The following article will introduce you to the medicinal secrets of Gardenia jasminoides. Scroll down and find out how this spectacular herb can improve your health condition, in an easy, safe and inexpensive way!

Alternative Denomination and Spread
Chances are that you may have come across Gardenia jasminoides before, under the more popular names of “common gardenia”, “cape jasmine”, or “cape jessamine”. This evergreen flowering herb from the family Rubiaceae is native from Asia, and it grows wild in Southern China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan, Myanmar and India.

In Chinese traditional herbalism, Gardenia jasminoides is frequently used, going under the name of “zhi zi”. On the other hand, it is largely cultivated as a houseplant in temperate regions, and in gardens in subtropical areas. There are historical reports attesting that Gardenia jasminoides has been in cultivation for at least a thousand years. This plant has been introduced to European and American lands in the mid 18th century.

Description
Gardenia jasminoides is actually a low-growing shrub with shiny, dark green leaves marked by prominent veins all along their 2 to 5 inches length. Its heavily scented white flowers reach their blooming peak in late spring and early summer, later resulting in small, oval fruits enclosing multiple seeds.

In their natural habitat, yet also when cultivated, Gardenia jasminoides plants are fairly adaptable to full sun exposure or semi-shade, preferring well-drained and humus-rich acidic soils.

Gardenia jasminoides had been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, where it is employed mainly as an antiphlogistic (anti-inflammatory), analgesic, diaphoretic, sedative and haemostatic. Herbalists recommend the small, ovate fruits of this herb in the treatment of depression, anxiety and insomnia, liver disorders, and fever. The fruits are also used against inflamed eyes, tumors, painful and reddish urination.

Treating Digestive Disorders
Gardenia jasminoides extracts also play an important role in alleviating frequent problems occurring along the digestive tract. This plant promotes the flow of bile, contracts the gallbladder (as soon as 20 minutes after the ingestion of the tea), inhibits gastric secretions, and decreases the pace of stomach contractions.

In addition, it has a distinct purgative and anti-hyperbilirubinemic action, due to its chemical composition high in iridoid glucosides. Rumor has it that Gardenia jasminoides is also an efficient cure in treating fever, thirst, abdominal congestion and bright-yellow coloration resulted in patients with jaundice or other liver-failure related illnesses. However, this herb has a beneficial, tonic effect not only on the liver, but on the spleen as well.

Other Medicinal Uses and Benefits
Apart from the already mentioned curative properties of Gardenia jasminoides, it is important to know that it has some effects on the circulatory system: this plant is slightly hypotensive, thus being recommended in light forms of hypertension. Additionally, it contributes greatly to preventing the risk of atherosclerosis.

Derived products act as a detoxifying agent for the blood and are also used to stop bleedings and enhance healing processes. This qualifies Gardenia jasminoides as a quick remedy in cases of nosebleeds, menstrual deregulations and urine blood. The plant has reportedly been used to increase insulin blood levels for diabetics, but also for its sedative, antibacterial, and antifungal actions.

Cautions and Recommendations
Chinese medical tradition requires an entire examination prior to administering Gardenia jasminoides remedies. Self-treatment is strongly discouraged, so do not take it under any form without previous medical advice from a qualified herbalist practitioner.

The tea made from this herb is classified as safe if used according to indications on product labels, yet it is unrecommended if you are taking blood pressure medication, if you are pregnant or during breastfeeding. Even if there are no reports of known hazards except from diarrhea, stay on the safe side and use cautiously this kind of herbal treatment.

Chinese traditional medicinal practice claims that most of the plant’s active constituents are to be found inGardenia jasminoides’ fruit gum, which has a bitter taste and a cooling nature. The recommended dosage of plant product ranges between 3 and 12 g per day. Teas and infusions are preferred to derived pills and tinctures, in order to fix irregular and difficult menstruation, vaginal bleeding, menopausal problems and a variety of dermatological disorders. In addition, the kernel of the berry is traditionally made into a paste with anti-inflammatory action in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rinse the herbs with cold running water; then soak it for 30min. Water : Herbs (3L : 100g)
Bring to a boil, lower the hear and simmer for a further 2hours.
Keep refridgerated and take 1cup 3times daily.(hot or cold)

Advice to consumers
Some individuals may have adverse reactions to certain plants, herbs, and other natural products. 
Just because something is natural does not mean it is safe for everyone. 
On any issue where no specific advice is given to consumers please follow this general advice if you are currently taking the product:

you are advised to discontinue use and consult your pharmacist or herbal medical doctor. 
when speaking to your doctor of pharmacist you may find it helpful to take a copy of this MHRA advice about the product with you
you should continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.

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