The word jasmine is derived from the Arabic Book " yasmin , " which means fragrant blossom . Jasmine often has blanched or yellow star - shaped flowers that grow on vines or as shrubbery . The genus jasmine , botanically named jasminum , is part of Oleaceae , or olive , family . Other spelling for jasmine through the ages have included jessamine , gessamine , jasmin , jessamy and jeshamy , according to Harvard University ’s Arnold Arboretum .

Early History

Of the 200 specie of jasmine , the first plant get laid by the name was Arabian jasmine , be intimate by the scientific condition Jasminum sambac . This may be the best starting point in time to trace the history of jasmine flowers . Without a doubt , this tropical and subtropical bloom is native to Asia . Many botanists consider Persia , now Iran , is where jasmine originated . It crossed the Red Sea into Egypt as early on as 1000 B.C. , then found its way to Turkey and Greece .

Geographical Movement

The emperors of China ’s Sung Dynasty ( 960 to 1279 A.D. ) found the bouquet of jasmine vastly enjoyable . In the 1400s , the king of Afghanistan , Nepal and Persia order jasmine establish around their residences . It is believe the Moors enter jasmine to Spain during the 1600s . Other western European land like Italy and France quickly embrace jasmine flower . The only Continent without aboriginal coinage of jasmine are Antarctica and North America , according to the New World Encyclopedia .

Jasmine in the Philippines

It is believed that Jasminum sambac , Arabian jasmine , was bring in to the Philippines from fundamental Asia in the 1700s . Its bloodless , sensation - shaped flowers catch the attending of the body politic ’s people . They admire the novel flower that opens at night and has a bud that is more fragrant than the actual prime . It ’s little wonderment that jasmine has been the national symbolization of the Philippines since 1934 . Jasmine was chosen to represent sinlessness , simplicity , humility and forte .

Fragrance

The varieties of jasmine are used for different purposes . Jasminum officinale is best known for its sweetness . Jasminum grandiflorum , ordinarily call Spanish or Catalonia jasmine , has been cultivated in France for role in perfume for centuries , and stay to be part of the perfume industriousness that ’s vital to the Gallic people .

Jasminum sambac is used to make jasmine afternoon tea . As betimes as the thirteenth century , the Chinese were scenting their green tea with jasmine . Formosan herb doctor extend to practice jasmine to treat headaches , insomnia and bone painfulness .

Symbolism and Religion

To the Chinese , jasmine represent feminine benignity , grace and finesse , as well as a substance of attracting wealth and romance . In Thailand , jasmine symbolise maternity , while in India , Jasminum pepper tree , ordinarily yell Indian Jui , is used in Hindu spiritual ceremony .

Modern Uses

In Hawaii , Jasminum sambac , with its clustered white flowers , is called " pikake " and fashioned into leis . In aromatherapy , jasmine is used for its relaxing qualities in arrant flower variety , as an essential crude , or in scented candela and incense . Culinary aficionados use jasmine as a garnish and in scrumptious pastries .

References

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