Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum)

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) is a member of the Oleaceae family, native to Southwest Asia, Southern Europe, and North Africa. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and bark have been used for infusions, oil infusions, and decoctions.

This herb is particularly valued for its sedative, tonic, and anti-inflammatory actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and european herbal medicine.

Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Jasmine (Jasminum grandiflorum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Jasmine
Scientific Name	Jasminum grandiflorum
Plant Family	Oleaceae
Genus	Jasminum
Species	grandiflorum
Native Range	Southwest Asia, Southern Europe, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Sedative, Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, European Herbal Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Oil Infusion, Decoction

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Jasminum grandiflorum
Common Name: Jasmine
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Common Jasmine, Common Jasmine, Grandiflorum Jasmine
Plant Family: Oleaceae
Genus: Jasminum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with opposite phyllotaxy, upper surface pale green, lower surface dull green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along midribs.
Flowers: Flowers are white with a faint yellow hue, arranged in clustered inflorescences, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry, featuring five fused sepals and five free petals, with a prominent tubular corona.
Stems: Erect, woody, branching in pairs, surface hairy, with opposite arrangement of nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Oil Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Sedative: As described in traditional systems, a soothing sedative, in rest-related herbal contexts.
Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a calming tonic, in whole-system applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a gentle anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Antispasmodic: Commonly referenced as a cooling antispasmodic, for cramp-focused discussions.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: A complex mixture of volatile compounds produced by aromatic plant tissues.
Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Capsule: A preparation format using encapsulated plant powders.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.