Useful properties and contraindications of jasmine, its use

Much is already known about the beneficial properties of jasmine. The inflorescences of the shrub are mainly used for making tea. But the scope of this shrub is not limited to this. The raw materials are used in folk medicine.

Brief characteristics of the plant

Jasmine belongs to the shrubs of the Olive family. Eastern India is considered the birthplace of the culture. Jasmine is often called the “king of flowers” ​​due to its pleasant and rich aroma. The plant is a shrub more than 1 m high. The shoots are thin and green in color. White inflorescences are collected from 5-7 petals. The inflorescences are 2-2.5 cm in diameter. In Russia, jasmine is found in the Caucasus and Crimea.

Useful and healing properties of jasmine

Jasmine is famous for its unique properties. The inflorescences contain microelements that have a positive effect on the body.

Useful properties of jasmine:

• Stimulates brain function (although many note that, on the contrary, jasmine relaxes and has a hypnotic effect).
• Reduces pain before menstruation.
• Relieves headaches.
• Strengthens tooth enamel.
• Helps remove toxins from the body.
• Acts as a preventative against cancer.
• Eliminates stress and psycho-emotional overexcitation.
• Essential oil disinfects wounds.
• Helps in the treatment of bronchial asthma.
• Restores the body's functioning after hormonal imbalance.
• Relieves symptoms of flu and ARVI.
• Normalizes insulin levels in the blood.

There is also a lot of information that jasmine tea is beneficial for pregnant women, but before using it, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

When and how to collect flowers correctly

The flowering of the bush begins in May and continues almost all summer, so there is enough time to collect inflorescences. Mostly not fully blossomed buds are collected. The peculiarity of this plant is that the inflorescences bloom not in the morning, but in the evening, closer to night.

It is advisable to collect inflorescences between 4 and 5 am, when the flowers have just begun to bloom. By collecting inflorescences during this time period, you can obtain raw materials rich in beneficial vitamins and microelements. As the sun rises, the essential oils from the buds evaporate as they begin to heat up under the sun's rays.

Flowers are collected only in dry weather. There is no point in collecting inflorescences after rain; all the pollen is washed off with water. For collection, it is best to choose half-opened flowers.

How to dry and store workpieces

The most important thing in preparing raw materials is to dry them properly. Like all plants, it is not recommended to dry the collected inflorescences in the open sun.

Before drying, the inflorescences are not washed so as not to wash off the pollen. The collected flowers are dried in a cool, dark room with good ventilation. The main thing is that the raw materials should not be exposed to sunlight.

The flowers are laid out on a newspaper in a thin layer. They are checked and mixed regularly. If you lay out the inflorescences in a thick layer, they will take longer to dry, and the bottom layer may dry out and become moldy.

You can determine whether the inflorescences are dried or not by touch. It is not recommended to use plastic bags for storage. It is best to pour the jasmine into a ceramic or glass container or a fabric bag. Store raw materials in a place protected from sunlight.

Scope of application of the medicinal plant

The scope of jasmine is extensive. Teas are brewed on its basis, and inflorescences are used in cooking. Also, useful essential oil is obtained from jasmine, which is used in cosmetology.

Use in cooking

Flowers have gained popularity in cooking due to their unique aroma. They are mainly used for brewing tea. But flowers are also great for making desserts.The inflorescences can be used to make desserts and even ice cream. In addition, you can eat the leaves of the bush. They are low in calories and suitable for salads.

Traditional therapy

Jasmine has medicinal properties. But for the treatment of diseases it is used with caution.

Therapeutic baths

Jasmine inflorescences and leaves are suitable for relaxing and stress-relieving baths. Pour jasmine inflorescences with water and bring to a boil, then pour the decoction into the bath (you can do it with the flowers). The aroma of inflorescences has a positive effect on the nervous system. Jasmine baths are good to take before bed.

Jasmine oil for wound healing

Jasmine oil is used to relieve skin irritation and heal wounds. It not only helps accelerate skin regeneration, but also has an antiseptic effect.

Aromatherapy

Another area of ​​application for jasmine essential oil is aromatherapy. Thanks to the smell of essential oil, you can eliminate a depressed emotional state and anxiety. If you are nervous, it will be enough to smell the oil, and after a while the condition will improve.

Use in cosmetology

In cosmetology, decoctions and infusions based on jasmine inflorescences are often used. You can use the decoction to rinse your hair and wipe your face. In addition to decoctions, essential oils are also used in cosmetology. It is added to face masks. The oil helps rejuvenate and smooth out wrinkles. To give hair a silky shine, rub essential oil into the ends for 1 hour and rinse with shampoo.

Benefits of Jasmine Tea

The main advantage of jasmine-based tea is that it will soothe unbearable headaches. Along with the inflorescences, you can brew other herbs and even berries.

Cooking recipes

Classic tea recipe:

• 1 tsp. jasmine inflorescences;
• 1 tsp. green tea (large leaf);
• 500 ml boiling water.

How to brew:

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Pour tea and jasmine into a teapot.
3. Pour hot water and cover with a lid.
4. Leave for 10 minutes.

Tea with oregano:

• 500 ml water;
• 2 tsp. jasmine inflorescences;
• 1 tsp. oregano.

Brewing is similar to the first recipe.

Tea with lemon zest:

• 1 tbsp. l. inflorescences;
• 1 tsp. grated zest of fresh lemon;
• 500 ml water.

How to brew:

1. Bring water to a boil.
2. Pour in the zest and leave for 10 minutes, then strain.
3. Pour the infusion over the jasmine flowers.
4. Leave for another 5 minutes.

Recipe with dried raspberries:

• 2 tbsp. l. raspberries;
• 3 tbsp. l. inflorescences;
• water.

How to brew:

• Bring water to a boil.
• Pour over the berries.
• After 10 minutes, add flowers.
• Cover with a lid and wait 7 minutes.

The drink with raspberries turns out to be sour, so you can add honey. Tea is also brewed with orange peel, dried berries and various herbs.

In what cases is it recommended to drink

Jasmine tea can be drunk as a regular drink. Jasmine tea has a positive effect on nervous tension, severe stress, fatigue and anxiety. The drink helps relieve stress and improve sleep. You can also drink before your period to relieve pain.

Daily norm

You can drink tea in unlimited quantities; there is no specific daily intake. But it is still not recommended to abuse it and drink it beyond measure. For example, people with low blood pressure should not drink a lot of tea.

Are there any contraindications?

Despite all the benefits that regular consumption of jasmine tea can bring, it can be harmful.

Harm of jasmine to the body:

• It is not recommended to use jasmine in cooking and cosmetology for people with an allergic reaction to this plant.
• Due to the caffeine content of tea, frequent consumption may increase blood pressure.
• Contraindicated in pregnant women and people suffering from mental illness.

It is advisable to consult a doctor about drinking jasmine tea for people with serious illnesses. Nobody knows how this will affect health. It's better to protect yourself right away.