Jasmine Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Jasmine is a fragrant flowering plant in the olive family. It grows as a shrub or vine and is native to warm regions of Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, though it is now grown around the world. Its small white or yellow flowers are prized for their strong, sweet scent.

People use jasmine in several ways. The flowers are used to flavor and scent tea, especially green tea. The essential oil and "absolute" oil are widely used in perfumes and aromatherapy. In many traditional practices, jasmine has been used to promote relaxation, lift mood, and support restful sleep.

Jasmine contains aromatic compounds such as benzyl acetate, linalool, and other volatile oils that create its distinctive scent. When inhaled, pleasant aromas may influence brain areas tied to mood and stress, which is one proposed reason aromatherapy might feel calming.

Jasmine extracts also contain antioxidant plant compounds. In laboratory and animal studies, these have shown antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. It is important to know that most of these mechanisms are based on lab or animal research and have not been clearly confirmed in humans.

Jasmine tea and the use of jasmine scent in aromatherapy are generally considered safe for most healthy adults. The concentrated essential oil should never be swallowed, as essential oils can be toxic if taken by mouth. The oil should also be diluted before it touches the skin to lower the chance of irritation.

People with sensitive skin, allergies, or asthma should be cautious, since strong fragrances can sometimes trigger skin reactions or breathing symptoms. Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.

For pregnancy, drinking normal amounts of jasmine tea is likely fine, but medicinal amounts and undiluted essential oil should be avoided unless your doctor approves. For breastfeeding, there is not enough reliable safety information, so it is best to use jasmine products only with guidance from a healthcare professional.

For most people, jasmine causes few problems when used as a tea or scent. Possible side effects include allergic reactions, skin irritation or rash from the essential oil, and headache or nausea in people who are sensitive to strong fragrances.

Jasmine tea made with green tea also contains caffeine, which can cause jitteriness, a fast heartbeat, or trouble sleeping in some people. Stop using jasmine and seek medical care if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling, hives, or trouble breathing.

There is no official or standardized dose for jasmine. The right amount depends on the form you use, such as tea, essential oil for a diffuser, or a skin product.

For aromatherapy, follow the directions on the product and dilute essential oils as instructed. For tea, follow the package brewing directions. Because products vary widely in strength, it is best to start low and check with your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a medical condition. Never drink essential oils.