Jasmine: useful properties and contraindications, use in cosmetology, cooking, traditional medicine

A lot is already known about the beneficial properties of jasmine. The inflorescences of the shrub are mainly used for making tea. But the scope of this shrub is not limited to this. Raw materials are used in traditional medicine.

Brief characteristics of the plant

Jasmine belongs to the shrubs of the Olive family. East India is considered the birthplace of culture. Jasmine is often referred to as the "king among flowers" because of its pleasant and rich aroma. The plant is a shrub with a height of more than 1 m. The shoots are thin, green. Inflorescences of white color are collected from 5-7 petals.Inflorescences 2-2.5 cm in diameter. In Russia, jasmine is found in the Caucasus and Crimea.

Useful and healing properties of jasmine

Jasmine is famous for its unique properties. The composition of the inflorescences includes trace elements that have a positive effect on the body.

Useful properties of jasmine:

• Stimulates the brain ( although many note that, on the contrary, jasmine has a relaxing and sleeping effect).
• Reduces pain before period.
• Relieves headaches.
• Strengthens tooth enamel.
• Promotes the elimination of toxins from the body.
• Acts as a prophylactic against cancer.
• Reduces stress and psycho-emotional overexcitation.
• Essential oil disinfects wounds.
• Helps in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
• Restores the work of the body after a hormonal failure.
• Relieves flu and SARS symptoms.
• Normalizes blood insulin levels.

There is also a lot of information that jasmine tea is good for pregnant women, but it is advisable to consult a doctor before using it.

When and how to pick flowers

The flowering of the shrub begins in May and lasts almost all summer, so there is enough time to collect inflorescences. Gather mainly not fully blossomed buds. A feature of this plant is that the inflorescences bloom not in the morning, but in the evening, closer to the night.

It is desirable to collect inflorescences from 4 to 5 in the morning, when the flowers have just begun to bloom. By collecting inflorescences during this time period, you can get raw materials saturated with useful vitamins and trace elements.As the sun rises, the essential oils from the buds evaporate as they begin to heat up in the sun.

Collect flowers only in dry weather. After rain, it makes no sense to collect inflorescences; all pollen is washed off with water. For collection, it is best to choose half-blown flowers.

How to dry and store blanks

The most important thing in harvesting raw materials is to dry them properly. Like all plants, it is not recommended to dry the collected inflorescences in the open sun.

Before drying, the inflorescences are not washed so as not to wash off the pollen. Collected flowers are dried in a cool dark room with good ventilation. The main thing is that sunlight does not fall on the raw materials.

The flowers are laid out on a newspaper in a thin layer. They are checked and mixed regularly. If you lay out the inflorescences in a thick layer, they will take longer to dry, and the bottom layer may ban and become moldy.

You can determine whether the inflorescences are dried or not by touch. It is not recommended to use plastic bags for storage. It is best to pour jasmine into a ceramic or glass container or a cloth bag. Store raw materials in a place protected from sunlight.

Scope of the medicinal plant

The scope of jasmine is extensive. On its basis, teas are brewed, inflorescences are used in cooking. A useful essential oil is also obtained from jasmine, which is used in cosmetology.

Use in cooking

Flowers have gained their popularity in cooking due to their unique aroma. They are mainly used for making tea. But the flowers are great for making desserts. Inflorescences can be used to make desserts and even ice cream.In addition, you can eat the leaves of the shrub. They are low in calories and suitable for salads.

Folk Therapy

Jasmine has medicinal properties. But for the treatment of diseases, it is used with caution.

Therapeutic baths

Jasmine blossoms and leaves are suitable for relaxing and stress-relieving baths. Pour jasmine inflorescences with water and bring to a boil, then pour the broth into the bath (it is possible along with flowers). The aroma of inflorescences has a positive effect on the nervous system. Jasmine baths are good to take before bed.

Jasmine oil for wound healing

Jasmine oil is used to eliminate skin irritation and heal wounds. It not only helps to accelerate skin regeneration, but also has an antiseptic effect.

Aromatherapy

Another use of jasmine essential oil is aromatherapy. Thanks to the smell of essential oil, a depressed emotional state and anxiety can be eliminated. In case of nervous overexcitation, it will be enough to smell the oil, and after a while the condition will improve.

Use in cosmetology

In cosmetology, decoctions and infusions based on jasmine inflorescences are often used. Decoction can be used to rinse hair and wipe the skin of the face. In addition to decoctions, essential oil is also used in cosmetology. It is added to face masks. The oil helps to rejuvenate and smooth wrinkles. To give hair a silky shine, essential oil is rubbed into the ends for 1 hour and washed off with shampoo.

Benefits of jasmine tea

The main advantage of jasmine-based tea is that it will soothe an unbearable headache. Together with inflorescences, you can brew other herbs and even berries.

Cooking recipes

Classic tea recipe:

• 1 tsp jasmine blossoms;
• 1 tsp green tea (big leaf);
• 500 ml boiling water.

How to brew:

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Pour tea and jasmine into a teapot.
3. Pour hot water over and cover.
4. Infuse for 10 minutes.

Tea with oregano:

• 500ml water;
• 2 tsp jasmine blossoms;
• 1 tsp oregano.

Brewing is similar to the first recipe.

Tea with lemon peel:

• 1 tbsp l. inflorescences;
• 1 tsp grated fresh lemon zest;
• 500 ml water.

How to brew:

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Pour the zest and leave for 10 minutes, then strain.
3. Pour jasmine flowers with infusion.
4. Infuse for another 5 minutes.

Dried Raspberry Recipe:

• 2 tbsp. l. raspberries;
• 3 tbsp. l. inflorescences;
• water.

How to brew:

• Bring water to a boil.
• Pour berries.
• After 10 minutes, fall asleep flowers.
• Cover and wait 7 minutes.

Drink with raspberries is sour, so you can add honey. Tea is also brewed with orange peel, dried berries and various herbs.

When is it recommended to drink

Jasmine tea can be drunk as a regular drink.Jasmine tea has a positive effect on nervous tension, severe stress, fatigue and anxiety. The drink helps relieve stress and improve sleep. You can also drink before your period to relieve pain.

Daily Value

Tea can be drunk in unlimited quantities, there is no definite daily intake. But still it is not recommended to abuse and drink it excessively. For example, people with low blood pressure should not drink a lot of tea.

Are there any contraindications

Despite all the benefits that regular consumption of jasmine-based tea can bring, it can be harmful.

Harm jasmine for the body:

• It is not recommended to use jasmine in cooking and cosmetics for people with an allergic reaction to this plant.
• Due to the caffeine content of tea, frequent use can increase blood pressure.
• Contraindicated for pregnant women and people suffering from mental illness.

It is advisable to consult a doctor about the use of jasmine tea for people with serious illnesses. No one knows how this will affect he alth. Better to protect yourself right away.

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