infused products have potential benefits for stress relief, mood enhancement, sleep support, skin hydration, and respiratory support. Further research is needed to confirm these effects.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Vranaropana (wound healing)
- Vishaghna (antitoxic)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
Classical clinical indications
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Skin disorders
- Wounds