Can jasmine oil be used on skin?

Jasmine oil is an essential oil derived from the white flowers of the common jasmine plant, also known as Jasminun sambac.

For centuries, jasmine has been popular for its sweet, romantic fragrance and has been used in some of the world’s best-known perfumes, including Chanel No. 5. It’s also a common ingredient in alcohol, sweets, and desserts.

Jasmine oil and components of synthetic blends of jasmine essential oil have properties that offer a number of health benefits. Though it’s a popular home remedy used to treat everything from depression to infections, it’s best known as an aphrodisiac.

Jasmine oil benefits and uses  

Antidepressant

There is evidence that aromatherapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms. A study that looked at jasmine essential oil found that when compared to a placebo, jasmine oil increased behavioral arousal.

This included significant increases in blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The participants in the jasmine oil group also reported feeling more alert. The researchers concluded that the stimulating and activating effect of jasmine oil could be useful for relieving depression and improving mood.

Jasmine oil used in aromatherapy massage was found to be particularly effective.

Another study published in the Journal of Health Research examined the effects of jasmine oil inhalation on the central nervous system and mood. When inhaled, jasmine oil affected brain activity and mood states and the participants reported feeling more positive, energetic, and romantic.

Antiseptic

Jasmine oil made from various species of the plant has been found to have antibacterial properties. Its antiseptic effects have been extensively studied and found to fight various bacteria.

Jasmine oil derived from the Jasminum sambac plant, as well as its synthetic blends, showed antibacterial activity against one strain of E. coli.

Jasmine oil may be effective in treating and preventing infections when diluted and applied to the skin or used as a rinse for oral infections, such as oral thrush.

Sedative

While some evidence has confirmed that jasmine oil can increase alertness and energy levels, evidence also shows that it can have a calming effect.

In a more recent pilot study, people with generalized anxiety disorder were asked to inhale jasmine essential oil for 5 minutes a day over 10 days. Jasmine essential oil appeared to significantly bring down the elevated state of mind and improve symptoms such as insomnia, palpitations, and irritability.

Antispasmodic

Jasmine is used as a home remedy to treat spasms in various parts of the body, from cramp-producing stomach spasms to spasmodic cough.

There’s very limited scientific evidence on jasmine oil’s ability to reduce spasms. One study did find it effective in reducing labor pain when diluted and used for massage. Even though the evidence is limited, using jasmine oil to massage muscles certainly won’t hurt and may provide some relief from spasms.