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Jasmine has long been loved for its wonderful scent. This climbing plant blooms with one of the most aromatic flowers in the garden.

The jasmine plant was first introduced in Europe in the 16th century where it quickly gained immense popularity because of its scent. French perfumers especially took an interest this lovely climbing plant.

In addition to its scent, the jasmine plant also has healing properties. It is also used as a well-known cleansing remedy. In China, Jasmine tea has been a long-standing healing favorite. The taste of the jasmine plant is alternately described as astringent, pungent, bitter, and slightly cooling.

The jasmine plant contains alkaloids, including linalool. Jasmine also contains salicylic acid, which is the active component of aspirin.

The jasmine plant has many actions attributed to it. Its flowers have been known as an aphrodisiac, an astringent, a bitter but relaxing nervine, an analgesic, a sedative, and a plant which helps encourage milk flow. The essential oil derived from the jasmine plant is thought to operate as an antidepressant, an antiseptic, an antispasmodic, an aphrodisiac, a sedative, and a uterine tonic.

There are two main components that are used from the jasmine plants: its flowers, and its essential oil. The jasmine plant flowers have been used in Ayurvedic medicine for hundreds of years. In Ayurvedic medicine, the jasmine flowers are known as jati, and it is regarded as a sattvic tonic, which encourages the principles of light, harmony, and increased perception, all principles that are associated with sattvic, which is one of the three qualities of health in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The sattvic element of the jasmine flower is also thought to emphasize the nature of love and compassion. The jasmine flowers are also thought to work as a mild aphrodisiac for women. Jati is also used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to reduce fevers and to fortify the immune system.

The flowers of the jasmine plant are also used to make an aromatic tea. The Chinese have been using Arabian jasmine since at least AD 300 to scent teas. The flowers of the Arabian jasmine plant are known in China as mo li, and they are highly regarded in China as a scenting agent. In traditional Chinese medicine and practice, the Arabian jasmine flowers were placed alongside heat-dried green tea so that the green tea would absorb the scent of the jasmine flowers. These days, commercial tea makers simply mix the jasmine flower petals with the regular tea.

Jasmine tea infusions are recommended for treating infections, urinary inflammation and fevers, much as aspirin is used to reduce pain and fevers. The jasmine flowers can be combined nicely with lemon balm or skullcap to create a calming, relaxing tea. A wash made from infused jasmine tea flowers can also be used to bathe scrapes and cuts. Jasmine flower compresses can also be made to treat heat stroke, headaches, or anxiety. Massage oil can also be created by diluting jasmine oil with almond oil an applying to the skin.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: fever, headache, Herbal Remedies, immune system, jasmine, lemon balm, skullcap, Traditional Chinese Medicine

History

Herbalists and naturopaths so highly regard the Elder plant that it has gained a reputation as a sort of ‘complete medical chest’ because of its countless attributes and therapeutic qualities. This tree has a long history of folklore and superstition attached to it. Shakespeare considered the plant to be a symbol of grief. It is also well known for its not so pleasant scent.

In the 17th century the plant was a popular choice for treating problems of excessive phlegm. The herb was used alternately as a diuretic and as a harsh purgative. In the 18th century, Elderflower water was used as a popular skin whitener that supposedly could remove all the freckles from a person’s face.

Medicinal Uses

The Elder plant, scientific name Sambucus nigra, is comprised of several parts that are used by herbalists to create potent remedies. The flowers and berries of the Elder plant have been described as drying, slightly sweet, cool and sometimes bitter. The flowers are used to treat a range of disorders. The flowers are mainly used to help treat problems of excessive phlegm and to encourage sweating. Many herbalists think of the Elder flower as the ideal herb for treating colds or influenza. Herbal remedies made from the Elder flowers are also used to help control the symptoms of hay fever. They can be ingested as a prophylactic to help strengthen the upper respiratory tract. This should be done before the pollen count rises. The Elder flowers can also be used topically to treat chilblains and as an all around anti-inflammatory. The Elder flowers used for most herbal remedies are traditionally harvested in early summer.

The Elder plant contains berries that are also used to create herbal remedies. The berries are known to be rich in vitamins A and C when they are ripe. Traditionally the berries have been taken to prevent the onset of winter colds. They are usually harvested in early fall. The bark of the Elder plant is also used in some herbal remedies. The bark is usually taken to treat chronic, stubborn constipation as well as some arthritic conditions. Herbalists have described the bar of the Elder plant as warm, and it is believed to be effective as a liver stimulant. However, naturopaths rarely use the bark of the Elder plant or herbalists in remedies prepared these days.

There are many ways to prepare the Elder plant in an herbal remedy. Perhaps the simplest way to ingest the Elder plant is to prepare it in an infusion. As an infusion, the Elder plant can be used in a hot tea to treat fevers, mucous conditions of the upper respiratory tract system, and to control the symptoms of hay fever. Many herbalists combine the Elder plant with other herbs, including boneset, yarrow, and peppermint. The flowers of the Elder plant can also be used to create a cream that can be applied to chapped skin and skin sores. It is used for sore or strained eyes and can be used as an eyewash.

Elder flowers can also be used to create a mouthwash to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, and mouth ulcers.

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Scott Meyers is a staff writer for It’s Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more informaton on Herbal Remedies.

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Tags: elder flower, fever, Herbal Remedies, influenza