Jasmine

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Jasmine / Jasminum / is a creeping shrub that grows in areas with tropical climates. Jasmine has very fragrant flowers, blooms in late winter and early spring, sprinkled with beautiful fragrant flowers. It is a very close relative of the olive, with which they belong to the same botanical family - Olives / Oleaceae /. The genus Jasmine includes about 200 species of evergreen shrubs and lianas that have spread to all tropical and subtropical parts of the world.

In homes most often grows jasmine sambac, and its colors emit such a pleasant aroma that in many countries it is called the "king of fragrances". Its flowers are small, most often resembling white stars, gathered in 5-6 in one inflorescence.

They are most often simple in color, but there are also kitschy shapes and types, in some cases painted in cream, yellow or soft pink. Each inflorescence lasts up to 20 days before withering. When the time of flowering approaches, the leaves acquire a purple or reddish tinge. The stems reach a length of several meters. They are tough and very thin, which is why they need support. In most cases, the whole plant is lost under the numerous leaves that cover it tightly. The leaves are shiny and oval, arranged on short stalks. They reach a length of 10 cm and play an important role in the beautiful appearance of jasmine.

With good care, sambac jasmine grows very quickly and blooms all year round. It is recommended to prune and pinch the tips of the twigs to get a nice branched plant. This one jasmine is cultivated from the distant year 1665, and during this long period of time hundreds of varieties have been created, which in some cases have a very bizarre shape of the flowers.

History of jasmine

Most likely it originated in Persia or India. Nowadays it is cultivated in Morocco, Egypt, France, Algeria and China. For centuries, only the highest classes in India, Egypt, and the Middle East have had access to jasmine oil.

The first information about jasmine comes from Indian papyri. In India jasmine is considered a sacred plant, they even call it the "moonlight of love", and young girls decorate their hair with it.

The Greeks believed that jasmine was given to humans by the goddess of wisdom Athena. In 1937, in the Philippine Islands, jasmine was adopted as a national symbol by a special state decree. Garlands and tiaras of its colors are considered the most expensive gift to welcome guests.

Filipinos accept jasmine to embody fidelity, purity and love. They call it "sampatiga," which means "I swear to you." Their legend tells of a brave and strong warrior who said these words to his beloved before a hard battle. The warrior died on the battlefield, and the girl died of grief. On her grave grew a tender and beautiful sampatiga, which the people considered their most beloved flower.

Types of jasmine

Except jasmine sambac, which we have already considered, there are three other types of jasmine that are gaining serious popularity. These are:

Multicolored jasmine / Jasminum polyanthum / - has complex leaves composed of 5-6 leaflets. The flower buds are colored in pink, and the already blooming flowers are white. They are relatively large, up to 2.5 cm in diameter, collected 15-20 in an inflorescence.

Medicinal jasmine / Jasminum officinale / - has very large flower buds. Its flowers are fragrant, gathered in 5-6 inflorescences that appear in summer. It begins to bloom only after the age of 2-3 years.

Royal jasmine / Jasminum rex / - is characterized by large oval leaves and large fragrant flowers that delight the senses in winter. It begins to bloom in adulthood.

Composition of jasmine

Jasmine is very rich in essential oils. It contains benzyl acetate, gasoline alcohol, linalyl acetate, indole and other ingredients.

Growing jasmine

Indoor species of jasmine allow different styling options, according to specific conditions. It is possible to maintain them as compact shrubs or to place them in hanging baskets from which to hang like a beautiful green curtain. It is possible that the jasmine will go down to wrap on supports of different shapes - the result is spectacular green panels, which are strewn with many fragrant stars.

The place where you will grows jasmine it should be sunny and bright. Normal room temperature is enough to develop well. Water as needed, but it is better to let it dry than to flood too much. In the spring, jasmine should be transferred to a new soil mixture, in addition, it is necessary to provide a larger pot. Young jasmine should be transplanted every year, and older than 4 years - every 2 or 3 years.

In February-March the plant is pruned, we can cut the branches in half without damaging it. After pruning, many young twigs will grow, on which flower buds form.

Benefits of jasmine

Jasmine is considered a powerful aphrodisiac that has a positive effect on potency and frigidity. Soothes the uterus, increases breast milk. Jasmine is one of the main plants used in aromatherapy. It is useful for depression and apathy during menopause, balances the body's water balance in the summer heat.

It is also used as an ointment for very sensitive and dry skin. Some doctors claim that jasmine calms the nerves as well as drugs, but without any side effects.

Jasmine strengthens sleep on hot summer nights. It has a relaxing and relaxing effect, increases concentration and clears the mind. Jasmine oil is considered one of the best natural remedies against stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue. Jasmine is widely used in perfumery and cosmetics.

Jasmine tea is a real healing elixir. It contains important polyphenols that are thought to kill cancer cells that cause certain types of cancer.

Medicinal tea is also used for digestive disorders. Good digestion is a key factor for a strong immune system and good health. Everyone knows how unpleasant the feeling of pain and discomfort in the abdomen. Jasmine tea regulates digestive processes thanks to the substances contained in it.

If you want beautiful and youthful skin, jasmine tea is your drink. The antioxidants in tea slow down the aging process and neutralize harmful radicals. They prevent the breakdown of collagen and reduce the appearance of age spots.

Jasmine tea is a great helper in losing weight. If you have decided to follow a diet, there is no better drink than jasmine tea to include in your daily routine. In addition to promoting digestion, jasmine boosts metabolism and thus helps to lose extra pounds.

Regular intake of jasmine tea can help regulate cholesterol - increase the good and reduce the bad. This reduces the risk of developing heart problems. Jasmine tea improves blood circulation and prevents the formation of dangerous blood clots.

Jasmine tea is a traditional beverage in Chinese culture, and its healing properties are exceptional.

From jasmine is produced and a very useful oil, which is quite expensive, but this is no accident. It is a strong aphrodisiac, successfully treats headaches, has excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

If you suffer from depression, jasmine oil is a great way to eliminate bad thoughts, fatigue and insomnia. In addition, jasmine oil does not have the side effects of antidepressants, so it can be used safely. Avoid applying it undiluted on the skin, dilute it with base oils of your choice.

Harm from jasmine

Although there are so many health benefits, jasmine can also cause some negative effects. It should not be taken by people with stomach problems, on an empty stomach, by pregnant women, with sensitivity to caffeine. Be careful, because jasmine tea can cause allergies.