I have never been a huge fan of flowery scents.  While I love the smell of roses and lilacs outside, the artificial scent of rose or lilac candles, air fresheners or perfumes tends to make me gag.  Ditto for jasmine, I scent I use to detest, until I realized there was a HUGE difference in the smell of artificial jasmine and jasmine essence oil.

When a friend gave me a jasmine scented all natural soap for Christmas, I smiled, said thanks and then shoved the soap in a drawer when I got home.  About a month ago I stumbled upon the soap and, feeling guilty, unwrapped it.  Once I took one whiff of the jasmine essence oil that was used in the making of the soap, I was hooked.

Yes, jasmine is a strong, sometimes heady scent, but in the essential oil form, it is light and uplifting.  In fact, there are many benefits to jasmine essence oil, some that may surprise you.

Oh, my nerves!
Jasmine is a natural nerve relaxant.  No, one sniff of jasmine will not make you fall on your face with no control over your body; rather, if you tend to be a nervous person, jasmine can help relax you, making you less stressed and anxious.  On the flip side, it increases moods of happiness and joy.  Just think of it as a natural anti depressant.

No pain sounds good to me
Jasmine is excellent at relieving menstrual cramps and also in helping with labor.  A nice belly message will do just the trick.

Yeah, baby!
Did you know jasmine is a natural aphrodisiac?  Well, you do now!  The “king of oils” is great for increasing sexual drive, helping with impotence and just making a person want to do it.

Jasmine has become one of my favorite essential oils to use in body lotions, soap and massage oils.  Now, if you’ll excuse, I must go light a jasmine candle or two:  hubby should be home any time now.