Jasmine is one of the most expensive essential oils as it takes a great deal of flowers to make 1ml of oil. The flowers are most often white but sometimes pink and are always picked at night when the aroma is strongest. Jasmine grows to about 20 feet and is native to Iran and Northern India. It is now also grown in Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Italy and France. French Jasmine is reputedly the best in the world. As with all expensive essential oils, Jasmine is often adulterated. The oil should be thick and ruby red in colour with a heady strong smell.

Jasmine has been used in love potions throughout time and is thought to an aphrodisiac. It is widely used in India to scent ointments and has great ceremonial value. Guests are often given garlands and bracelets made of Jasmine flowers.

In Turkey, the wood is used in making rope stems and Jasmine tea is a favourite the world over. Jasmine is popular addition in many popular perfumes such as Anais Anais and Channel No 5.

Do not use during pregnancy.

• Mind
  
  Jasmine is valuable when treating depression, apathy and nervous disorders.
  
  
• Menstrual
  
  Most often used in childbirth to ease labour pains and strengthening contractions. It is a hormone balancer so can be effective after birth to ease postnatal depression. Also helps with PMT and period pains.
  
  
• Respiratory
  
  Is thought to ease difficult breathing, catarrh, coughs and hoarseness. Could be useful when treating asthma.
  
  
• Skin
  
  Very effective for dry mature skin, especially when combined with Frankincense. Jasmine is also thought to increase elasticity in the skin.