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Jasmine – The Essential Oil of Happiness  

Edited: November 13, 2022

Guess what, the natural fragrance of flowers makes us happy!

We knew that already, right? Yes, but since 2010 we have known it for sure because the scientists – more specifically, the biochemists of Ruhr University in Germany – told us it’s so. (Yes, a little irony here).

But this really is exciting stuff. Their research showed that the jasmine scent molecules when breathed in are transmitted from the lungs to the blood and then penetrate the brain. The chemicals don’t have to be ingested to be effective. And that came as a surprise to the worthy biochemists – even if aromatherapists have telling people this for years.

Our brain cells send chemical messages across the brain and the nervous system, regulating it by exciting or inhibiting nerve responses through the spinal cord and throughout the body. These chemical messages are carried by neurotransmitters of which GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is one that regulates the communication between brain cells by inhibiting or damping down of neuron activity.

There has been a great deal of research into the role of GABA in the brain. It helps us to control our behaviour and thoughts by reducing fear, anxiety and stress when the neurons become over stimulated. Lower than normal levels of GABA in the brain have been linked to schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Importantly for anyone interested in aromatherapy and the holistic approach to health, certain fragrances have now been proven by biochemists to enhance the effect of GABA on nerve cells helping to soothe, relieve anxiety and promote rest. Indeed, jasmine proved to be as effective as strong sedatives such as benzodiazepines which are the world’s most prescribed drugs, causing serious side-effects such as depression, hypotension, muscle weakness and impaired coordination.

In the words of Prof. Dr. Hanns Hatt who discovered that the two fragrances Vertacetal-coeur (VC) and the chemical variation (PI24513) have the same molecular mechanism of action and are as strong as the commonly prescribed barbiturates or propofol.

 “Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable. The results can also be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy.” 

If you or anyone you care for is experiencing the effects of stress, anxiety or insomnia, ask your aromatherapist to make you up a massage oil with jasmine, or put some in your diffuser or oil vapouriser.  Even sufferers from neurological conditions such as MS or Parkinson’s who often react badly to sedatives, may be helped by this research.

So, when we fill our house with the divine scent of sweet peas, roses and jasmine, we know we are breathing in happiness and de-stressing in the healthiest way imaginable.