Why Everyone Should Add Jasmine To Their Home and Beauty Routines
Much like in the world of fashion, certain scents tend to move in and out of vogue. Jasmine is a GC favorite that merits discussing in the age of too much lavender and rose; the plant itself makes an excellent, fragrant house plant that’s perfect for use in the bathroom, where humidity from the shower enhances the scent that naturally perfumes the air. In fact, its ethereal scent is part of the origin story of jasmine– a word that is derived from the Arabic word “yasmin”, which means fragrant flower.
Jasmine often has white or yellow star-shaped flowers that grow on vines or as shrubbery– its beautiful plant for the garden, with a scent that is stronger at night. (In India, Jasmine is known as “Queen of the Night” because of the intoxicating perfume it releases into the garden after dark. Fun fact: the buds are more fragrant than the flowers!)
The genus jasmine, botanically named jasminum, is part of Oleaceae, or olive, family– but don’t let that throw you. Jasmine and the essential oil extracted from the flower are now being used extensively in cosmetics and perfumery, and as a calmative, as the plant is known for its relaxing, sedative properties.
Jasmine flower oil is extracted from two species, Jasminum Officinale and Grandiflorum, and is used in high-quality cosmetics because it contains benzyl acetate, terpinol, jasmine, benzylbenzoate, linalool, several alcohols, and other compounds that enhance the youthful qualities of skin. Meanwhile, in Ayurvedic medicine, jasmine is used to calm the nerves, sooth emotional problems, help with PMS and tension headaches. It’s also mildly anti-bacterial, which makes it ideal for use in facial products (as if the heavenly scent weren’t enough…).
In honor of November, Garden Collage is giving away one of our favorite Jasmine Beauty Products– May Lindstrom’s Jasmine Garden Spray. Jasmine has natural astringent properties, which aids in the treatment of inflamed skin. We love this product here at GC, as the mist is both rejuvenating and high-quality– we know it’s a cliche, but it’s made with ingredients we all “feel good about”. Plus, the scent reminds us of our gardens and other elegant experiences (In China, Jasmine is used as a symbol of feminine sweetness and beauty, symbolizing deep affection, happiness, and elegance–which also why it is used in wedding tosses).
Jasmine looks wonderful in gardens, it works well in aromatherapy, and it has an enduring capacity to revitalize and restore the balance of energy, leaving a feeling of optimism and euphoria. It’s a perfect herb to add to any natural beauty routine– So, what are you waiting for?
