Jasmines
THE NAME Jasmine is derived from the Persian word, ‘Yasmin’, which, when translated, means  ‘Gift from God’.
The most amazing thing about the Jasmine flower is its fragrance, which, to my mind, amply justifies the translation of the word ‘Yasmin’. The Jasmine is a member of about 200 species of shrubs and climbing vines in the olive family (Oleaceae), with oval shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers.
It is native to tropical and warm temperate regions such as Africa, Asia, South America.
Jasmine shrubs reach a height of 10-15 feet, growing approximately 12-24 inches per year.
Most of the Jasmine species bear white flowers, which are about 1 inch in size, with that fantastic perfume that increases in strength in the evening.
Scientists have found that the fresh Jasmine flowers contain a high amount of etheric oil.
Besides this oil, the flowers also contain benzilic acetate, linalcohol, benzilic alcohol, indole and jasmon, most of these being chemicals which give it its aphrodisiac properties.
The flower is so popular worldwide, that there is controversy about which part of the world it originates.
Some authorities say it is native to Mediterranean countries, that is, countries that surround the Mediterranean Sea such as France, Italy, Lebanon etc! Others say it is indigenous to the plains of the Ganges in India, and still others say it originated in the foothills  of the Himalaya Mountains  in western China.
What is beyond debate is that whichever part of the world it is in (or is from), the   Jasmine flower releases its fragrance fully at night after the sun has gone down, and  is thus  associated with soothing peaceful nighttime moods.
It is said that the Jasmine was first introduced into Egypt around 1000 BC, and that a  Chinese emperor of the Sung Dynasty (960-1279 AD) had Jasmine in his palace grounds so he could enjoy its fragrance.
Ancient Asians wrote that Jasmine penetrated the deepest layers of the soul and opened emotions.
In the 1400s, Jasmine was planted for kings of Afghanistan, Nepal and Persia. Reaching Western Europe through Spain by Moors in 1600, and France and Italy, the  plant was introduced into Britain in the latter part of the 17th Century.
In India, the Jasmine is called ‘moonshine in the garden’, and ancient Indian paintings depict lovers bathing in moonlight near Jasmine plants.
Even today, many Indian women wear garlands of Jasmine flowers in their hair.
In India, too, some varieties are used as religious offerings, symbolizing divine hope.
The flowers of one of the double varieties are held sacred to Vishnu, and are used as offerings in religious ceremonies.
Cleopatra is said to have wooed Anthony with Jasmine oil, and Louis XVI had a passion for Jasmine-scented sheets.
The Jasmine is the national flower of the Phillipines, where it is considered to be  a symbol of purity, simplicity, humility and strength.
Its blossom is celebrated in Philippine legends, stories and songs.
In China, the relaxing Jasmine tea made from the flowers  has been a popular beverage for thousands of years.
The properties of the Jasmine flower has resulted in many species of Jasmine now being grown worldwide for the  biotherapy and perfume industry.
Jasmine flower oil is used in high-grade perfumes and cosmetics such as creams, oils, soaps, and shampoos  for its  calmative (relaxing properties, sedative) and aphrodisiac (intensifiers of  sexual desire).
France, Italy, Morocco, Egypt, China, Japan and Turkey produce the best oil from Jasmine flowers. The oil  has been known to be one of the most expensive scents in the world, costing upwards of $US1,500-3,000 a pound.
Locally, it is said that carrying, burning, or wearing the Jasmine flower attracts wealth and money.
Some also believe that if burned in the bedroom, Jasmine will bring prophetic dreams.
Superstitious or not, get some Jasmine flower plants going, or take good care of those you already have, and let your sense of smell guide you to all that this incredible ‘Gift of God’, the Jasmine, has to offer.