Jasmine, Jasminum officinale or Jasminum sambac, is a flower famous and well-loved for its wonderful fragrance and is often enjoyed when it is paired with Green Tea, or sometimes Black tea or Oolong tea, from the Camellia sinensis plant.  It is part of many traditional Asian and Middle Eastern tea cultures, including China, Japan, Vietnam, and Iran, but has made its way into Western tea culture of the modern day and to our some of our uplifting tea blends at Arogya.

Jasmine Tea From Plant to Cup

The story of the Jasmine from plant to teacup is quite magical. Jasmine plants are native to high-altitude mountainous regions to the sub-tropical climates of China and throughout Asia. Jasmine flowers are renowned for their distinctive, enticing fragrance and were first used to scent tea leaves over 1,000 years ago. Scenting tea with jasmine requires a remarkable amount of skill, patience, and craftsmanship.

Jasmine Flower Harvesting & Processing

Jasmine flowers are harvested by hand in the early part of the day when the sun is up and has dried the morning dew off the plants. Jasmine blooms at night, so picking it during the day ensures the scent stays stored in the tightly folded petals. Only the buds that are on the verge of blooming are picked. 

As the sun sets, the day cools, and nightfall appears, the Jasmine flowers unfurl and release their fragrance.  At this stage, the Jasmine flowers are blended with the tea leaves and over the next few hours, the tea leaves will absorb the scent and delicate flavor of the Jasmine flowers. Depending on the grade of the Jasmine tea, the tea leaves can be scented six or seven times. 

Some Jasmine teas are intricately sewn to create beautiful blooming flowers when they are placed in water. You can learn more about blooming teas and see more photos at our blog Goddess of Tiny Blossoms.

Jasmine Tea Benefits

Jasmine tea has been used traditionally to help with viruses and infections.  Researchers have found that Jasmine contains strong antibacterial, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties and can be beneficial for the immune system.  Jasmine has also been found to have strong antioxidant and anti-aging properties and can be an uplifting and rejuvenating addition to your daily routine.  

An Ayurvedic physician and teacher, Vasant Lad, wrote about the traditional uses of Jasmine in his book, Yoga of Herbs.  He states that Jasmine has been used as an aphrodisiac for women and men and can increase compassion and love, along with aiding in cognition and mental clarity.  He also suggests it as aromatherapy for those who tend towards aggression, irritation, and fieriness, or what Ayurvedic practitioners sometimes call a “high-Pitta” constitution.

It is easy to experience the aroma-therapeutic benefits of Jasmine with a simple smell.  Studies have shown that the essential oils (or the fragrant chemical compounds of the plant) have tranquilizing and sedative effects and can calm nerves and create positive moods and a sense of happiness and optimism.  Similar to lavender, a simple smell of Jasmine can lower heart rate and help you de-stress.  

Jasmine Flowers in Perfumery

In addition to being used in tea, Jasmine is often made into an extract for natural perfumes and essential oils. Historically, Jasmine has been a central component of the perfume industry, used for both men and women, and often referred to as “the King” of essences.  In Hinduism, Jasmine is believed to be a holy flower.  The Hindu god of love, Kamadeva, is shown in paintings decorated with Jasmine flowers.  Jasmine is believed to help balance the 4th chakra or the heart chakra.  

Jasmine Teas at Arogya

When blended with different tea varietals, one receives the health benefits from the Camellia sinensis plant and the mood-boosting effects of jasmine.

GREEN TEA

• Goddess of Tiny Blossoms
• Jasmine Mint
• Jasmine Pearl
• Jasmine Superior
• Jasmine Yin Hao

WHITE TEA

• Love Tea
• Jasmine Yin Zhen

 

Feel welcome to stop by Arogya and smell or sip our wonderful Jasmine Teas or check out our teas on our website

 

by: Alison Larocca

 

The statements have not been reviewed by the FDA.  Studies have shown Jasmine can reduce lactation, so should not be consumed when pregnant or breastfeeding.