This time of year in So Cal is just heaven, especially as the jasmine starts to bloom. You can hardly walk anywhere without your nose picking up its heavenly scent. When walking my dog, I purposefully walk certain paths that have long rows of jasmine vine/bushes and just inhale as deeply as possible.
The scent of jasmine is deeply relaxing and sensual, and the flower symbolizes modesty, grace and elegance. In China, jasmine is a symbol of feminine sweetness and beauty, as well as deep affection and happiness, which is why it is used as the flower tossed at weddings. Aromatherapists use jasmine essential oil to calm and lift the spirit, and clear congestion.
This year I’m enjoying jasmine in multiple ways. I just bought the most amazing jasmine body oil from Idyll Horse Farms at the Main St. Farmer’s Market. I bought their water based room spray last year and really enjoyed it, but I’m loving the body oil even more. After my Spa Week visit to Exhale Spa in Santa Monica, where they finished off my facial with pomegranate oil, I thought the jasmine oil might be quite exquisite as a part of my nightly ritual.
One morning after using the oil, my husband came up behind me at my computer to give me a hug and just kept lingering, sniffing all around my neck. Having forgotten I used the oil, I asked “what are you doing?” His response was “you smell so good; I can’t stop smelling.” Since I’ve only ever heard my girlfriends comment on the heavenly smell of jasmine, I assumed that it was more appealing to girls, but apparently not!
Sadly, Idyll Horse Farms doesn’t have a website, but you can order the body oil by calling 805-705-0919. The naturalist in me would say make your own until I read that it takes 4 million flowers to produce about one pound of oil. If you can’t find a good source for the oil, you could just get some jasmine essential oil at your local health food store and add it to some sesame or jojoba oil.
The other way I’ve been enjoying jasmine is in my tea. I found some Tulsi Tea (holy basil tea) that is jasmine flavored and I’m addicted. Only this addiction is really good for me! Holy Basil originates in India and contains hundreds of compounds known as phyto-chemicals that work together to create strong anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and immune-enhancing properties. So basically, it’s building up my body’s natural defense system against germs, stress and disease. It doesn’t taste as heavenly as the flower smells, but it’s a very soft and relaxing tea.
Lastly, when researching jasmine, I learned that the French make a jasmine syrup. I’ve never seen or heard of this before, but now that it’s on my radar I’m all over it. I’m thinking a jasmine cocktail of some sort sounds pretty good right now!
Jasmine tea has always been my favorite. I’ll have to sniff you next time Im near to see if I can smell the oil
Yep–when the Jasmine is in bloom and the cherries are at the market and it is light enough to take a walk after dinner my heart just soars!!