Use of Mo Li Hua (jasmine flowers) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Take flowers and dry them
Dosage: 3 - 10 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Regulates Qi and calms the spirit.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Mo Li Hua may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Abdominal pain Dysentery Conjunctivitis Sores
Key TCM concepts behind Mo Li Hua's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Mo Li Hua belongs to the 'Herbs that regulate Qi' category. Herbs in this category typically treat a TCM condition called 'Qi Stagnation'. Concretely it means that Qi is blocked in the body's Organs and Meridians, most typically the Stomach, Liver, and to a lesser extent, the Lungs. In modern medicine terms, Qi Stagnation often translates into psychological consequences such as depression, irritability or mood swings. It's also frequently associated with conditions such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopausal symptoms, the development of breast swellings as well as various digestive disorders.
Furthermore Mo Li Hua is Warm in nature. This means that Mo Li Hua tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Mo Li Hua can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Mo Li Hua also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Mo Li Hua tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Mo Li Hua is thought to target the Spleen, the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. The Stomach on the other hand is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Mo Li Hua
Jasminum sambac has been shown to have antifungal activity and may in particular be used as an alternative treatment against Malassezia-associated skin infections.1
A study on rats showed that Jasminum sambac leaves had significant gastroprotective effects.2
Sources:
1. Santhanam, Jacinta; Ghani, Farhana Nadiah Abd; Basri, Dayang Fredalina (2014). "Antifungal Activity of Jasminum sambac against Malassezia sp. and Non-Malassezia sp. Isolated from Human Skin Samples". Journal of Mycology. 2014: 1–7. doi:10.1155/2014/359630.
2. Ahmed S. AlRashdi, Suzy M. Salama, Salim S. Alkiyumi, et al., “Mechanisms of Gastroprotective Effects of Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Jasminum sambac against HCl/Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injury in Rats,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, Article ID 786426, 15 pages, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/786426.
Use of Mo Li Hua as food
Mo Li Hua is also eaten as food. It is used as an ingredient in dishes such as Jasmine Ice Cream.