Jasmine Sambac Absolute — History, Aroma, Chemistry, and Safe Uses

FieldDetail
Botanical NameJasminum sambac
PronunciationJAZ-min SAM-bak
Common NamesArabian Jasmine, Sampaguita, Pikake (Hawaiian Jasmine)
Plant FamilyOleaceae (Olive Family)
Plant Part UsedFresh flowers
Extraction MethodSolvent Extraction (Absolute) or CO₂ Extraction
Origin RegionsIndia, Philippines, Indonesia, and Madagascar

Description

Jasmine Sambac Absolute is a deeply sensual, exotic, and intoxicating floral extract obtained from the delicate white blossoms of Jasminum sambac. Compared to Jasminum grandiflorum, which is lighter and tea-like, Jasmine Sambac is richer, greener, and more mysterious, with sweet fruity notes layered over an almost musky, narcotic base.

Native to South and Southeast Asia, Jasmine Sambac is revered as the “Queen of the Night”, as its flowers bloom and release their fragrance only after sunset. In Indian and Filipino traditions, it symbolizes purity, eternal love, and spiritual devotion, often used in temple offerings and ceremonial garlands. Its heady aroma stirs both emotion and reflection — at once grounding and transcendent.

In aromatherapy, Jasmine Sambac is valued for its mood-elevating and harmonizing qualities. It dispels feelings of fear and apathy, replacing them with confidence, joy, and sensual awakening. Spiritually, it encourages self-acceptance, compassion, and the courage to express authentic love — both for oneself and others.

Its rich, velvety fragrance and profound emotional impact make Jasmine Sambac one of the most luxurious and emotionally evocative essential oils in perfumery and holistic wellness.


History & Background

Era / RegionTraditional UseNotable Facts
Ancient IndiaSacred floral offeringAssociated with divine feminine energy and devotion
PhilippinesNational flowerSymbol of purity, simplicity, and sincerity
PolynesiaCeremonial adornmentKnown as “Pikake,” worn in leis and weddings
Modern PerfumeryLuxury floral baseFeatured in high-end perfumes for its seductive depth

Jasmine Sambac’s night-blooming nature has long linked it to the mysteries of emotion, intuition, and love, representing the beauty found in vulnerability and truth.


Aroma Profile

AttributeDescription
Aroma TypeFloral, rich, exotic, sweet, green, and slightly fruity
Scent StrengthVery Strong (Middle to Base Note)
Blends Well WithSandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Neroli, Patchouli, and Bergamot

Jasmine Sambac’s opulent and exotic scent anchors floral compositions and lends emotional warmth to any blend.


Chemical Composition

CompoundApprox. %Function
Benzyl acetate20–30%Sweet, floral tone; calming
Linalool5–10%Relaxing, balancing
Benzyl alcohol5–10%Soothing, antiseptic
Indole1–3%Deep, sensual, grounding
Phytol1–2%Antioxidant, skin rejuvenation
Cis-jasmonetrace–1%Emotional balance, uplifting

The balance between benzyl esters and indole gives Jasmine Sambac its distinctive depth — simultaneously intoxicating and grounding, ideal for emotional and sensual balance.


Cautions & Safety

TypeGuidance
Internal UseNot for internal use.
Topical UseDilute to 1–2%. Excellent for perfumery or skincare.
Pregnancy / ChildrenAvoid during first trimester; otherwise safe in low dilution.
PhotosensitivityNon-phototoxic.
StorageStore in a cool, dark location to maintain aromatic integrity.

Jasmine Sambac is gentle on the skin and emotionally potent — only a few drops are needed to create profound effects.


Uses & Application Steps

Jasmine Sambac Absolute is celebrated for emotional balance, sensual awakening, and self-acceptance. It enhances confidence, creativity, and relaxation, making it ideal for both meditation and perfumery.

Aromatic Use

  1. Diffuse 1–2 drops or add to blends for tranquility and sensuality.
  2. Inhale deeply to release fear and emotional blockages.
  3. Use in romantic or meditative settings to inspire openness and calm.

Topical Use

  1. Dilute 1 drop in 1 teaspoon (5 mL) carrier oil.
  2. Apply to wrists, neck, or heart area to support emotional healing.
  3. Add to skincare blends for luxurious rejuvenation and hydration.

Massage or Bath Use

  1. Mix 2–3 drops with 1 tablespoon carrier oil for a sensual massage.
  2. Combine with Sandalwood and Orange for relaxation and renewal.
  3. Add pre-diluted oil to warm bathwater for emotional harmony.

Emotional & Spiritual Use

  1. Diffuse to awaken joy, creativity, and inner peace.
  2. Apply (diluted) over the heart or solar plexus for emotional release.
  3. Blend with Rose and Frankincense for heart-opening meditative rituals.

Further Reading & External Links

SourceURL
AromaWeb — Jasmine Sambac Absolute Profilehttps://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/jasmine-sambac-absolute.asp
Eden Botanicals — Jasmine Sambac Absolutehttps://www.edenbotanicals.com/jasmine-sambac-absolute.html
Florihana — Jasmine Sambac Absolutehttps://www.florihana.com/us/absolutes/80-jasmine-sambac-absolute-3700343012635.html
Plant Therapy — Jasmine Sambac Absolutehttps://www.planttherapy.com/products/jasmine-sambac-absolute
PubChem — Benzyl Acetate Compound Summaryhttps://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/8785

Citations & References

  1. Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety (2nd ed.). Elsevier.
  2. PubChem Database — Benzyl Acetate (CID: 8785).
  3. IFRA Standards, 2024 Update.
  4. AromaWeb — Jasmine Sambac Absolute Profile.
  5. Eden Botanicals — Jasmine Sambac Product Page.

Conclusion

Jasmine Sambac Absolute embodies passion, devotion, and divine femininity. Its intoxicating fragrance bridges sensuality and spirituality, reminding us that beauty and strength can exist in perfect harmony.

Emotionally, it heals the heart and rekindles self-love. Physically, it soothes the skin and relaxes the body. Spiritually, it opens the heart to truth, helping us release fear and live with authenticity and compassion.

Jasmine Sambac teaches that to love fully — oneself or another — is to embrace the whole spectrum of emotion: light and shadow, desire and peace, tenderness and power.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This content is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any essential oil. Conduct your own research by reviewing all citations and references listed above.