True jasmine is a species of plant belonging to the olive family. The plant is also known as common jasmine and its botanical name is Jasminum officinale. True jasmine is a climbing shrub with decorative white flowers that emit a pleasant fragrance.
Occurrence and cultivation of the true jasmine
True jasmine grows as a deciduous shrub that can reach heights of growth between 40 centimeters and five meters. If it grows on trellises, it can reach a height of ten meters. True jasmine usually climbs up other plants or natural structures by seeking support with its shoot organs. The plant has thin branches that are usually square and have a cane-like shape. The leaves of jasmine are arranged in opposite directions along the shoot axis and are usually composed of about five to nine small individual leaves. These leaflets are elliptical in shape, pointed at the front and about one to six centimeters long. The flowers of the jasmine grow in clusters of up to ten. They are white in color and exude a pleasant, sweetish and beguiling fragrance. The flowers are about two and a half centimeters wide and are on relatively long flower stalks, and the calyx is tiny. The flowering period of the true jasmine extends from June to September. The plant produces fruits that are roundish to oval in shape and are berry-like. When ripe, the fruits of true jasmine are dark red in color and later turn purple. The true jasmine occurs naturally in the Kashmir Mountains, in the Himalayas as well as in southwestern China at an altitude of 1800 to 4000 meters. In Europe, the plant has only been naturalized, so it can also be found in France, the Iberian Peninsula and Romania. Outside Europe, the true jasmine is also found in Iran and the Caucasus. The plant prefers dry areas such as steppes, but also grows in fresh soils rich in nutrients. The site should be slightly alkaline to slightly acidic and gravelly, sandy or loamy. True jasmine is sensitive to frost and loves sunny, hot locations.
Effect and application
The true jasmine has been used for centuries in various applications. It should be noted in principle that it is a poisonous plant. For this reason, the real jasmine must not be consumed pure in any case. Instead, the essential oil produced from the plant plays an important role. Fragrance oils are extracted from the flowers of the true jasmine, which are used, for example, in the production of perfume. Real jasmine is also used in aromatherapy and is said to provide relief from stress, anxiety, exhaustion and depression. In addition, true jasmine in the form of oil is used in massage oils due to its intense scent. For this purpose, conventional massage oil can be mixed with jasmine essential oil to obtain its characteristic fragrance. Real jasmine is also used as an ingredient in numerous cosmetic products and is used, for example, for skin care. In addition, real jasmine is also offered in the form of tea and can thus also be used internally. In this case, jasmine is usually used as an ingredient in combination with other teas and flavors the beverage. Jasmine is also known in homeopathy and is mostly used in the form of globules. Because jasmine is a poisonous plant, the potencies of homeopathic remedies are relatively low. In addition, it should be noted that corresponding preparations should be taken only under the condition that they have been prescribed by a doctor. Because otherwise symptoms of overdose may appear, for example, visual disturbances, tired eyelids, dry mouth and vomiting. Also, people suffering from heart problems should not consume true jasmine.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
In the past, jasmine was definitely used in natural medicine. Nowadays, this use has declined in view of the plant’s toxicity. For example, the true jasmine was used as a medicinal plant with analgesic, antispasmodic and antibacterial effects.In addition, it can be used for anxiety and stress, as well as for the accompanying treatment of depression. It can also help with nervous exhaustion. Real jasmine is primarily used as a massage or fragrance oil and for inhalation. Jasmine is also said to have a beneficial effect in the treatment of infectious diseases associated with headaches. This results in the application area of flu-like infections. Real jasmine can also have a calming effect on restlessness and nervousness and thus reduce stage fright and exam nerves, for example. In principle, however, preparations of jasmine should only be used after consultation with a doctor. This is because all parts of the plant contain toxic indole alkaloids, especially the rhizomes. In the course of poisoning, dizziness, difficulty in swallowing, speech disorders and muscle tremors may occur. In the worst cases, death may result from respiratory paralysis.
