Jasmine:
The Sacred Bloom of Balance and Wellness in Ayurveda
By Dr. Puja Shah
“Like a jasmine flower, let us bloom in our uniqueness, radiating beauty and fragrance to the world.” – Unknown
In the fragrant world of Ayurveda, the jasmine flower symbolizes purity, love, and transcendence. Known as ‘Mallika’ in Sanskrit, jasmine is more than a symbol of love; it is a revered herb with significant health benefits that span physical, mental, and spiritual wellness. Let’s explore the profound role of jasmine in Ayurveda, its myriad benefits, and how to incorporate its essence into your daily life.
The Sacred Role of Jasmine in Ayurveda
With its delicate, fragrant blooms, Jasmine represents the essence of balance and harmony. In Ayurveda, jasmine is used for its calming and soothing properties, which promote emotional well-being and enhance spiritual practices. This exquisite flower is renowned for uplifting the spirit and bringing tranquility to the mind.
1. Emotional Well-being and Stress Relief
Jasmine’s aroma is known for its powerful calming effects, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. The essential oil extracted from jasmine flowers can be used in aromatherapy to create a serene atmosphere, promoting relaxation and mental clarity.
2. Skin Health and Beauty
Jasmine is a popular ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare for its nourishing and hydrating properties. It helps in balancing moisture levels, making it beneficial for all skin types. A jasmine-infused face pack can rejuvenate the skin, giving it a radiant and youthful glow.
3. Enhancing Mood and Spirituality
The uplifting scent of jasmine is used in meditation and spiritual practices to enhance mood and deepen focus. It is believed to open the heart chakra, fostering love and compassion.
Having jasmine flowers in rooms or on an altar for fragrance and using jasmine-scented incense can create a serene and aromatic environment.
Historical Significance in the Vedas
The Vedas, India’s oldest and revered texts of Ayurveda, specifically the Rigveda and Atharvaveda, dive into the historical significance of plants. The Jasmine flower’s aroma is believed to have a calming effect on the mind by acting on receptors, showcasing the intricate relationship between nature and mental well-being. Science also shows a stimulating effect, and Ayurveda agrees that with excess vata in the nervous system, the plant should not be used too much. It is used instead to reduce Pitta or Kapha.
The Impact of Jasmine on Doshas
Pitta: Jasmine’s cooling properties can help soothe Pitta’s heat. It is ideal for skin irritations, emotional heat, and inflammation.
Vata: The flower’s grounding and calming effects help alleviate Vata’s dryness and anxiety but do not overuse.
Kapha: Jasmine can also invigorate Kapha, helping to energize and uplift the spirits.
Harnessing the Power of Jasmine at home
Jasmine Tea for Tranquility
A wonderful tea recipe of simple jasmine flowers can reduce stress: simply wash and dry a handful of jasmine flowers. Add the dried flowers to hot water and enjoy it with a spoon of floral honey!
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of dried jasmine flowers
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey or a sweetener of choice
Method:
- Steep dried jasmine flowers in hot water for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain and add honey to taste.
- Sweeten to taste.
Jasmine Face Pack
Transform your skincare routine with a nourishing jasmine face pack. This blend of fresh jasmine flowers, yogurt, and honey is perfect for rejuvenating your skin, providing hydration, and balancing moisture levels. The jasmine face pack helps to give your skin a radiant, youthful glow, making it ideal for all skin types.
Lotus Petal Face Pack
Ingredients:
- A handful of fresh jasmine flowers
- 2 tablespoons of raw jogurt
- 1 tablespoon of honey
Method:
- Grind the jasmine petals into a paste.
- Mix the paste with yogurt and honey until well combined.
- Apply to the face and leave for 20 minutes before washing off with lukewarm water.
Jasmine Oil for Relaxation
For health, adding Jasmine oil to your hair and scalp oil massage can calm your mind, and adding oil drops or fresh flowers to your bath can elevate that bath experience!
Ingredients:
- 10 drops of jasmine essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of carrier oil (such as almond or jojoba oil)
Method:
- Mix jasmine essential oil with the carrier oil.
- Use as a massage oil or add a few drops to your bath for a relaxing experience.
About Dr. Puja Shah, Editor-in-Chief of The Natural Law
Dr. Puja Shah is an award-winning author whose 93 year old grandmother swore by Ayurvedic remedies and practiced yoga into her last days. And so while her education includes 9 years of medical training as a dentist, 3 teaching qualifications in yoga, and dozens of courses in meditation, it’s no wonder that she always goes back to Ayurveda. Puja harnesses Ayurveda regularly with her children and husband Amish Shah, Founder of The Natural Law.
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