Photo: Yasagan / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Jati जाती
Jasminum grandiflorum · Oleaceae
Also known as: Jasmine, Chameli, Jati
Part used: Leaf, flower
Jati (Jasminum grandiflorum) is Spanish jasmine, whose leaf is Ayurveda's classical wound and mouth drug. It is the lead herb of Jatyadi Taila, the standard preparation for ulcers, burns and non-healing wounds, and the leaf is chewed for mouth ulcers and spongy gums.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Jasminum grandiflorum
- Part used: Leaf, flower
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Leaf chewed or decoction as gargle; Jatyadi Taila applied to wounds.
Jati in other languages
Introduction
Jati (jasmine, Jasminum grandiflorum) is a fragrant, healing plant whose leaves and flowers soothe mouth ulcers, wounds and skin. It is the lead herb of Jatyadi Taila, a classical wound-healing oil.
Classification
Of the Oleaceae family, Jati is grouped among the Vrana Ropana (wound-healing) and oral-care dravyas. Its bitter-astringent taste and soft, soothing quality heal and clear infection.
Uses & benefits
Jasmine leaf is used chiefly in the mouth and on the skin: chewed or applied for mouth ulcers and spongy gums, and applied as Jatyadi Taila to non-healing wounds, ulcers and burns. It is a cooling, wound-cleansing drug rather than a systemic one.
Jati for non-healing wounds
The classical Vrana drug and the lead ingredient of Jatyadi Taila, used on ulcers that will not close.
Jati for mouth ulcers
The leaf chewed fresh is the traditional remedy for aphthous ulcers and inflamed gums.
Jati for burns
Jatyadi Taila is applied to burns and scalds once the surface is clean, supporting healing and reducing scarring.
Jati for diabetic ulcers
Widely used in Indian practice on chronic lower-limb ulcers alongside proper wound care.
Jati for skin disease
Applied externally in eczema, ringworm and chronic itching.
Jati for bleeding gums
The leaf decoction used as a gargle for spongy, bleeding gums.
Jati for eye complaints
The flower and leaf are used in classical eye preparations for inflammation.
Jati for headache
The flowers applied as a paste to the forehead, a traditional remedy for heat headache.
Jati flowers in perfumery
Jasmine absolute from this species is among the most valuable natural perfume materials — distinct from its medicinal use.
Jati in Jatyadi Taila and Ghrita
The lead drug of both the oil and ghee preparations used across Ayurvedic wound management.
Dosage — how much to take
Leaf chewed or decoction as gargle; Jatyadi Taila applied to wounds. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Jati?
The citations held for Jati in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Pushpavarga); Sharangdhara Samhita (Jatyadi Taila).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Jati?
Described as wound-healing and oral-beneficial. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Pushpavarga.
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Jati?
Lead herb of the classical wound oil. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Jatyadi Taila.
What is Jati traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Jasmine leaf is used chiefly in the mouth and on the skin: chewed or applied for mouth ulcers and spongy gums, and applied as Jatyadi Taila to non-healing wounds, ulcers and burns. It is a cooling, wound-cleansing drug rather than a systemic one.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Jati?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Jati classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Jati carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Jati is used medicinally?
The part used is Leaf, flower.
How much Jati is taken, and how?
Leaf chewed or decoction as gargle; Jatyadi Taila applied to wounds. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Jati be avoided?
Generally safe; primarily used in wound and oral preparations.
Where does Jati grow?
Jasmine is a climbing shrub cultivated across India for its fragrant white flowers.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Pushpavarga
Described as wound-healing and oral-beneficial. - Sharangdhara Samhita — Jatyadi Taila
Lead herb of the classical wound oil.
Modern research
-
Effects of ethanolic extract of Jasminum grandiflorum Linn. flowers on wound healing in diabetic Wistar albino rats
(see source). Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (2017)
A study reporting Jasminum grandiflorum (Jati / jasmine) flower extract promoted wound healing in diabetic rats.
View study
Safety & precautions
Generally safe; primarily used in wound and oral preparations.
Where it grows
Jasmine is a climbing shrub cultivated across India for its fragrant white flowers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jatyadi Taila used for?
It is the classical Ayurvedic wound oil, applied to non-healing ulcers, burns, cuts, diabetic foot ulcers and chronic skin lesions. Jati leaf is its lead ingredient, alongside Nimba, Haridra and other wound-healing herbs.
How do I apply Jatyadi Taila to a wound?
Clean the wound first, then apply a thin layer of the oil, either directly or on a sterile dressing, once or twice daily. It supports healing but does not replace proper wound care — infected or deep wounds need medical attention.
Is Jati the same as Chameli?
Not quite. Jati is Jasminum grandiflorum, the species named in the classical Jatyadi preparations. Chameli usually refers to Jasminum officinale, a close relative used similarly. We keep them as separate pages rather than merging two species.
Can I chew jasmine leaves for mouth ulcers?
Chewing two or three fresh Jati leaves is the traditional remedy for mouth ulcers and spongy gums. The leaves are bitter. A decoction used as a gargle is the gentler alternative.
What is the dose of Jati?
Used mainly externally, as an oil or gargle, without a strict dose limit. Internally, leaf decoction 20–40 ml where a physician directs — internal use is uncommon.
Are there side effects of Jati?
Well tolerated externally. Occasional contact sensitivity occurs, so patch test before wide application. Consult a physician in pregnancy before internal use.
What is Jati called in Hindi?
Chameli or Juhi, though both names are applied loosely across several jasmine species. In English it is Spanish jasmine, royal jasmine or Catalonian jasmine.
