Jasmine (absolute)

Latin name: Jasminum Officinale
Part used: Flower
Origin: India
Extraction method: Steam distillation
Use: for external use only (never ingest), suitable for fragrance burner/diffuser, diluted in a fragrance-neutral base oil in the (foot) bath and on the skin (undiluted essential oil can irritate sensitive skin). 

Jasmine is a delicate, evergreen climbing plant originating from China and India with small, white, star-shaped flowers, which are picked at night, when their scent is strongest. This jasmine essential oil has a sweet, exotic and rich floral scent. It is expensive, because the distillation is more extensive than for most oils, and is used to deeply relax, lift depression and increase confidence. 

This oil is said to calm the nerves and evoke a sense of confidence and optimism, while also restoring energy. It shortens the duration of labor by strengthening contractions and relieving pain. It is believed to alleviate impotence, frigidity and premature ejaculation due to its calming and soothing properties. It helps with coughing and laryngitis and is also useful in a massage oil to relieve muscle pain, sprains and stiff limbs. Jasmine oil gives dry, oily or sensitive skin a tint, increases elasticity and is said to reduce stretch marks and scars. 

Jasmine has been considered a sacred flower in India for hundreds of years and is still strung together today to make garlands for Hindu gods and goddesses. Jasmine is often worn in the hair by Indian women and is also one of the most important flowers in wedding garlands. According to a myth, the sun god, Surya, rejected the love of a princess and she was so deeply saddened that she committed suicide. From her ashes scattered on the ground, a jasmine plant grew. Because the sun god caused her so much pain, the jasmine flower bloomed only at night and released its perfume only then.