Jasmines, the beautiful, white flowers are always known for their excellent mood-uplifting and healing properties and have been a part of our tradition since time immemorial. Clad by the vernacular names Common Jasmine, Poet's Jasmine, or White Jasmine, this highly scented flower offers quite a few health benefits including enhancing the immune system, boosting blood circulation, optimizing hormonal levels, relieving stress and alleviating diabetes.
The word ‘Jasmine’ is derived from the Persian word ‘Yasmine’ which is translated into ‘Gift of God’. These scented flowers are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australasia, Eurasia, and Oceania but are also commercially cultivated in different parts of the world.
Coined as the ‘Queen Of Flowers’, Jasmine has become widely popular, not just for its fragrance but also for its immense health benefits. It is also widely used in cooking such as jasmine tea and other herbal teas jasmine rice, sorbets and are also used for making perfumes, lotions, shampoos and various other skin and hair products.
The aromatic tea made from freshly plucked jasmine flowers became hugely popular during the Ming dynasty in China. The deeply aromatic tea was later introduced to many countries in the world and now it has become a part of our traditional remedies, thanks to the presence of potent antioxidants like catechin and epicatechin which not only soothe our mind but also promote overall health.
What Is Jasmine Tea?
Although it may sound exotic, jasmine tea is merely green or black tea of any variety that is fragranced with jasmine flowers. It is usually made by combining green tea leaves with jasmine petals. The tea has a characteristic delicate flavour and a mild floral aroma that literally refreshes your mind and body.
How Is It Prepared?
While making jasmine tea from scratch, try selecting jasmine species such as J. officinale, J. sambac, or J. polyanthum which are free of any chemicals or fertilizers. The flowers are usually plucked in the morning during the warmth of the day and after the dew drops have dried. Try picking the ones that are in the bud stage or freshly bloomed. These flowers are then washed and towel dried and sandwiched in between two layers of normal tea. Lastly, a weight of some sort is put on top of the layers for 24 hours to several weeks to allow the aroma of the jasmine flower to exude out and perfume the tea. While opting for the tea, you can select either white, oolong or black tea. You can keep the dried jasmine petals in the tea to get a more exotically scented variety.
To prepare the jasmine tea, take a cup of hot water, steep a heaping teaspoon of jasmine tea in it for 5-7 minutes, strain and serve and enjoy the sensual taste.
5 Health Benefits Of Jasmine
Enhances Digestion
The richness of antioxidants in the jasmine flower help in interacting with the gastric enzymes thereby boosting digestion, relieving flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. It also functions to promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut and has been found to eliminate harmful bacteria and AMA toxins from the body.
Promotes Heart Health
Being a powerhouse of antioxidants, jasmine is extremely beneficial for promoting heart functions and reducing the risk of heart ailments. The presence of anti-coagulant and anti-fibrinolytic properties reduce the bad cholesterol (i.e. low-density lipoproteins) and prevent blockage and formation of clots in the arteries that can lead to abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack or conditions like atherosclerosis.
Also Read: Top 10 Superfoods For A Healthy Heart
Boon for Weight Loss
Jasmine flowers are considered a boon by people undergoing a weight loss regimen. The presence of EGCG i.e. epigallocatechin and gallic acid, in the leaves prevent weight gain by speeding up your metabolism. It washes out the harmful toxins from the body and helps in burning out the excess fat faster.
Improves Cognitive Functioning
Jasmine is an ancient and traditional remedy to increase the functioning of the brain. The potent antioxidants and polyphenols present in this scented flower improves the brain activity and helps in the secretion of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. It also promotes memory capacity, focus, concentration, calmness, alertness of an individual. Hence, it can be considered as a brain booster and is extremely beneficial in treating psychotic conditions like depression, insomnia, and ailments like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Also read: World Alzheimer’s Day: Try These Nutritious Smoothies To Enhance Brain Function
Manages Diabetes
The hypoglycaemic property of the jasmine flower plays a significant role in alleviating the blood sugar level of the body. The production of insulin from the pancreatic β-cells become active on the consumption of jasmine tea due to the presence of bioactive catechins. Regular consumption of jasmine as tea or in dishes significantly reduces the breakdown of starch into glucose which in turn lowers the fasting blood sugar and insulin levels.
Additional Benefits Of Jasmine Flower
Improves Sleep Quality
Jasmine tea is often recommended for its calming effects, which can aid in better sleep. Its fragrance is believed to promote relaxation and help in achieving restful sleep.
Reduces Stress
Jasmine's sweet and soothing aroma is known for its soothing effects, which can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Inhalation of jasmine essential oil or tea can promote mild to severe relaxation and improve mood.
Bolsters Skin Health
Jasmine is used in skincare products due to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe irritated skin, reduce acne, and provide hydration when used in skin creams or essential oils.
Promotes Overall Health
Jasmine contains antioxidants like catechins and flavonoids, which help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals. These benefits may aid overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
The incredibly scented flower has immense health benefits. Imbued with powerful antioxidants, it is extremely beneficial in improving heart and gastrointestinal health, promoting brain functioning, and managing diabetes effectively.
(This article is reviewed by Preeti Sharma, Wellness Expert )
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
- Jasmine Tea Attenuates Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depressive-like Behavior in Rats via the Gut-Brain Axis
Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8746588/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792499/
