Jasmine perhaps tops the list of popular flowers. It not only has aesthetic appeal but it is also a utilitarian flower. No wonder that it is called ‘Mallika’ or the ‘Queen’ in Sanskrit.

Jasmine is widely used in South and South East Asia where the women are found to adorn their hair with this beautiful flower. It is also used to make essential oils and is a strong aphrodisiac. Jasmine flower is antibacterial and is widely used in Chinese medicines to cure various diseases. The flower is distilled to make perfumes. The cooling properties of the flower when used in medicines help to cool the blood and thus are effective in reducing fever. It is claimed that Jasmine tea prevents certain cancers when consumed daily. Jasmine is also used in various cultural and religious ceremonies as offerings at the altar, to welcome guests, and for decoration.

In some countries like Indonesia, jasmine is regarded as a symbol of purity, nobility and eternal love. In fact, jasmine is the national flower of Pakistan. This unusually fragrant flower is mostly white in colour though sometimes a rare variety of pink is also found. The flower, strangely enough, blossoms only at night. The flower grows especially in the tropics and is extensively cultivated for its exquisitely beautiful flowers. Jasmine plants can either be shrubs or can be climbing, twining or erect plants. They are grown in gardens, as house plants and are also arranged as cut flowers in most countries in Asia.