Functional Versus Aesthetic Yoga
With Valentine’s day almost upon us, we begin to think of various ways to say “I love you” to that special someone. If you really want them to know that your heart is theirs, then offer them the gift of Jasmine. It may be one of the most expensive oils on the market at up to $50 per 1 ml., but because of its concentration, you don’t need much and the benefits are worth it.
The flowers of the Jasminum officinale and Jasminun grandiflorum are gathered at night when they are at their most fragrant and extracted by solvents to produce a dark brown viscous oil with a rich honey/floral/tealike scent that is ambrosial. This scent reaches into the brain to release a neurotransmitter called encephaline which relaxes and opens the emotional centers, giving us a warm and euphoric feeling. This is one of the reasons that Jasmine is considered a wonderful aphrodisiac.
Euphoria is a key word with jasmine. It has the ability to alter gloomy moods and lift depression. By relieving fear, tension, anxiety and coldness, new energies like warmth, love, compassion, trust and self-confidence can enter in. Optimism replaces pessimism and lethargy. A new sense of excitement and joy of life can be felt when jasmine is present. It truly brings out the magic of love.
Sexual problems seem to disappear when jasmine is burned in an aromalamp during intimate times. The sensual quality of this oil allows one to relax into their heart, opening up to total abandon and trust in relationship. Because most challenges with frigidity seem to happen because of emotional dilemmas, once the psychological tensions are dispersed then the fear can vanish and one can allow their body to feel deep contentment and the passion of life.
Jasmine also has physiological benefits. It aids in prostate problems in men and in women it is a wonderful oil for feminine issues. It is considered a uterine tonic and is helpful in childbirth, with milk production and is used for easing menstrual cramps and backache. If rubbed on the temples, jasmine can diminish headaches and when massaged on the skin tense tight muscles can relax and let go.
For dry skin and eczema, jasmine works wonders. Because many skin problems are a reflection of how we psychologically feel about ourselves, then jasmine, with its ability to calm and center emotions can positively affect the outcome of acne and other skin blemishes. Emotions also seem to lodge in the lungs and so complaints like catarrh, coughs, hoarseness and laryngitis can be alleviated with the use of jasmine as an inhalant.
Jasmine should never be taken internally because it is solvent extracted and the solvent residue may be harmful to the body. It is also very easy to synthesize the scent of jasmine so please check the quality of any jasmine purchased in the stores. As it takes over 3.6 million blossoms to produce a pound of oil and a pound of oil can cost from $1,200 to $4,500, the price of the oil should reflect its quality. If you think you are getting a good deal on cheap jasmine, chances are it will be synthesized and therefore have little therapeutic quality.
So, along with the flowers and cards that show your love this Valentine’s day, try a drop of jasmine and enjoy the euphoria.