Originally published January 12 2014
Consider using jasmine to help revitalize your mind and body
by P. Simard
(NaturalNews) There's no need to convince most Chinese people of jasmine's various health benefits. From the moment that it was initially brought to Asia from Persia during the Song dynasty, the Chinese started consuming it as an enjoyable herbal tea. Nowadays, all around the world it's quite common to find this herb added to all sorts of personal care products. Although most individuals will drink jasmine tea, some may prefer to use it as an essential oil during their aromatherapy sessions. Believe it or not, the simple act of smelling jasmine produces interesting health benefits such as relaxing the nerves.
Jasmine is widely thought to be incredibly beneficial for the digestive system, the immune system, the nervous system, the heart and the mind in general. Its potent antioxidants can help neutralize the cancer-causing free radicals roaming in your body. The University of Maryland has revealed that jasmine's polyphenols may play a vital role in killing cancerous cells. Some anticancer drugs actually have jasmine as one of their key components capable of inhibiting the function of an enzyme named "hexokinase," which is generally responsible for the development of cancer cells.
Can a massage with jasmine oil help you get rid of depression?
The Srinakharinwirot University's Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry conducted research to evaluate the possible effects produced on humans when using jasmine oil during massage therapies. A total of 40 healthy individuals joined the study, which essentially consisted of applying and massaging jasmine oil on each member's abdomen. During the procedure, scientists noticed increases in breathing rate, blood oxygen saturation and blood pressure. The participants displayed a form of psychological arousal and basically felt more alert and vigorous than the placebo control group used to compare results. Researchers came to the final conclusion that jasmine oil had the potential to not only diminish depression but most importantly encourage a state of joy.
A past Kansas State University study demonstrated that jasmine had the ability to somewhat halt the spread of bacteria such as Listeria and Salmonella, or those tied to ailments such as cholera and dysentery. Its antiviral properties can help in preventing the flu too.
It seems like certain catechins found in the plant can help lower triglycerides and overall bad cholesterol levels in the blood. The University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Medicine undertook a study using rats that were initially put on a high-cholesterol kind of diet a week prior to the start of their tests. The animals were then given jasmine tea extracts over the course of the next eight weeks, all while maintaining their high-cholesterol diet. At the end of the two months, it turned out that pretty much all the rats had lower cholesterol levels in their systems.
On a last note, certain herbalists have claimed that specific virtues related to a few of jasmine's compounds, such as linalool, jasmon, indole and benzoic acetate, make it a plausible choice when planning to prepare aphrodisiac remedies. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if jasmine can favorably compare in that field to other recommended herbs such as ginseng and Ginkgo biloba.
Sources for this article include:
http://science.naturalnews.com
http://www.naturalnews.com
http://www.examiner.com
http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com
http://science.naturalnews.com
About the author:
After spending several years working in property management, P. Simard is now focusing on being a naturopath in Quebec.
After spending several years working in property management, P. Simard is now focusing on being a naturopath in Quebec.
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